THREAD: tsmcs billion boost a game...

APPLE’S $500 Billion Gamble: Can It Really Boost American Jobs?

02 March 2025 — Apple has unveiled a groundbreaking $500 billion investment plan in the U.S. over the next four years. A new manufacturing facility in Houston, focused on AI servers, is part of this initiative. CEO Tim Cook highlighted this as a major push for American innovation and job creation.

The plan includes doubling Apple’s U.S. Advanced Manufacturing Fund to $10 billion, aiming to create 20,000 jobs. The Houston plant will cover 250,000 square feet and produce hardware for Apple Intelligence, their AI system. This comes amid trade tensions from tariffs on Chinese imports imposed by President Trump that affect tech sectors like chips.

Apple’s strategy appears aimed at countering trade challenges while competing with tech giants like Microsoft and Google in AI markets. Yet analysts question the feasibility of such an ambitious plan given Apple’s current capital of less than $160 billion and wonder if inflation-adjusted spending might actually decrease rather than increase real terms spending.

Questions persist about creating 20,000 jobs at an estimated cost of $25 million per job, casting doubt on Apple’s claims’ practicality. While Apple’s bold move seeks to navigate geopolitical pressures and market realities, its success remains uncertain amidst these challenges.

HSBC’S BOLD Move: 40 Dealmakers CUT in Hong Kong

18 February 2025 — HSBC has laid off 40 investment bankers in Hong Kong. This is part of a global restructuring plan to cut costs. The layoffs hit several divisions, including technology, media, telecommunications, and financial institutions. HSBC aims to streamline operations worldwide with this bold move.

GOLD SHINES: Prices RISE Despite STRONG Dollar

Gold prices are climbing even as the dollar gains strength. Investors flock to gold as a safe haven during economic uncertainty over tariffs and interest rates. This highlights gold’s lasting appeal in volatile markets.

MILEI FIGHTS BACK: Denies WRONGDOING in Crypto SCANDAL

Argentine President Javier Milei denies any wrongdoing in a cryptocurrency scandal threatening his political career. Facing lawsuits and impeachment calls, Milei defends himself amid growing scrutiny. The controversy adds pressure on his administration during tough economic times for Argentina.

Heartland Bank reports a $50 million loss from bad loans but insists its overall financial health is stable. Despite this setback, the bank plans to issue a half-year dividend as expected, reassuring investors of its resilience.

CHINA’S Tech Boom: How Deepseek AI is Shaking Global Markets

15 February 2025 — China’s tech industry is booming, thanks to the rise of the DeepSeek AI model. Major companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Xiaomi are seeing big benefits. This surge has pushed Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Tech Index up this year.

Alibaba, co-founded by Jack Ma, stands out in this market rally. The company’s growth shows the broader impact of tech advancements on China’s economy. Investors are watching these changes for possible global effects.

The rise in China’s tech stocks might affect U.S. investments and international trade ties. As U.S. markets close with small changes in the S&P 500, global investors keep an eye on shifts in Chinese tech trends.

This ongoing rally highlights China’s growing influence on worldwide economic dynamics, making it a key player to watch in global markets.

BATTERY GIANT’S $26 Billion Georgia Plant Cancelation Shocks Industry

09 February 2025 — A massive battery manufacturing project in Georgia, worth $26 billion, has been unexpectedly canceled. This decision is causing concern across the industry as experts consider its impact on electric vehicle production and battery supply in the United States. The reasons for this abrupt cancelation are still under investigation, with regulatory challenges and market saturation being potential factors.

The plant was set to be a major player in the manufacturing sector, showcasing Georgia’s role in energy innovation. Its cancelation raises questions about future investments and projects within the state and beyond. Industry insiders are closely watching how this development will affect supply chains and production timelines for electric vehicles nationwide.

This news arrives amid ongoing discussions about energy sustainability initiatives across the U.S., marking a pivotal moment for stakeholders in both energy and automotive sectors. The project’s halt highlights the complexities of balancing regulatory demands with market needs, a challenge that continues to shape America’s industrial landscape.

