U.S. shuts down.
Japan elects.
1,200 lb bear wins coveted prize.
Markets
PAST WEEK | YEAR-SO-FAR | |
|---|---|---|
Nasdaq | +0.7% | +18.2% |
S&P500 | +0.7% | +14.4% |
MSCI Emerging Markets | +1.7% | +29.9% |
Bitcoin* | +11.5% | +32.7% |
Ethereum* | +11.7% | +36.8% |
Stock of the week: | +60.8% | +78.4% |
Crypto of the week: | +146.2% | +193.9% |
*Source: CoinGecko.com As of 6:50PM October 6, 2025
World news
Top news stories of the past week
1) Jobless jobs report: The government shutdown continued this week as lawmakers failed to reach a funding deal, causing many federal agencies - including the Bureau of Labor Statistics - to shut down operations and furlough staff. As a result, the highly anticipated monthly jobs report was not released, leaving everyone in the dark about the latest jobs data at a moment when the labor market’s momentum is unclear and decisions on interest rates loom. With no official data available, analysts are relying on secondary sources. Guess we’ll just have to vibe-check the economy instead.
2) First Female PM: Sanae Takaichi has been elected leader of Japan’s ruling party, set to become the country’s first female prime minister. A conservative and polarizing figure, she faces economic challenges, party divisions, and complex international relations, while opposing certain women’s rights and same-sex marriage reforms. Glass ceiling shattered...just not for everyone.
3) The Art of the Reel: President Trump announced that he plans to impose a 100% tariff on all films produced outside the United States, accusing foreign countries of “stealing” American movie business.The proposal, echoing his earlier threat in May, would fundamentally change the global business model of Hollywood, though it remains unclear how it would be enforced. This will definitely bring down the price of eggs.
Top WEIRD stories of the past week
1) Famous YouTuber MrBeast has released a controversial new stunt video, "Would You Risk Dying for $500,000," which shows a professional stuntman performing dangerous feats like escaping a burning building. Maybe the internet was a mistake.
2) A judge dismissed a lawsuit claiming that Hershey's Reese's candies tricked customers by depicting spooky Halloween designs on their packaging, while the unwrapped chocolates were in fact featureless blobs. Sounds spooky to me.
3) A 1,200 pound bear named “Chunk” has won the 2025 Fat Bear Week contest in Alaska’s Katmai National Park - even after limping through much of the season with a fractured jaw. Yet when I put on winter weight, I win nothing. 😔
Chart
You like charts? Graphs? Ya you do
This history of US government shutdowns
Shutdowns have occurred under many presidents, including Clinton, Obama, and Reagan. The last U.S. government shutdown, in late 2018, lasted 35 days - the longest in history - after disputes over funding Trump’s proposed Mexico border wall. It ended when unpaid air traffic controllers began calling in sick, disrupting flights. The shutdown cost the economy an estimated $11 billion.
Personal Finance
Financial Booster
The job market is shaky right now, so while it may be scary, let’s prepare for the worst.
Before job loss: prepare proactively
Build or replenish your emergency fund: aim for 3–6 months of essential expenses in an accessible, FDIC-insured account.
Update your resume & LinkedIn: refresh your achievements, skills, and add recent projects or certifications.
Network consistently: connect (online and in person) with former colleagues, join industry groups, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn.
Review and maximize benefits: use up healthcare (HSA/FSA), dependent care, or education benefits while you’re employed.
Assess your budget: identify must-have expenses and areas to cut if your income drops.
Consolidate and track your finances: organize accounts, roll over old 401(k)s, and update beneficiary info.
If you lose your job: take these steps quickly
File for unemployment ASAP: apply through your state’s website. Many states have waiting periods, so act fast.
Secure health insurance: consider COBRA (expensive), ACA Marketplace, or a spouse’s plan. Timing matters—act within 60 days.
Negotiate your severance: don’t accept the first offer without reviewing severance pay, healthcare extensions, and other benefits.
Request a reference or recommendation: ask your boss or peers for LinkedIn recommendations or reference letters before relationships cool.
Prioritize your mental health: leverage community resources, therapy, or support groups; job loss is stressful.
Strategize your next job search: set a routine: apply for jobs daily, tailor applications, and practice interviews.
Adjust your budget: pause extras and subscriptions, delay big purchases, and communicate with lenders if needed.
Tap side hustles or gig work: consider freelancing, consulting, or gig platforms for temporary income.
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to this, but it’s important to be prepared!
Music
Banger of the week
Most important thing
Meme? Nah. Art.
