President Donald Trump’s approval rating has slipped as a wave of early executive actions—ranging from restricting birthright citizenship to renaming the Gulf of Mexico—has drawn criticism from the public, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The survey highlights growing disapproval of Trump’s policy moves, with a notable drop in support over the past week.

The poll, conducted over three days and closing on Sunday, found that 45% of Americans approve of Trump’s performance, down from 47% the previous week.

Meanwhile, disapproval has risen to 46%, a sharp increase from 39%.

The survey has a margin of error of about four percentage points.

Trump’s controversial executive orders

One of the most controversial orders involved ending birthright citizenship, a long-standing US policy granting citizenship to children born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

The poll found that 59% of respondents opposed the move, including 89% of Democrats and 36% of Republicans.

A federal judge recently blocked the change temporarily, but the Trump administration has vowed to challenge the ruling.

Another order—renaming the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America”—was widely unpopular, with 70% of respondents opposing the idea, while only 25% supported it.

Additionally, Trump’s decision to shut down federal diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) offices sparked division, with 51% opposing the measure and 44% in favor, mostly along party lines.

On energy policy, Trump’s push to expand fossil fuel drilling saw 76% support from Republicans, while 81% of Democrats opposed it.

Similarly, 59% of respondents disagreed with the US withdrawing from the Paris climate accords.

The poll also revealed strong partisan views on billionaire Elon Musk, a key Trump ally.

While 75% of Republicans held a favorable opinion of Musk, 90% of Democrats viewed him unfavorably.

As Trump continues to roll out his policy agenda, the poll signals a shift in public sentiment, with growing divisions over his approach to governance.

Whether these early executive actions will impact long-term approval ratings remains to be seen.

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The US Federal Reserve is broadly expected to leave its key rate unchanged as it announces its policy decision on Wednesday, January 29^th.

Rate cuts tend to be meaningfully positive for Bitcoin as they make bonds and saving accounts less attractive, making investors look for better returns in the risk-on assets like cryptocurrencies.

Still, a Mizuho analyst remains convinced that MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ: MSTR) – a computer technology company that’s transformed itself into a Bitcoin proxy is a “buy” even if the Fed doesn’t lower interest rates today.

Note that MicroStrategy stock has already close to tripled over the past five months.  

MicroStrategy stock could rally another 52%

Dan Dolev assumed coverage of MicroStrategy Inc. with an “outperform” rating on Wednesday.

His $515 price target indicates potential for another 52% upside from current levels.

“Anticipation that MSTR will continue buying Bitcoin, coupled with expectations of Bitcoin price appreciation, grants MSTR a premium to the underlying value of its Bitcoin holdings,” the analyst told clients in a note today.

Mizuho is bullish on MicroStrategy stock as it expects Bitcoin to grow at a compound annualized rate of up to 30%, albeit with significant volatility, through the end of 2027.

At writing, BTC sits just above the $100,000 level – with many experts, including Geoffrey Kendrick of Standard Chartered, seeing it hitting $200,000 by the end of this year.

MSTR is more attractive under the Trump administration

Dan Dolev is confident that limited supply will help Bitcoin command a higher price moving forward.

Additionally, the Mizuho analyst expects the world’s largest cryptocurrency by market cap to benefit as President Trump continues to deliver on his promise of a pro-crypto government.

While Bitcoin itself lacks intrinsic value, rising global adoption, slowing rate of Bitcoin supply growth, and favourable political environment support price appreciation.

The corporate structure that enables MSTR to issue equity and convertible bonds to immediately grow its Bitcoin holdings makes MicroStrategy stock all the more attractive to own at writing, he added.

How many Bitcoins does MicroStrategy hold?

Mizuho’s bullish call on MicroStrategy shares arrives only days before the company is scheduled to report its financial results for the fourth quarter.

The consensus is for it to lose 12.5 cents a share versus 56 cents per share of earnings in the same quarter last year.

Still, Mizuho is not the only investment firm that’s positive on MSTR.

Compass Point also recommends buying MicroStrategy stock ahead of the Fed’s rate decision as well as the company’s earnings and points to a potential upside of $550 over the next 12 months.

Earlier this week, the Nasdaq-listed firm expanded its holdings by another 10,107 Bitcoin.

