CBX Daily 4/23/2025

Author

Abdul Karim
April 23, 2025

Today, tariffs are pushing sportswear giants to the brink, but let’s start with how the Curry-Obama duo is crafting the next-gen drink…

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Steph Curry & Michelle Obama Eye The Beverage Market By Launching A New Drink  

CBX Vibe

Basketball icon Stephen Curry and former First Lady Michelle Obama have teamed up to launch Plezi Hydration, a new sports drink aimed at the booming “better-for-you” beverage space. As consumers increasingly reach for cleaner, nutrient-rich drinks, Plezi hopes to disrupt a competitive landscape dominated by celebrity-backed brands like Logan Paul’s Prime and Lionel Messi’s Más+ by prioritizing natural ingredients and functional health benefits. 

How Tariffs Are Tightening The Laces On Sportswear Giants                             

CBX Vibe:

If you're a sneakerhead, better cherish and take care of the pairs you already have because you're in for a bumpy ride. Trump's tariffs is the current song on repeat for everyone and it's not because of its melodious tunes. The imposition of tariffs and trade tensions have disrupted global supply chains and trade relationships. Nike (NKE -0.07), Adidas (ADS.DE -0.46) and PUMA (PUM.DE +0.26) are at the top of the list with tanking stocks at 14.4%, 11.7% and 11.1% respectively. 

Easter’s Favorite Treat Meets CBD In $202 Billion Market                           

CBX Vibe:

Cannabidiol (CBD) is popping up in products throughout the U.S. with claims it can ease everything from epilepsy to joint pain without the high of its cannabis cousin. Largely unregulated in the U.S., established businesses and entrepreneurs alike are touting the benefits of CBD in oils, creams, sodas and even in one of America’s most popular Easter snacks, jelly beans. 

Tune-in Tuesdays!

The UN is calling on Trump to exempt poor nations from the trade tariffs. Does this advocate for fairness or will the U.S lose its leverage if it shows ‘favoritism’?

A. "Hard Knock Life" by Jay-Z – For the world’s poorest nations, these tariffs feel like another blow in an already uphill struggle. The UN’s plea echoes a broader call for justice in a system where the powerful hold all the cards
B. "Rich Girl" by Gwen Stefani & Eve – Trump’s tariff stance suggests a worldview where even the most vulnerable are expected to play by the same rules, no exceptions
C. "Errybody" by Yo Gotti – Pain isn’t exclusive to the poorest so if compassion guides policy, it should apply across the board—not just where optics are best

What are your thoughts on this? Tune in next Tuesday to see which jam captures the prevailing sentiment!

A  |  B  |  C

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Last week’s results are in and it seems Harvard and Trump are adopting a ‘Don’t Blink’ attitude and there will be a standstill

High Returns: How State Weed Taxes Are Generating Billions                         

CBX Vibe:

Colorado became one of the first states to legalize recreational use of marijuana. As of 2024, the pioneering state has collected $2 billion in tax revenue, but it isn’t the only state where tax revenue from marijuana sales has seen large figures. California reportedly brings in more than $1 billion per year, with Washington and Illinois narrowly behind it at $457 million and $454 million in marijuana tax revenue annually. Exactly what do these states do with all that revenue? 

Apple Fights Tariff Wars With A $500 Billion AI Investment                       

CBX Vibe:

Apple (AAPL +0.72%) is making a historic $500 billion investment to establish a large-scale AI server factory in Houston, Texas, while also funding silicon manufacturing in Arizona and an engineering academy in Michigan. This investment will generate 20,000 high-paying jobs in AI, machine learning, and research, solidifying Apple’s commitment to American innovation. The Houston facility, set to open in 2026, will play a crucial role in powering Apple Intelligence, the company’s AI initiative. This expansion comes at a time when former President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China are creating economic uncertainty, pushing Apple to prioritize domestic manufacturing. 

Vibes of the Week

Curry and Obama “Say That” there is a new change in the beverage market by launching a new drink as Keri Hilson tells it in our CBX Vibes!