25.06.14 WSJ

1. Macroeconomics

Title: American Consumer Outlook Brightens in June
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Date: June 15 2025
Key takeaways

• The University of Michigan’s preliminary sentiment index rose to 60.5 in June from May’s 52.2, the first uptick in six months. 
• One-year inflation expectations eased to 5.1% (from 6.6%), suggesting headline price worries are moderating after the U.S.–China tariff rollback. 
• Despite improved mood, the gauge is still 18 % below December 2024 levels; households remain cautious amid volatile tariff headlines and a softer labor market. 
• Economists will watch July’s final reading to confirm whether the bounce signals durable resilience or merely relief from earlier trade-shock fears.

Link: https://www.wsj.com/economy/american-consumer-outlook-brightens-in-june-4157e1a9
 

2. M&A / Private Equity

Title: Brookfield Strikes Deal to Buy Internet Provider Hotwire
Source: The Wall Street Journal
Date: June 13 2025
Key takeaways

• Brookfield Infrastructure Partners will acquire Hotwire Communications for about $7 billion (including debt), deepening its bet on U.S. fiber-optic broadband.
• Hotwire’s network spans nine states; Brookfield plans heavy capex to accelerate fiber roll-outs in underserved markets.
• The sale delivers an exit for Blackstone, which invested ~$1 billion in 2021; sector deal flow is buoyed by soaring demand for high-speed connectivity.
• Transaction continues infra-fund interest in “digital plumbing” alongside recent Verizon/Frontier and AT&T/Lumen fiber deals.

Link: https://www.wsj.com/business/telecom/brookfield-strikes-deal-to-buy-internet-provider-hotwire-82b64059
 

3. Opinion

Title: Boeing’s Troubles Are America’s Troubles
Author: Holman W. Jenkins Jr.
Source: The Wall Street Journal – Opinion
Date: June 12 2025
Key takeaways

• Jenkins argues Boeing’s safety and production missteps threaten a core U.S. industrial champion and undermine America’s export prowess. 
• He links Boeing’s woes to broader supply-chain fragility and regulatory complacency, warning of lost ground to Airbus and China’s COMAC. 
• The piece contends Washington must balance oversight with policies that foster competitiveness rather than politicized interference. 
• Jenkins cautions that failure to restore confidence in U.S. aerospace could ripple through defense, trade balances and skilled-manufacturing employment.

Link: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/boeings-troubles-are-americas-troubles-abdec537