Opening Note…

Welcome back!

Let’s start with the biggest news… There’s a real buzz in the air this week in the US after of a highly successful tour of the Middle East. President Trump secured over $2 trillion in investment pledges. Yes, trillion with a “T”. Even I was surprised by this… This is HUGE.

A big shift on the global stage is happening right now — oil money flowing in from the Gulf and new markets opening across the Atlantic.

At the same time, Trump made a fresh trade deal with the UK. Great for the US, not so great for the UK. I couldn’t believe how the media patted the UK Prime Minister on the back for a job well done… increased tariffs is a job well done? Ha!

He even got China to lower tarriffs at the same time now down to 30% for China and 10% on US goods. Confidence, understandably, is on the up.

UK: following the Reform party’s sweeping gains in last week’s UK council elections, the Labour party have done a HUGE U-Turn. This has led to a fresh round of proposals, this time aimed at tightening immigration laws. But don’t be fooled, it’s not what it seems… the tighter immigration laws are aimed at the wrong people, they’re aimed at genuine, hard working immigrants contributing to the Country. But they should be doing something about the men on the illegal crossings (who by the way have already passed through numerous safe Countries by the time they get to France, let alone the UK!)

In fact, the numbers of boat crossings are already outpacing last year. And even worse, I just saw a video of a French Naval? boat actually helping them navigate the crossing (by leading the way). What is the UK actually paying France for again?

With the buzz in the media and market sentiment riding high, gold’s taken a bit of a tumble this week. Investors are following the trend, moving money from safe havens and back into equities — a classic case of FOMO. I’m still on the fence, patterns show that we could see a bounce here.

And beneath the surface, the fundamentals haven’t magically improved. The U.S. is still grappling with ballooning debt and structural cracks remain; although we’re seeing steps in the right direction to improve this…

Meanwhile, central banks across the globe — especially in emerging markets — are still quietly stockpiling GOLD. That tells you something. The long-term risks haven’t gone anywhere… they’ve just been drowned out by the hype.

Oh and before I forget, for those who haven’t entered yet, this is your very last chance to win a FREE trip to the Isle of Man to spend the afternoon with me at the Castle! Tickets cost just £1 to enter with a large donation going to a food bank charity: CLICK HERE

Let's now break down the top stories from this week...

Table of Contents

• 1. Weekly Spotlight

• 2. Quick Takes

• 3. Important Video of The Week

• 4. Chart of the Week

• 5. Market Overview

• 6. Faith & Success

• 7. Join the Conversation 💬

1. Weekly Spotlight

Trump Gets Business DONE In the Middle East

President Trump has been on a diplomatic mission this week for the USA; touring in the Middle East with an eye on business and security. Over the week, he made stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE; each visit centred on tightening economic links and bolstering strategic alliances.

And he didn’t come away empty-handed as much of the MSM portrayed. It was quite the opposite. Major investment deals were made, and talks on regional security were front and centre.

Key Highlights:

• $600 Billion Investment Deal with Saudi Arabia: Trump secured a massive economic partnership with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signalling renewed energy cooperation and deeper U.S.-Saudi financial ties.

• U.S. Sanctions on Syria Lifted: In a controversial move, Trump pledged to remove all sanctions on Syria after meeting with President Ahmed al-Sharaa—on the condition that Syria begins normalising relations with Israel.

• Qatar Major Deal for Boeing Jets: Trump helped broker a multibillion-dollar aviation agreement for Boeing, which should boost U.S. manufacturing and reinforce defence relationships.

• UAE Pledges $1.4 Trillion to U.S. AI Sector: Perhaps the biggest win for Trump. A staggering $1.4 trillion pledge from the UAE, aimed squarely at fuelling the U.S. AI sector over the next ten years. It’s a long-term bet—and one Trump’s touting as a game-changer for America’s tech dominance.

• Cultural Diplomacy on Full Display: Trump was welcomed with full honours—rare ones at that. Everything from the Lavender carpet, to a private visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, followed by a state dinner at the UAE’s presidential palace. It’s obvious that the Saudi crown prince admires President Trump, the video of Trump boarding his plane appeared to show a real connection between the two leaders. This forms a stark contrast to Biden who ‘fist bumped’ the crown prince and insulted him several times in the space of an hour.

