What to do with Intel, if Berkshire is selling Apple, should you?

Market Trends & Geopolitical Impact - Markets are anticipating a potential September rate cut from the Federal Reserve, despite mixed economic data [2] - The meeting between President Trump and President Putin is a focal point, with potential to introduce market volatility, particularly in oil markets [3][6][11] - Geopolitical risks, exemplified by the Israel-Iran escalation, can unexpectedly impact markets, causing fluctuations in oil prices and equity values [20] Earnings Season & Retail Sector - The earnings season has been largely positive, with 81% of S&P 500 companies reporting positive EPS and revenue surprises [13] - Upcoming earnings reports from major retailers like Walmart, Target, and Home Depot will be crucial in assessing the strength of the consumer and the likelihood of future rate cuts [13][37] - Strong consumer spending is currently supporting the economy, but this is contingent on the stability of the labor market and the absence of significant layoffs [38] Company Specific News & Analysis - Berkshire Hathaway purchased 5 million shares of UNH, leading to a 9% increase in its stock price, despite a nearly 50% decline since the start of the year [8] - DA Davidson upgraded Salesforce to neutral, citing potential activist investor activity from Starboard, which increased its stake by 47% [42][43] - The Trump administration is reportedly in talks to take a stake in Intel, raising questions about the company's future direction and competitiveness against rivals like Nvidia and AMD [44][45] Investment Strategies & Perspectives - Analysts have raised their forecasts for the S&P 500, citing strong earnings expectations for 2025 and beyond, suggesting the current rally has potential to continue [22] - The report suggests investors should not blindly follow Warren Buffett's investment decisions, as individual circumstances and investment horizons differ [58][60][66] - Tariffs may impact corporate bottom lines, but the extent to which consumers, domestic companies, or foreign companies bear the cost remains unclear [62][63][65]