Moe’s Market Memo

By Hightower St. Louis on August 29, 2025

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy

Fourth Week of August 2025

India’s tariff trouble

US tariffs on Indian imports doubled to as much as 50% on Wednesday, dealing a blow to bilateral ties and threatening small exporters and jobs across India. The move adds to existing levies and raises economic concerns in the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Indian officials are exploring alternative markets and support measures to cushion the impact.[i]

Cracker Barrel backs down

On Wednesday, Cracker Barrel reversed its recent rebranding decision and will restore its original logo following widespread backlash. The reversal came just hours after President Trump criticized the rebrand and urged a return to tradition. The move has helped recover much of the stock’s initial decline following last week’s rebrand announcement.[ii]

Magnificent Seven losing momentum?

Lower interest rate expectations are lifting sectors like real estate, banking, and manufacturing, but the outlook for tech’s “Magnificent Seven” is far less certain. Amazon, Alphabet, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla are facing valuation concerns, AI skepticism, and rising competition from previously overlooked corners of the market. As investors rotate into other sectors, the once-dominant tech giants may be entering a more volatile phase.[iii]

Mall makeover move

Dillard’s and Trademark Property Co. announced on Monday that they have acquired Longview Mall in eastern Texas, with Trademark now overseeing operations and leasing for the 646,000-square-foot center. The investment marks a vote of confidence in “evergreen” malls, with plans to upgrade the property and tenant mix to better serve the region.[iv]

From the Great Resignation to the Great Stay

Millions of workers left their jobs during the Covid-era “Great Resignation,” but 2025 has ushered in the “Great Stay,” with employees remaining in place and companies pausing hiring and layoffs. Economic uncertainty has created a “no-hire, no-fire” environment, marked by low turnover and cautious workforce strategies. This shift is evident across sectors in the US and UK, where labor markets continue to cool.[v]

Meta’s new vision

Meta announced last Friday that it will unveil two new smart glasses in September, including its first consumer-ready model with a display and gesture-controlled wristband. Codenamed Hypernova, the glasses will retail for around $800. The launch marks Meta’s next step toward full augmented reality functionality, with limited visual features and AI-powered interactions.[vi]

Mohammad Abouchleih, MBA, CIMA®

Investment Analyst

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[i] Lawder, David and Kumar, Manoj. “India hit by US doubling of tariffs, plans to cushion blow.” Reuters, 27 August 2025, https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-hit-by-us-doubling-tariffs-plans-cushion-blow-2025-08-27/. Accessed August 27, 2025.

[ii] McCadden, Ali. “Cracker Barrel shares rise after restaurant chain gets rid of controversial new logo.” CNBC, 27 August 2025. https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/27/cracker-barrel-cbrl-stock-logo-trump.html. Accessed August 27, 2025.

[iii] Lang, Hannah and Olson, Bradley. “Tech Rally Shows Signs of Losing Steam.” MSN, 25 August 2025, https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/tech-rally-shows-signs-of-losing-steam/ar-AA1L8zf0. Accessed August 27, 2025.

[iv] Howland, Daphne. “Dillard’s buys a shopping mall.” Yahoo, 25 August 2025, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/dillard-buys-shopping-mall-114000335.html. Accessed August 27, 2025.

[v] Ellyatt, Holly. “From the ‘Big Stay’ to a ‘no-hire, no-fire’ freeze, labor markets are seeing sizable shifts.” CNBC, 25 August 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/25/the-big-stay-and-a-no-hire-no-fire-freeze-change-to-labor-markets.html. Accessed August 27, 2025.

[vi] Rodriguez, Salvador et al. “Meta to unveil Hypernova smart glasses with a display, wristband at Connect next month.” CNBC, 22 August 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/08/22/meta-hypernova-ar-glasses-wristband.html. Accessed August 27, 2025.