What’s going on? Google revealed its very own AI chip, for its own use. What does this mean? Google’s “Axion” chip will essentially work as a brain for data centers, which fuel Google’s search engine and AI projects that could handle everything from tailoring YouTube ads to analyzing the search results of millions. Axion will…
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Ep 191: The stock market supply is shrinking
What’s going on? The global supply of publicly listed stocks (meaning the size of new shares issued, minus that of shares bought back) is shrinking at its fastest pace in at least 25 years (JPMorgan) What does this mean? So far in 2024, the stock supply has already shrunk by $120bn – much bigger than…
Ep 190: Will Google not be considered a verb anymore?
What’s going on? Google considered charging for its AI-powered search engine, signaling the end of cost-free internet surfing. What does this mean? Google has only kept its search engine free because it can earn through advertising (i.e: $175bn aka more than 50% of Google’s search revenue came from advertising in 2023). But as it’ll cost…
Ep 189: Amazon stepping up the AI game
What’s going on? Amazon plans to spend almost $150bn on data centers, committed to leading the AI charge. What does this mean? Determined to be the go-to computing power for AI, Amazon plans to spend nearly $150bn on data centers in the next 15 years The usage includes setting up centers in the US, Saudi…
Ep 188: Reddit went IPO!!!
What’s going on? Reddit made the biggest social media IPO in years. What does this mean? After listing, Reddit’s stock flew from the IPO price of $34 to just over $50, valuating the platform with 73mn daily users at around $9.5bn. Interestingly, Redditors were allowed to buy RDDT alongside institutions, too – what a rare…
Ep 187: Apple is being sued (another one)
What’s going on? Apple was sued by US regulators alleging that it has built a monopoly in smartphones. What does this mean? While Apple undoubtedly has a solid base of loyal fans, US Department of Justice (DoJ) suspects the tactics Apple used to get there. Apple is being accused of gatekeeping its own services and…
Ep 186: Children and the economy
What’s going on? Recent research suggested that declining birth rates in many countries could reshape the global economy, which means it’s not as personal as some people might think. What does this mean? The global population will grow from today’s 8 billion to 9.7 billion by 2050 (according to UN). Yet, The Lancet (a medical…
Ep 185: Samsung’s shareholders – disappointed but not surprised
What’s going on? Global investors’ plans to demand higher shareholder returns from Samsung C&T (construction and engineering arm under Samsung Group) gradually ended. This suggests that South Korea’s boardroom etiquette hasn’t changed like the country aims to. What does this mean? Activist investors buy enough shares in a company to earn them a voice in…
Ep 184: Apple x AI
What’s going on? Apple made plans to integrate Google’s Gemini AI engine into its smartphones. What does this mean? Investors have long been hoping for an AI breakthrough from Apple, and it’s now considering fitting out iPhones with Gemini. Given that AAPL’s down >6% this year, its worst performance against the Nasdaq 100 index in…
Ep 183: Japan’s biggest wage deal
What’s going on? Japan’s biggest union group just won the biggest wage deal, which could push up the country’s prices. What does this mean? Japan’s economy has been held back by slowed inflation for decades, despite the government and central bank’s best efforts to fight against stagnant prices. Paychecks influence how much is spent, where…
