To The Moon

My Investing Muse (27Jul2026)

Layoffs, closures and Delinquencies (by Gemini & Grok)

Key corporate and market stress signals (week of ~July 20, 2026):

Major Layoffs

• British American Tobacco: ~9,000 roles (~20% of non-US workforce).

• Microsoft: ~4,800 global positions.

• Telefónica Germany: up to 1,100 roles (~16%).

• Verizon: ~3,000 affected (mostly store transfers + corporate cuts).

• Samsung: 800+ U.S. roles affected (many relocation offers).

• Entain: 500 positions.

Closures/Restructuring

• Metro (Singapore): exiting Paragon and Causeway Point stores.

• Volkswagen: cutting model lines by up to 50% and reviewing European plants.

Bankruptcies

• U.S. larger corporates: S&P reports 372 filings YTD—a 16-year high, led by industrial, consumer, and healthcare.

• Small businesses: Subchapter V filings up ~50% YoY amid high rates and inflation.

Foreclosures

• U.S.: ATTOM data shows H1 filings of 227,548 (+21% YoY), highest rates in Florida, South Carolina, and Indiana, driven by rising insurance, taxes, and costs.

These reflect ongoing cost pressures, restructuring, and financial strain across sectors.

My investing muse

The coming week presents several macroeconomic catalysts that may increase market volatility. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision remains the key event, but the market is likely to focus equally on the accompanying policy statement, economic outlook, and guidance on the future rate path. While expectations may lean toward policy easing, speculation around a potential rate increase could unsettle markets and warrants close attention.

The upcoming PCE inflation data will also be closely watched. As the Federal Reserve’s preferred inflation gauge, the release is likely to influence expectations for monetary policy and may have implications for both bond and equity markets.

In the technology sector, recent comments from OpenAI’s Sam Altman on the prospect of artificial superintelligence have renewed market interest in AI-driven innovation. However, such claims should be treated with caution and independently verified. Beyond the pace of innovation, investors should also monitor the governance and regulatory gaps surrounding AI, as weak oversight could create legal, operational, and reputational risks for both individuals and institutions.

Leverage remains another important risk factor. Reports of elevated foreclosures and significant leverage in financial markets, together with the recent margin-related sell-off in South Korea, highlight the potential downside of excessive borrowing. As Charlie Munger cautioned, leverage can amplify losses when markets turn. With U.S. leverage trades reportedly reaching $1.4 trillion—and potentially more outside visible data—any meaningful correction could trigger margin calls and forced liquidations, intensifying market declines. Given stretched valuations, hedging should be considered as part of the current investment strategy.

Financial Strategy and Outlook

Let us spend within our means, invest only what we can afford to lose, and avoid leverage. Let us review our current holdings and divest from businesses losing their competitive advantages. Additionally, I will consider adding both hedging strategies and defensive positions to our portfolio to mitigate risk.

As we move forward, it is crucial to conduct thorough due diligence before assuming any new responsibilities.

Wishing everyone a successful week ahead.

@TigerStars

$Vanguard S&P 500 ETF(VOO)$

$ProShares Ultra VIX Short-Term Futures ETF(UVXY)$

$Cboe Volatility Index(VIX)$