Trump’s Middle East tour was a deliberate show of strength and investment procurement combined. With over $2 trillion in potential investment on the table, sanctions on Syria poised to lift, this was diplomacy by a different name. Less about ideals and more about influence—economic muscle, military backing, and a shift in alliances that could redraw the region’s direction.

2. Quick Takes

Here are the top stories shaping the week, updated with more details and stories as you requested!

• Former Biden Officials Praise Trump’s Middle East Strategy
  In an unexpected twist, several former Biden administration officials have come out with praise for President Trump’s Middle East strategy. Yes, that wasn’t a typo—praise. They’ve called his approach “bold and effective,” crediting it with reshaping regional alliances and putting the brakes on Iranian influence. Rob Malley, the former Iran envoy, pointed to Trump’s willingness to break with diplomatic convention. Ned Price, who served as State Department spokesperson, highlighted Trump’s unique brand of political leverage.

• Syrians Celebrate Sanctions Lift
  The sanctions, which had been in place since 1979 and intensified during the civil war, severely restricted Syria's access to the global financial system, leading to widespread poverty and infrastructural decay. In cities like Damascus, Homs, and Idlib, crowds poured into public squares—waving flags, dancing, and celebrating what many see as a turning point. The Syrian pound even made notable gains against the dollar, a rare sign of economic optimism in a country long defined by hardship.

• Trump claims ‘total reset’ of US-China ties as 90-day pause to trade war agreed

  The US and China have agreed to a 90-day pause in their escalating trade war, lowering tariffs by 115%. President Trump called it a “total reset”, with duties now reduced to 30% on Chinese imports and 10% on US goods. Both sides emphasised cooperation and mutual respect, with China signalling openness on fentanyl issues. Markets responded positively, with major global stock indices and China’s yuan rising. However, experts warn the deal doesn’t resolve deeper US-China tensions. Trump suggested future trade focus may shift to the EU. The agreement was hailed as a surprise breakthrough by economists and market analysts.

• Venezuela Attacks Guyanese Troops Over Oil-Rich Territory
  Tensions flared along the Cuyuni River this week, as Venezuelan forces reportedly clashed with Guyanese troops near the disputed Essequibo region—a territory rich in oil and long claimed by both nations. The timing is no coincidence. Venezuela is pushing ahead with elections in the area, just days after the International Court of Justice ruled against such a move. At the heart of it all: Oil. Resource wars in action. ExxonMobil’s discovery of more than 11 billion barrels offshore has sharply raised the stakes. In response, Guyana has turned to Washington for support. Yet Secretary of State Marco Rubio didn’t mince words, warning Caracas of serious consequences if the aggression continues. Watch this space.

• Starmer’s Albania Trip Labeled ‘Embarrassing’
  UK Prime Minister Starmer faced sharp criticism after revealing plans to send rejected asylum seekers to "overseas return hubs"—with Albania named as a key location. The proposal quickly unraveled when Albania’s government publicly rejected the idea in front of him, calling it “unrealistic” and dismissing any possibility of hosting UK deportees. Albanian officials said they had not even been consulted, labelling the proposal diplomatically “offensive.” This has triggered backlash at home with critics accusing Starmer of mimicking the Conservative government’s failed Rwanda policy on the basis that “no, mine was better” - I tried not to laugh to hard at that one.

• President Trump Investigated Over $400M Jet From Qatar
  The $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet, often referred to as a "flying palace," was reportedly gifted to President Donald Trump by Qatar's royal family. Trump defended accepting the aircraft by stating it would serve as a temporary replacement for Air Force One, citing delays in Boeing's delivery of new presidential aircraft. Critics argue that the gift could be seen as an attempt by Qatar to exert influence over U.S. policy.

• EU’s Economic Self-Sabotage?
  Russia’s Foreign Ministry has accused the European Union of plunging itself into “economic hell” by embracing what it called “fabricated” threats from Moscow. In a fiery statement, the Kremlin blamed EU leaders for instigating their own energy crisis through sanctions and decoupling policies that backfired economically. Russia claims that Europe’s refusal to engage diplomatically has driven up energy prices, disrupted supply chains, and worsened inflation across the bloc. While EU officials continue to frame Russia as a strategic threat, I’d argue that the sanctions regime has inflicted more pain on European households than on the Kremlin. Oh, and remember the European energy blackouts last week?