In total, MicroStrategy now owns a whopping 471,107 Bitcoin, according to its chairman Michael Saylor’s recent tweet.

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Vale S.A., one of the world’s largest mining companies, has reported its highest annual iron ore production since 2018.

This milestone comes amid fluctuating stock markets and a global shift in investment strategies.

With its diversified operations and significant role in the iron and nickel industries, is Vale stock a good investment opportunity?

Vale’s stock performance

Vale shares traded at $52.74 on Wednesday, January 29, gaining 0.17% from the previous session.

Over the past month, the stock has risen 3.32%, though it remains down 23.75% over the past year.

According to Trading Economics models, analysts predict the stock may settle at $52.23 by the end of the quarter and $50.95 over the next year.

Market trends and valuation concerns

Global stock markets have hit record highs, fueled by AI advancements and optimism surrounding Federal Reserve policies.

The Fed’s recent rate cut has driven rallies across multiple sectors, leading to concerns about overvaluation.

Analysts, including those from Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, warn that stocks have been trading at inflated levels for years, prompting investors to seek undervalued alternatives like Vale.

Why Vale stands out

Vale is a dominant force in the mining industry, producing a large share of the world’s iron ore and nickel.

These materials are crucial for steel production and battery manufacturing, particularly electric vehicles.

• Diversified operations: Beyond mining, Vale has invested in logistics and energy, reducing risks from fluctuations in any single sector.
• Global footprint: With operations across multiple countries, Vale generates revenue from diverse markets, helping cushion against regional economic downturns.
• Shift toward profitability: Despite production cuts in Q4 to focus on higher-margin products, Vale’s strategic shift suggests a move toward stronger earnings.

Investment considerations

Before investing in Vale stock, investors should weigh several factors:

• Commodity price volatility: Vale’s revenue is heavily tied to iron ore and nickel prices, which are influenced by global demand and supply dynamics.
• Regulatory risks: Operating across multiple regions exposes Vale to environmental regulations, labor laws, and government policies.
• Economic uncertainty: While Vale can serve as a hedge against U.S.-centric investments, factors such as trade tariffs and global slowdowns could impact its performance.

Vale’s CEO meeting with Brazilian President Lula

On Tuesday, newly appointed Vale CEO Gustavo Pimenta held a pivotal meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation between Vale and the government, with Pimenta emphasizing the company’s role in Brazil’s economic growth.

The meeting, which lasted nearly an hour, underscored Vale’s alignment with Brazil’s energy transition and decarbonization goals.

Lula expressed optimism about future collaboration, marking a shift toward mutual interests rather than past conflicts.

Since its privatization in the 1990s, Vale has played a crucial role in Brazil’s economy.

However, the company has faced scrutiny, particularly after the 2015 Brumadinho dam disaster, which raised concerns over mining safety and environmental policies.

Despite past controversies, Vale remains a key player in the global commodities market.

In its latest report, Vale confirmed its highest annual iron ore output since 2018, though it reduced Q4 production to focus on high-margin products.

This shift signals a strategic push toward profitability in a rapidly evolving market.

Bottom line: Is Vale a buy?

Vale’s stock presents an intriguing opportunity for value investors looking for exposure to the metals and mining sector.

With strong production numbers, a diversified business model, and growing government alignment, the company is well-positioned for future growth.

However, potential risks related to commodity prices and regulatory challenges should be carefully considered before making an investment decision.

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The US Federal Reserve kept its key interest rate unchanged on Wednesday, pausing its recent easing cycle as it navigates economic uncertainty and rising political pressure.

This marks the central bank’s first policy decision since President Donald Trump returned to the White House last week, with the administration pushing for immediate rate cuts to support growth.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) maintained its benchmark borrowing rate at 4.25%-4.5%, following three consecutive rate cuts since September 2024 that totaled a full percentage point.

The decision signals caution from policymakers as they assess inflation trends, labor market strength, and Trump’s aggressive economic policies.

Fed shifts tone on labor market and inflation

In its post-meeting statement, the central bank removed key language from December’s release that indicated inflation had been making progress toward its 2% target.

