Squawk on the Street UnitedHealth Surges on Buffett Bet, Trump and Intel Stake Buzz, Applied Materials Tumbles 8/15/25
Aug 15, 2025
UnitedHealth Group's stock surges as Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway invests $1.6 billion, despite being the Dow's worst performer this year. The Trump Administration is reportedly negotiating with Intel for a potential government stake in the chipmaker. Applied Materials faces a steep decline due to weak guidance. Retail sales are on the rise, while software stocks slump. The geopolitical climate heats up with President Trump's meeting with Putin, affecting market dynamics.
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Treat Fed-Cut Odds With Caution
- Watch inflation and payroll data before pricing in Fed cuts; the market wants a September cut but the Fed may preserve optionality.
- Michael Santoli advises investors to treat a potential cut as "good news" not a rescue and monitor bond positioning.
Berkshire's Opportunistic UNH Move
- Berkshire's small UNH stake signaled opportunistic buying in beaten-down large sectors like health care and housing.
- Michael Santoli notes the move reflects value play as UNH hit multi-year valuation lows.
Government Stake Talk Boosts Intel
- Reports that the U.S. government may take a stake in Intel lifted the stock amid debate about strategic importance.
- Michael Santoli contrasts this with past rescues, noting CHIPS Act context and strategic industrial policy.