• RFK Jr. Slams Democrats in Heated Hearing
  Kennedy defended a $21.6 billion reduction in funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arguing that these cuts were necessary to eliminate bureaucracy and redirect resources toward direct services. Kennedy expressed strong support for Medicare Advantage, stating he "loved" the program, despite concerns about its higher costs compared to traditional Medicare.

• UK Farmers Warn of Bioethanol Collapse
  British farmers and industry leaders are sounding the alarm over a new U.S.-UK trade deal they say could gut the UK’s bioethanol sector. The agreement opens the door to a surge of cheaper American ethanol products that British producers simply can’t match, thanks to tighter regulations and steeper production costs at home. The National Farmers’ Union has warned that without safeguards, the influx could spell plant closures, job losses, and lasting damage to the country’s renewable fuel industry. Their message to the government is clear: act now, or risk handing over a vital part of Britain’s energy future.

• Thousands of UK companies 'could have M&S-style hackers waiting in their systems'
  A fresh wave of cyberattacks is battering UK businesses, with high-profile names like Dior, Harrods, and M&S in the crosshairs. M&S remains offline after a breach that saw customer data stolen. Experts say this isn’t just a one-off, it’s part of a wider shift in hacking tactics, driven by the rise of so-called “ransomware-as-a-service.” Powerful hacking tools are now being sold online, making sophisticated attacks easier, cheaper, and far more common. Cybersecurity specialists are warning that the real threat may be hiding in plain sight—many firms could already have hackers lurking in their systems, undetected. And with generative AI now supercharging social engineering scams, the barrier to entry has all but vanished.

• Montana Becomes Latest State To Ban Lab-Grown Meat 

  Montana has just become the fifth U.S. state to ban the production and sale of lab-grown meat. Governor Greg Gianforte says it’s about protecting local ranchers and standing up for traditional agriculture. The move comes amid growing unease over federal oversight—or the lack of it. Under the Biden-era, lab-grown meat was fast-tracked as a climate-friendly solution. But critics argue the USDA and FDA have failed to enforce clear rules on labelling and safety. While biotech firms and food giants continue to push lab-grown alternatives, whistleblowers have flagged serious transparency issues. For lawmakers in Montana, though, this ban is about more than food. It’s about defending consumer rights—and preserving the state’s agricultural roots.

• Ukraine's strategic Bitcoin reserve bill reportedly in final stages
  Ukraine is nearing the introduction of a bill to adopt Bitcoin as a national reserve asset, aiming to strengthen financial stability amid the war with Russia. The draft proposal, announced at the CRYPTO 2025 conference, is in its final stages. Inspired by global moves, like the U.S. under Trump creating a Bitcoin reserve, Ukraine’s initiative could mark a major shift in crypto policy. However, experts caution that significant legal changes are ahead. Critics question the proposal’s timing, citing Ukraine’s economic struggles and reliance on foreign aid. Supporters believe it could bring regulatory clarity and long-term financial innovation.

• US Supreme Court grapples with Trump bid to restrict birthright citizenship
  The U.S. Supreme Court is now weighing President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship, a controversial move that seeks to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. unless at least one parent is a citizen or legal resident. While conservative justices expressed unease over the sweeping use of nationwide injunctions by lower courts, none offered clear support for Trump’s directive. On the other side, liberal justices argued the order runs headlong into the 14th Amendment, which has long guaranteed citizenship to nearly anyone born on U.S. soil. The court’s decision may well narrow the scope of universal injunctions, but it leaves a larger constitutional question hanging in the air. Critics warn it could create stateless children and lead to patchy, inconsistent enforcement from state to state.

3. Important Video of The Week

Plans for an EU Army are moving forward swiftly…

My latest Walk & Talk covers breaking news: EU countries met yesterday to discuss counteracting Russia (yes again)… Watch the Full Video On Youtube

4. Chart of the Week

The World’s Top Financial Centers in 2025 (Areas of Competitiveness):

The factors used in the GFCI model are grouped into five areas of competitiveness:

• Business environment: Transparency and stability of systems, regulatory complexity

• Human capital: Access to skilled professionals, investment in education

• Infrastructure: Quality of physical and digital infrastructure

• Financial sector development: Accessibility to clients, development of digital solutions

• Reputation: Trustworthiness of legal and regulatory systems

5. Market Overview

Global markets surged on May 12th, following an unexpected truce in the U.S.–China trade war. Both countries agreed to a 90-day pause, easing tensions that had rattled investors for months. As part of the deal, the U.S. slashed tariffs on Chinese imports from a punishing 145% down to 30%. China responded in kind, cutting tariffs on American goods from 125% to just 10%. The move sparked immediate optimism across the financial world, triggering a broad-based rally across major indices and breathing new life into global trade expectations.