Instead, the statement noted that inflation remains somewhat elevated, suggesting that policymakers are not yet convinced price pressures are under control.

Additionally, the Fed expressed optimism about the labor market, stating,

“The unemployment rate has stabilized at a low level in recent months, and labor market conditions remain solid.”

A strong labor market, combined with persistent inflation, reduces the urgency for further rate cuts.

While markets expect the Fed to ease monetary policy later this year, officials have emphasized the need to evaluate the impact of previous cuts before making further moves.

Trump’s pressure on the Fed

The decision comes as Trump ramps up political and economic interventions, signing a wave of executive orders on trade, immigration, and deregulation.

The president has openly demanded immediate rate cuts, arguing they are necessary to boost economic growth and lower inflation.

Though the White House has no direct authority over the Fed, Trump’s statements suggest a tense relationship with Chair Jerome Powell, similar to his first term.

Markets are closely watching for any signs of political interference in the central bank’s decision-making process.

Stocks dip as rate cut timeline remains uncertain

Following the Fed’s announcement, Wall Street saw a decline, reflecting investor disappointment over the lack of immediate rate relief.

Traders had already priced in a nearly 100% probability of no change in this meeting but expect the first cut by June 2025.

Current market projections indicate a 61% probability of two quarter-point rate cuts by the end of the year, with interest rates expected to fall to around 3.9% by December, according to CME Group data.

The US economy continued to expand at a steady pace in 2024, with consumer spending holding strong.

The Atlanta Fed projects 2.3% annualized GDP growth for Q4 2024, though this was revised downward from 3.2% due to weakening private investment.

Inflation, however, remains a challenge.

The Fed’s preferred gauge—the core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index—held at 2.8% in November, while headline inflation rose to 2.4%, the highest since July.

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Meta announced on Wednesday that it had agreed to pay former President Donald Trump $25 million to settle a lawsuit over the suspension of his Facebook and Instagram accounts following the January 6 Capitol riot.

The settlement, which funds Trump’s future presidential library and legal fees, marks a significant shift in the relationship between major tech firms and conservative political figures.

The move also underscores a broader transformation at Meta, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg has increasingly aligned himself with Trump’s administration and policy goals.

How Zuckerberg is reshaping Meta with Trump-friendly policies

As part of Meta’s evolving stance, Zuckerberg has implemented sweeping changes across the company.

He recently revised content moderation policies, allowing for more types of political speech, and dismantled diversity and inclusion initiatives.

The shift has sparked internal tensions at Meta but aligns with Trump’s broader criticism of tech censorship.

During a call with investors on Wednesday, Zuckerberg praised Trump’s administration for supporting American tech companies, stating,

This is going to be a big year for redefining our relationships with governments.

Meta’s settlement with Trump mirrors a recent $15 million agreement between ABC News and the former president over defamation claims.

Both settlements contribute to Trump’s presidential foundation and museum.

Meta posts strong earnings but revenue outlook uncertain

Despite legal settlements and policy shifts, Meta’s financial performance remains robust.

The company reported a 21% increase in revenue for the fourth quarter, reaching $48.4 billion, surpassing Wall Street’s expectations.

Profit jumped 49% year-over-year to $20.8 billion, largely driven by improvements in AI-powered ad targeting and content recommendations.

However, Meta’s forecast for the current quarter raised concerns among investors.

The company expects revenue between $39.5 billion and $41.8 billion, with the lower end falling short of analyst projections.

The uncertainty comes as Meta ramps up spending, planning capital expenditures between $60 billion and $65 billion in 2025—significantly higher than the $38 billion to $40 billion spent in 2024.

The company is focused on building AI infrastructure to compete with rivals like Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and OpenAI.

China’s DeepSeek heats up AI competition

Meta’s AI ambitions face growing competition, particularly from China’s DeepSeek, a startup that recently developed an advanced AI model at a fraction of the cost of its US counterparts.

DeepSeek leveraged open-source AI tools from companies like Meta, sparking debate over intellectual property and technological leadership.

During the investor call, Zuckerberg acknowledged DeepSeek as a “new competitor” but emphasized the need for American dominance in AI.

“For our own national advantage, it’s important that it’s an American standard,” he said, signalling a potential push for regulatory or policy interventions.

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