🟢 Ledger Weekly: April 25, 2025

Your weekly roundup of Charleston business news, market trends, money moves, and a top local job pick.

Author

Brandon Smith
April 25, 2025

tl;dr - Charleston Tech Week is back, showcasing startup pitches, investor panels, and top tech speakers, highlighting Charleston’s emergence as a Southeast tech hub. Markets fell for the second week straight, led by declines in tech and energy. Tesla slipped on weak deliveries, while Netflix rose on strong subscriber growth.

🎯 Charleston Biz of the Week

Charleston Business of the Week: Charleston Tech Week

Founded in 2013, DIG SOUTH was one of the first conferences in the region to connect startups with investors, executives, and emerging tech. This year, it returns with its signature blend of keynote talks, investor panels, startup pitches, and high-impact networking sessions. The speaker lineup includes venture capitalists, growth-stage founders, and product leaders from some of the most exciting names in tech.

💡 Lowcountry Ledger’s Take: Charleston Tech Week isn’t just a celebration — it’s a coming-out party for a city quietly becoming the Southeast’s most underrated tech hub.

🌎 Markets in a Minute

📉 Markets Slipped

📊 Big Earnings & Moves

🤖 AI & Tech Watch

🌍 Global Macro & Policy

  • Fed minutes signaled no imminent rate cuts as inflation remains sticky

  • Yen hit a 34-year low, sparking fears of Japanese intervention

  • UK inflation cooled faster than expected, raising hopes for rate cuts

📌 Other Developments

  • Bitcoin topped $90K briefly before retreating

  • Boeing $BA ( ▲ 0.96% ) faces renewed FAA scrutiny after new whistleblower claims

📈 Market Vitals

$DIA ( ▲ 0.01% ) Tracks 30 blue-chip stocks, showing industrial health.

$SPY ( ▲ 0.72% ) Mirrors S&P 500, gauging broad market performance.

$QQQ ( ▲ 1.12% ) Follows Nasdaq-100, reflecting tech and growth trends.

$BTC.X ( ▲ 0.91% ) Indicates crypto sentiment and risk appetite.

💡 Lowcountry Ledger’s Take: Markets are still pricing in the impact of tariffs. As earnings roll in, expect tariffs to become the new go-to scapegoat—this cycle’s version of “supply chain issues.”

🎯 Coinbase

tl;dr: Coinbase is the most accessible U.S.-regulated crypto exchange, offering 200+ assets, easy onboarding, and a trusted brand name. It’s a top pick for beginners and casual investors seeking a safe, simple way to buy and hold crypto. Downsides include higher fees for convenience and fewer advanced tools than competitors. Still, it's a solid, Ledger-approved choice for those dipping into digital assets.

✅ What is Coinbase?

Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, Coinbase is the most well-known cryptocurrency exchange in the U.S. It went public in 2021 $COIN ( ▲ 2.83% ) and has become the default crypto gateway for millions of Americans.

 💼 Charleston Job of the Week

Human Resources Generalist

Wacker - Charleston, SC

The Human Resources Generalist is responsible for the day-to-day tactical operations of the Human Resources department by collectively managing, administering, and supporting the human resources policies, procedures, and programs. 

Ready for your next great opportunity in Charleston? Explore the Lowcountry Ledger job board for a curated selection of high-quality, vetted roles!

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💼 Looking for your next big opportunity? Browse the Lowcountry Ledger Job Board!

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✉️ Got a story idea or tip? Drop us a line at [email protected].

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This newsletter is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as investment, legal, or tax advice. The views and opinions expressed are those of the author alone and do not necessarily represent the views of any business, employer, or affiliated entity. Investing carries inherent risks, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and seek advice from qualified professionals before making any investment, legal, or financial decisions. While the information provided is believed to be accurate, no guarantee is made as to its completeness or reliability. The author and publisher disclaim any liability for decisions made or actions taken based on the content of this newsletter. This publication does not constitute an offer to buy or sell any security. By subscribing to or continuing to read this newsletter, you acknowledge and agree to these terms and conditions.