BATTERY Giant’s SHOCKING Exit: $26 Billion Georgia Plant Scrapped

08 February 2025 — A battery company has scrapped its plan for a $2.6 billion manufacturing plant in Georgia, sparking concerns about the future of electric vehicle (EV) production. This decision raises questions about the local economy and job market, which were expected to thrive from this project.

Details are limited, but the move follows struggles within the battery production sector. The plant was supposed to be a major supplier for EVs as part of a global shift toward sustainability and green technology.

Industry experts wonder if this decision will affect EV demand in Georgia and create challenges for other manufacturers expanding in the U.S., possibly impacting investments and economic growth in regions relying on such projects.

As events progress, stakeholders will keep a close watch on the viability of large investment projects linked to renewable energy and EV industries across America.

TECH GIANTS Spark Stock Market Surge: What Investors Need to Know

04 February 2025 — The STOCK MARKET is seeing a surge, with predictions of a 0.49% rise. This optimism comes from major tech companies, whose earnings reports are expected to beat estimates. Investors are eagerly awaiting these results, fueling excitement across the market.

However, concerns about rising interest rates could dampen this enthusiasm. While the outlook remains positive now, potential rate hikes might impact investor sentiment soon. Market participants stay cautious as they navigate these mixed signals.

Besides stock market news, debates continue over a new lunch plan proposed by a coalition that may affect small businesses’ futures. Stakeholders are split on the possible effects of these changes, highlighting ongoing challenges in balancing economic growth with regulations.

“INDIA’S Jan Vishwas Bill: A Bold Boost for Business”

03 February 2025 — The Indian government has rolled out the “Jan Vishwas Bill” to transform how businesses operate. This law aims to simplify rules and cut down on red tape. It hopes to make India more welcoming for investors, drawing in foreign money and helping local companies grow.

By tackling bureaucratic obstacles, the Bill is expected to drive economic growth. Supporters say it will make business dealings clearer and more efficient. This could make India a top choice for global companies wanting to expand their reach.

The Jan Vishwas Bill shows India’s active stance during global economic changes. It highlights the importance of a competitive business scene in the country. This move is a key step in India’s push to boost its economy through new laws.

CHINESE AI Revolution: DeepSeek’s Shockwave Hits US Tech Giants

28 January 2025 — A new force in artificial intelligence, DeepSeek from China, is shaking up major U.S. tech firms. Their latest AI model, DeepSeek-R1, rivals top U.S. products like OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini but at a fraction of the cost. This move challenges American dominance and has triggered a massive selloff in tech stocks.

Launched on January 20, 2025, DeepSeek-R1 boasts impressive performance with lower training costs than competitors. Nvidia faced a record market cap drop of over $500 billion — the largest single-day loss in U.S. stock market history — due to this launch. Experts are both amazed and skeptical about DeepSeek’s cost claims, sparking debate on future AI investment strategies.

DeepSeek’s CEO Liang Wenfeng has held closed-door meetings with Chinese leaders to discuss global tech competition implications from their advancements. The rapid rise of DeepSeek has sparked talks about traditional tech investment sustainability and potential industry shifts needed moving forward. Consumers are also interested, as the DeepSeek app topped download charts in both U.S. and China App Stores shortly after release.;

CHINA’S AI Threat: Tech Stocks in Danger of $1 Trillion Wipeout

27 January 2025 — Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has shaken global tech stocks, sparking fears about America’s technological advantage. Investors worry about a potential $1 trillion loss in tech value due to rising foreign competition.

The drop in tech shares shows growing concern over the competitive landscape. Major indices have fallen, urging investors to be cautious as the situation develops.

This happens amid wider talks on global trade and economic competitiveness, especially in tech-heavy areas. Experts recommend reassessing portfolios, favoring stable investments over risky tech stocks.

Market analysts emphasize watching these changes closely as they could affect market stability and growth prospects in the technology sector moving forward.

ITALY’S Financial Shock: Monte Paschi’s Bold Move

26 January 2025 — Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena SpA is making waves with its surprising plan to buy a larger competitor. Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti shared his confidence in Paschi’s leadership, applauding their impressive results and strategic market vision. This acquisition could challenge bigger banks and keep Italy’s financial services under local control.

