In Office 2 Out Of Office – Issue #001

Bitcoin goes big, BYD beats Tesla, and Hal tries to make khakis the future of finance. Another Monday briefing from In Office to Out Of Office.

May 27, 2025

IN OFFICE (IO)

The Week in Business, Markets & Tech

Markets may be paused for Memorial Day, but the headlines are in full sprint. We’ve got big crypto moves, executive exits, electric shakeups, and Hal squinting at the Fed calendar.

It’s a week where AI takes the wheel, Big Tech battles in court and compliance, and meme stocks ride again. NVIDIA overtook Apple, Scarlett Johansson is beefing with bots, and GameStop found its main character energy—again. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s new laptops remember everything, TikTok lawyers up, and America hits the road for a record-breaking Memorial Day weekend. Let’s dive into the 10 stories that’ll have you nodding wisely in meetings (even if you’re actually just thinking about nachos).

🔁 Markets & Economy

1. Tariff Delay Boosts Market Futures

Trump postponed a 50% tariff on EU imports until July 9, giving Wall Street time to exhale and futures room to rally. Read more →

Rating: Good

2. Fed Officials Take the Mic This Week

Powell and crew will deliver remarks that could shape expectations on rate direction and inflation control. Read more →

Rating: Good

🧑‍💼 Corporate & Leadership

3. CEO Turnover Hits All-Time High

A record-setting 646 CEOs left their roles in Q1 as boards scramble to fill chairs and succession plans fall flat. Read more →

Rating: Bad

4. Builder.ai Under Federal Investigation

The AI startup allegedly overstated revenues by over 300% before collapsing. Now it’s in the DOJ’s crosshairs. Read more →

Rating: Bad

🏠 Real Estate

5. Mortgage Rates Near 7%

Home loan rates are creeping up again, with economic anxiety pushing the 30-year fixed back toward 7%. Read more →

Rating: Bad

6. Redfin Forecasts 1% Price Drop by Year’s End

Expect a softening market as inventory rises, prices level off, and cancellations creep up. Read more →

Rating: Decent

💻 Technology & Innovation

7. Tech Layoffs Top 61,000 in 2025

Microsoft, Google, and Amazon lead the pack as AI efficiency comes with a steep headcount cost. Read more →

Rating: Bad

8. BYD Beats Tesla in European EV Sales

First, China’s BYD outsold Tesla in Europe in April — 7,231 units to 7,165. Read more →

Rating: Great

🪙 Crypto & Finance

9. Trump Media Prepares $3B Bitcoin Investment

TMTG plans to raise $3 billion to build out a crypto investment arm and roll out new fintech infrastructure. Read more →

Rating: Great

10. Private Equity Warns on Retail Risk

Big-name PE firms say retail investors are being lured into risky continuation funds filled with illiquid assets. Read more →

Rating: Bad

📌 Featured Story: Trump Delays EU Tariffs Amid Rising Global Tensions

President Trump has delayed the implementation of a 50% tariff on European Union imports until July 9 following a “very nice” call with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, signaling a temporary de-escalation in transatlantic trade tensions. The move comes amid broader global instability, including Trump’s public condemnation of Russia’s actions in Ukraine and rising domestic concerns over judicial security. The tariff pause provides a narrow window for negotiations and reflects the administration’s high-stakes balancing act between economic pressure and diplomatic maneuvering. Read more →

Hal’s Take: “Delaying a 50% tariff after a ‘nice call’ feels like when I cancel my gym membership but promise I’ll be back in July — diplomatic, optimistic, and probably not happening.”

OUT OF OFFICE (OOO)

Where Hal’s Going (and What He’ll Probably Regret)

🎤 American Music Awards – Live from Vegas

J.Lo. Kendrick. Gwen. Glitter. The AMAs are back. Watch it live →

What Hal’s Doing: Accidentally ends up in the VIP section offering Janet Jackson beef jerky.

🏀 NBA Western Conference Finals – Game 4

Thunder vs. Timberwolves continues tonight. Game info →

What Hal’s Doing: Wears tearaway khakis and tries to get drafted at halftime.

💼 Bitcoin 2025 Conference – Las Vegas

30,000 attendees, 400 speakers, and at least one man trying to plug an HDMI cable into a crypto wallet. Full agenda →

What Hal’s Doing: Mistakes a mining rig for a margarita machine and pitches khakis as cold storage.

io&ooo

This week, we're all about business—okay, and maybe a little party. But here’s some other neat stuff we’re checking out that can help with a little bit of both.