🚀 US consumer sentiment rises

Market Overview
Read time 1.4 minutes

Year To Date Performances:

1. Consumer inflation expectations have sharply declined, returning to pre-tariff levels, according to the University of Michigan’s July Survey of Consumers. Overall sentiment ticked up 1.8% to 61.8, the highest since February, while one-year inflation expectations plunged to 4.4% from 5% and five-year forecasts dropped to 3.6%. Although still above 2024 levels, the drop suggests that Americans view Trump’s tariff-driven inflation as temporary. The survey reflects cautious optimism, with risks remaining but expectations more “well-anchored,” giving the Fed some breathing room as it monitors inflationary pressures heading into 2026.

2. Travelers to the U.S. will soon face a new “visa integrity fee” of at least $250, part of President Trump’s recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The fee applies to all nonimmigrant visa applicants, tourists, business travelers, and students, and is in addition to existing visa and I-94 fees. Though potentially refundable if visitors comply with visa terms and don’t overstay, details remain unclear, including when and how the fee will be collected. Critics warn that it may deter visitors, just as the U.S. prepares to host major global events in 2026, and as tourism marketing budgets are being slashed.

3. This startup went viral for delivering custom doormats to 100+ fast-growing companies. Spoiler: they generated $500k in pipeline from it and it only cost $6k. urns out they also help you get SOC 2 compliant in 15 hours, not months. It’s no surprise that the best AI companies like Lovable, Bland, Wispr Flow, and 100s more are choosing them for compliance. Get compliant in hours not months and unlock more deals. Book a demo here and use code ELITE1K for $1,000 off + free doormat when you get compliant (they are pretty cool). *

4. Ether surged nearly 4% Friday, capping off a blistering two-week rally of over 43%, as investor enthusiasm around the GENIUS Act, a landmark stablecoin bill, sent Ethereum-linked assets soaring. The bill’s passage, along with record ETF inflows led by BlackRock’s iShares Ethereum Trust, pushed Ether to highs not seen since January and marked the first time Ethereum ETFs topped Bitcoin in daily inflows. Coinbase and Robinhood shares jumped on the trading momentum, while Bitcoin lagged slightly, down 1%. The shift in focus underscores growing investor interest in Ethereum’s broader utility amid a more defined U.S. regulatory landscape.

   Headlines

   1. Meta is refusing to sign the Europe AI agreement, claiming that it would stunt the growth of the technology.

   2. Chevron has completed its acquisition of Hess after winning a case in the International Chamber of Commerce against Exxon, which disputed Chevron’s acquisition of Hess’ oil holdings in Guyana.

* This is sponsored content

Are you looking to grow your business? Here is how I can help: 

📱Book a Strategy Call to get 1:1 feedback on your pitch, pitch deck and/or fundraising strategy. (If you need general startup advice, then reply to this email, and I’ll let you know if/how I can help.)

Onwards and Upwards,

Liam Gill