- Suit and Times
- Posts
- Powell Holds the Mic, Google Buys More Plugs
Powell Holds the Mic, Google Buys More Plugs
Markets wait on Powell, Google bets billions on AI infrastructure, Europe rallies on peace hopes, and Pixel 10 takes the stage
Suit & Times Daily Briefing – August 21, 2025
|
🔹 Top Stories at a Glance
📡 Google Expands Stake in TeraWulf, Bets Big on AI Data Centers
Alphabet boosts its holding in the AI-infrastructure firm, backing a $3.2B package to scale GPU-optimized sites.🇪🇺 European Markets Hit Six-Month Highs on Ukraine Peace Hopes
Stocks rise across Europe as grocery inflation eases and optimism grows for a Russia–Ukraine deal.💵 Jackson Hole in Focus: Powell to Deliver Key Policy Signals
Fed Chair Jay Powell’s upcoming speech may shift expectations for inflation and rate policy.📱 Made by Google 2025 Event Kicks Off Today
Pixel 10 lineup, Pixel Watch 4, and new Gemini AI tools are expected at Google’s NYC showcase.
📈 The Ledger
Tracking key market indexes to give you a pulse on global financial movements.

As of close August 20, 2025
These indexes cover U.S. markets, global equities, small-cap stocks, volatility, and economic trends, offering a snapshot of where the market is heading.
🔹 Why These Indexes Matter:
Broad Market Trends: The S&P 500, Dow Jones, and Nasdaq show how major U.S. companies are performing.
Volatility & Risk: The VIX measures market uncertainty and investor sentiment.
Global Perspective: FTSE 100, Nikkei 225, and MSCI World reflect international market health.
📡 Google Expands Stake in TeraWulf, Bets Big on AI Data Centers
The Story: Google has boosted its stake in TeraWulf to roughly 14%, helping fund a $3.2B expansion of GPU-driven data centers. A new 160MW facility (CB-5) at Lake Mariner is already under way, with operations slated for late 2026. The stock has surged 70% this month, prompting analyst price target hikes.
Why it matters:
🚀 AI Arms Race: Big Tech is racing to secure compute infrastructure, making data centers the “oil wells” of the AI era.
💰 Market Response: Analysts view Google’s deeper commitment as validation of TeraWulf’s role in AI hosting.
📊 Investor Sentiment: Shares have skyrocketed, but execution on massive new builds will be the real test.
🇪🇺 European Markets Hit Six-Month Highs on Ukraine Peace Hopes
The Story: European stocks rallied as peace prospects between Russia and Ukraine gained traction. Britain’s grocery inflation cooled to 5%, though insolvencies in England and Wales climbed. Defense stocks dropped ~3% on expectations for reduced military spending.
Why it matters:
📈 Investor Relief: A thaw in war tensions buoyed confidence across London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Milan.
🛒 Consumer Signal: Softer grocery inflation eases pressure on households after years of surging costs.
⚠️ Risks Remain: Rising insolvencies and fragile energy markets underscore persistent vulnerabilities.
💵 Jackson Hole in Focus: Powell to Deliver Key Policy Signals
The Story: Fed Chair Jay Powell’s keynote at Jackson Hole this week could reset investor expectations. With Fed officials split, Trump’s tariff regime reshaping costs, and fading AI stock euphoria, Powell’s tone will be pivotal.
Why it matters:
📊 Global Market Impact: A hawkish tilt could tighten liquidity; dovish signals might extend recent rallies.
🏛️ Policy Crossroads: Powell must balance slowing inflation with political pressure in an election-heated climate.
📉 Investor Watch: Yields, VIX, and equities may swing sharply depending on Powell’s cues.
📱 Made by Google 2025 Event Kicks Off Today
The Story: Google is set to unveil the Pixel 10 family (including Pixel 10 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold), Pixel Watch 4, and new Gemini AI features at its NYC event. Rumors suggest Qi2 wireless charging, stronger water resistance, and major camera upgrades.
Why it matters:
📲 Device Wars: Google is gunning at Apple and Samsung with AI-driven hardware.
🤖 AI Everywhere: Gemini AI integration across devices signals Google’s vision of “ambient AI.”
🎤 Spectacle Factor: Celebrity cameos (Jimmy Fallon, Steph Curry, Jonas Brothers) show Google leaning on culture to boost buzz.
Reach 3,500+ Industry Leaders & Decision-Makers
Our audience includes executives, investors, and professionals across business, finance, and technology—engaged readers who influence industries and drive decisions. Put your brand in front of the right people.
📩 Contact [email protected] to explore sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
Start Your Shopify Store for Just $1/Month
As a valued Suit & Times subscriber, you’re getting exclusive access to this Shopify deal—a free 3-day trial, then just $1/month for your first 3 months. If you’ve been thinking about launching an online store, now’s the time.
💡 That’s it for today’s briefing. Stay sharp, stay informed, and we’ll see you tomorrow!