Key Takeaways
- Newmont (NEM) significantly surpassed Q2 2025 revenue and adjusted EPS estimates, reporting $5.32 billion in revenue and $1.43 adjusted EPS, and announced an additional $3 billion share buyback program.
- Intel (INTC) exceeded Q2 2025 revenue expectations with $12.86 billion and provided a better-than-anticipated revenue forecast for Q3 2025, offering a glimmer of hope to investors despite an adjusted EPS miss.
- U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent criticized the Federal Reserve's expanding influence, stating its "footprint has become too big" and some operations could "impact monetary independence," calling for the Fed to "get back to the basics."
- President Trump and Fed Chair Powell publicly disagreed over the Federal Reserve building's renovation costs, with Trump questioning the expense and reiterating his desire for lower interest rates.
Newmont Corporation (NEM) delivered a robust second quarter for 2025, reporting revenue of $5.32 billion, significantly exceeding the estimated $4.85 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $1.43, well above the $1.12 estimate. The gold mining giant also announced strong gold production of 1.48 million ounces, surpassing the 1.39 million ounce estimate, and reaffirmed its full-year attributable gold production outlook of 5.9 million ounces with an All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) of $1,630 per ounce. Additionally, Newmont's board authorized an additional $3 billion share repurchase program.
Chipmaker Intel Corporation (INTC) also reported strong Q2 2025 results, with revenue reaching $12.86 billion, surpassing analyst estimates of $11.88 billion. While adjusted EPS was $0.10 against an estimated $0.11, the company provided a stronger-than-anticipated revenue forecast for the current period, signaling a positive outlook for investors. Intel Foundry Revenue was reported at $4.42 billion, slightly above the $4.39 billion estimate.
In economic news, U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent issued a series of critical remarks regarding the Federal Reserve's role and operations. Bessent stated that the Fed has "undue influence on the economy" and that its "footprint has become too big," warning that some of its operations could "impact monetary independence." He urged the central bank to "get back to the basics" and called for an exhaustive internal review of its non-monetary policy operations.
On the trade front, Secretary Bessent indicated that the U.S. is in a "pretty good place with China on trade," and noted that countries are "willing to pay a toll to trade with the U.S." He confirmed upcoming meetings with Chinese officials in Stockholm to discuss a potential extension of the August 12 tariff deadline.
Meanwhile, President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell publicly disagreed over the estimated $3.1 billion renovation figure for the Fed building. Trump, who inspected the construction with Powell, described it as a "tough construction job" with costs that "went up a lot," questioning potential cost overruns and even suggesting the project was "disgraceful." Powell, however, disputed the $3.1 billion cost estimate and has previously defended the project, noting it has been carefully overseen since its approval in 2017. Trump also reiterated his consistent desire for lower interest rates, stating he "just want[s] rates lower" and "would love for Powell to lower interest rates." He also mentioned briefing Powell on the Japan trade deal and noted that the U.S. is "doing well with the EU."
Ed Liston is a senior contributing editor at TheStockMarketWatch.com. An active market watcher and investor, Ed guides an independent team of experienced analysts and writes for multiple stock trader publications.