Lending News Today — August 25, 2026

US markets are navigating a complex landscape of corporate earnings, economic trends, and geopolitical developments. On one hand, the resilience of the US consumer is evident in the record-high stock prices of Visa and Mastercard, which suggest that spending habits remain robust despite economic uncertainty. In contrast, Xpeng's weak delivery forecast has led to a decline in its shares, highlighting the challenges faced by individual companies in the current market.

The broader economic and regulatory environment is also influencing market sentiment. The ongoing media M&A landscape is facing a chill due to antitrust challenges, as seen in the Paramount-WBD deal, which may have implications for future deals. Meanwhile, the California AG's cancellation of a settlement meeting with Paramount, citing a lack of good faith, adds to the uncertainty. In the energy sector, oil prices are pulling back as the US holds off on new secondary sanctions against Iran, despite launching 'Operation Economic Outcast'. Against this backdrop, consumers are being advised to take prudent financial steps, such as making informed decisions before taking out private student loans.

Today's signal:
• Xpeng shares sink as weak delivery forecast overshadows $6.3 billion robot unit valuation (cnbc.com)
• Visa and Mastercard stocks hit fresh records, underscoring a resilient U.S. consumer (marketwatch.com)
• Oil prices pull back as Bessent launches ‘Operation Economic Outcast’ against Iran but holds off on new secondary sanctions (marketwatch.com)
• Make these 7 money moves before taking out a private student loan (marketwatch.com)
• California AG Rob Bonta cancels Paramount settlement meeting, citing 'lack of good faith' (cnbc.com)
• A media M&A chill: The Paramount-WBD antitrust challenge may hold up more deals than one (cnbc.com)