• 🇺🇸 United States – S&P 500

  The S&P 500 climbed 1.86% to close at 5,916.93, marking its highest level in two months. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by 2.22%, adding over 1,160 points to reach 42,410.10. The Nasdaq Composite led the gains with a 6.05% surge, closing at 18,708.34. Tech giants like Amazon and Apple saw significant gains, with Amazon rising 8.1%.

• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom – FTSE 100

  The FTSE 100 experienced modest gains, buoyed by the global trade optimism and good economic data. Investors remained cautious, however, as they assessed the potential impacts of the U.S.-China agreement on the UK's trade dynamics and domestic economic policies.

• 🇨🇦 Canada – TSX Composite

  The TSX Composite Index advanced, driven by strength in the energy and materials sectors. The easing of trade tensions supported commodity prices, benefiting Canada's resource-heavy market.

• 🇦🇺 Australia – ASX 200

  The ASX 200 rebounded from earlier losses and has been in a steady climb over this past month as investor sentiment improved following the trade truce. Key sectors like mining and financials led the gains, reflecting Australia's exposure to global trade flows.

Cryptocurrency:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
  Trading at $103,726, Bitcoin posted a modest 1.1% gain over the week. Despite slight intraday dips, it’s holding above key support levels with healthy volume over $30 billion. Sentiment remains cautiously bullish.

• Ethereum (ETH)
  Ethereum led the majors with a 11.1% weekly gain, now priced at $2,608. Strong institutional interest and optimism around network upgrades continue to fuel momentum.

• XRP (XRP)
  XRP climbed 1.3% this week to $2.43, recovering well despite a rough 24-hour drop of nearly 5%. The bounce appears driven by speculation on a potential U.S. relisting.

• BNB (BNB)
  Binance Coin rose 2.7% to $654.27, showing resilience amid regulatory scrutiny. Trading activity has remained steady, with no major directional catalysts.

• Solana (SOL)
  SOL gained 0.1% to $173.07, bouncing back from earlier losses. Developer activity and growing DeFi integration helped stabilize sentiment.

• TRON (TRX)
  TRON surged 2.8%, trading at $0.2711. It remains a top performer among Layer 1 networks this week, buoyed by increased usage metrics and defi inflows.

• Cardano (ADA)
  ADA was mostly unchanged this week, ending up just 2.0% at $0.7788. Its ecosystem expansion continues, but investor interest appears lukewarm for now.

Neil’s Summary:
The new deal between China and the U.S. has sent markets soaring — no surprise there. Add in the latest diplomatic moves in the Middle East, plus the Russia–Ukraine talks in Turkey, and you’ve got a cocktail of cautious optimism flooding the stock market. Gold’s taken a bit of a knock in the process. Classic reaction really — when confidence creeps back in, the so-called safe havens start to wobble. That dip might tempt a few investors to cash in and shift into equities. But here’s the thing: we all know the old adage — buy low, sell high. Markets love momentum, but smart investing still favours a clear head over crowd psychology.

6. Faith & Success

“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; though he may stumble, he will not fall.” – Psalm 37:23–24

Setbacks happen in business, in finances, in life. You might stumble, take the wrong direction, or hit delays. But if your foundation is built on faith, you’re not walking alone, you’re being held up by more than just circumstances.

God strengthens our journey if we stay persistent and stay aligned with his purpose of abundance over our lives. Keep walking the right path.

7. Join the Conversation 💬

I appreciate all of the positive support I am receiving across social media platforms. Thank you for all your productive responses and intelligent insights.

Don’t forget to enter the prize draw (we will be announcing the winner tomorrow!) VERY LAST CHANCE TO ENTER THE CASTLE EXPERIENCE PRIZE DRAW: CLICK HERE

Stay Informed, Stay Empowered! Stay Blessed!

See you next time,

Your Friend,

Neil,

DISCLAIMER
This newsletter is 100% FREE & is designed to help your thinking, not direct it. These newsletters shall NOT be construed as tax, legal, or financial advice and may be outdated or inaccurate; all decisions made as a result of this information are yours alone.

Trading/Liability: Neil McCoy-Ward operates/trades under a private Ltd company within the Isle Of Man.