TRG Fast Facts

By TRG Advisors on April 24, 2025

Weekly data-driven insights on the markets and economy

Intel’s workforce reduction

Intel is set to announce plans this week to cut more than 20% of its workforce, aiming to streamline operations and reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies. The layoffs are part of new CEO Lip-Bu Tan’s broader strategy to refocus on an engineering-driven culture and revive the company after years of challenges. Intel’s shares rose more than 4.5% in premarket trading on Wednesday following the news.^[i]

FDA bans synthetic dyes

The FDA announced on Tuesday that it will phase out petroleum-based synthetic dyes by the end of next year, impacting products like Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and Skittles. This move follows growing backlash against artificial colorants and aims to transition the food industry to natural alternatives. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary emphasized the importance of this step for public health, despite industry resistance.^[ii]

Roche’s $50B ramp-up

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche announced on Tuesday that it will invest $50 billion in the U.S. over the next five years, creating more than 12,000 jobs and expanding its manufacturing and R&D capabilities. This investment comes amid concerns about potential new White House tariffs on imported pharma goods. Roche’s CEO Thomas Schinecker emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to innovation and growth in the U.S., highlighting the benefits for patients both domestically and globally.^[iii]

Instagram launches Edits

Instagram launched its standalone Edits video creation app on Tuesday, offering features similar to those available from TikTok parent Bytedance. The app allows creators to organize project ideas, shoot and edit videos, and includes tools like background replacement and automatic captioning. With TikTok’s future uncertain, Instagram’s Edits could be seen as Meta’s strategic move to capture the next era of short video creation in the creator economy.^[iv]

Golden opportunity

Gold prices surged to a record high on Tuesday, reaching $3,509.90 per ounce, driven by President Trump’s intensified pressure on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell to lower interest rates. This rally, which has seen gold rise 31% since the start of the year, reflects investor concerns over economic uncertainty and trade tensions. Analysts predict further upside potential due to strong investment demand and central bank diversification.^[v]

Harvard fights funding freeze

Harvard University filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration on Monday, challenging the federal government’s decision to freeze $2.2 billion in grants and impose control over the institution. The university argues that the funding freeze is unrelated to antisemitism concerns and violates the First Amendment and other federal laws.^[vi]

[i] “Intel to lay off more than 20% of workforce, Bloomberg News reports.” Reuters, 23 April 2025, https://www.reuters.com/technology/intel-cut-over-20-workforce-bloomberg-news-reports-2025-04-23/. Accessed April 23, 2025.

[ii] Lucas, Amelia and Constantino, Annika Kim. “FDA to phase out dyes used in Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Skittles and other snacks.” CNBC, 22 April 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/22/fda-announces-food-dye-ban.html.Accessed April 23, 2025.

[iii] Taylor, Chloe. “Roche to invest $50 billion in the U.S. as pharma tariff threat lingers” CNBC, 22 April 2025,

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/22/roche-to-invest-50-billion-in-the-us-as-tariff-threat-lingers.html. Accessed April 22, 2025.

[iv] Vallese, Zach. “Instagram launches Edits app for video, rivaling TikTok.” CNBC, 22 April 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/22/instagram-edits-tiktok.html.Accessed April 22, 2025.

[v] Kimball, Spencer. “Gold tops $3,500 an ounce as Trump attack on Fed shakes confidence in U.S.” CNBC, 22 April 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/22/gold-tops-3500-an-ounce-as-trump-attack-on-fed-spooks-investors.html. Accessed April 22, 2025.

[vi] Grumbach, Gary and Stelloh, Tim. “Harvard sues federal government after Trump administration slashed billions in funding.” CNBC, 21 April 2025, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/21/harvard-sues-federal-government-after-trump-administration-slashed-billions-in-funding.html. Accessed April 22, 2025.