Monte Paschi’s rocky history began in 2007 when it bought Banca Antonveneta SpA for €9 billion, much more than its earlier value. The global financial crisis hit soon after, causing big losses for Paschi and years of restructuring efforts.

Despite past struggles, the Italian government remains the bank’s largest shareholder, backing its current plan to boost national financial independence.

APTIV STOCK Skyrockets After Bold Business Move

23 January 2025 — Aptiv plans to spin off its electrical distribution systems (EDS) into a new company. This bold move lets Aptiv focus on advanced driver-aid technology. After the announcement, Aptiv’s shares soared by 5%.

Analysts point out that EDS has lower profit margins. The adjusted EBITDA margin for EDS is expected to be 9.5% in 2024, while Aptiv’s other operations boast an 18.8% margin.

Garrett Nelson from CFRA Research supports the spin-off, saying it aligns with Aptiv’s push toward high-margin growth areas. This strategic shift could enhance Aptiv’s future profitability and market position.

TRUMP’S $500 BILLION AI Move: A Bold Step for America’s Future

22 January 2025 — President Donald TRUMP has announced a massive $500 billion investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. This joint venture involves OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank. The initiative aims to build data centers, marking a significant technological advancement.

The project began during the Biden administration but has gained momentum under Trump’s leadership. This investment underscores the importance of AI for future economic growth and national security.

Trump’s announcement highlights his commitment to keeping America ahead in technology. The collaboration between these major companies is expected to drive innovation and create jobs across the country.

VERTICAL THEME’S BIG Move: Alliance Bank Stake Sale to DBS?

17 January 2025 — Investment firm Vertical Theme Sdn. plans to seek approval to start talks about selling its stake in Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd. Sources close to the situation revealed this potential sale, which could lead to big changes in the bank’s ownership. This move hints at a strategy shift for Vertical Theme as it explores opportunities with DBS, a major player in banking.

RUPIAH and WON SHOCKED by Central Bank SURPRISES

The Indonesian rupiah is near six-month lows, and the South Korean won ended a three-day winning streak after unexpected central bank decisions. Investors were surprised as both countries’ central banks made unanticipated interest rate calls, causing market fluctuations. These moves highlight today’s volatile and unpredictable global financial markets.

HEXTAR INDUSTRIES BREWS UP Luckin Coffee LAUNCH THIS MONTH!

Hextar Industries Bhd is gearing up for a soft opening of five Luckin Coffee outlets by month’s end through its subsidiary Global Aroma Sdn Bhd (GASB). This expansion marks Hextar’s entry into the competitive coffee market, aiming to capture consumer interest with Luckin Coffee’s brand appeal. The openings show Hextar’s strategic growth ambitions within Malaysia’s food and beverage industry.

AMAZON’S BOLD Move: New South Africa Center Shakes UP Market

17 January 2025 — Amazon has opened a new center in Cape Town, South Africa, to support its independent sellers. This is part of Amazon’s plan to grow its market share and compete with local leader Takealot, owned by Naspers. The center aims to help sellers attract more customers and expand Amazon’s product range, potentially boosting revenue.

APPLE’s CHINA TROUBLES: iPhone Shipments PLUMMET

Apple shares fell 3.2% after research firm Canalys reported a 17% drop in iPhone shipments in China for 2024. This decline pushed Apple down to third place in China’s market share rankings. Despite the stock’s volatility, this news is significant but doesn’t drastically change the company’s business outlook.

STOCK MARKET SLUMP: Earnings Reports RATTLE Investors

The stock market took a hit following Wednesday’s rally due to retail sales data and major bank earnings reports taking the spotlight. Analysts remain hopeful about gains for the S&P 500 by year-end despite current swings. Focus is also on upcoming hearings on tariff plans before President-elect Donald Trump that could affect future economic strategies moving forward.

NEW US CHIP Rules Shake Nvidia: What It Means for Tech’s Future

15 January 2025 — Nvidia faces new challenges as the US limits GPU shipments to 100,000 units per country. Larger orders now need US government approval. This move aims to control the spread of advanced technology worldwide.

In response to past restrictions, Nvidia designed a less powerful chip for China, following Biden’s 2022 rules. Despite these hurdles, experts like Chris Miller believe high demand may help soften any sales impacts.

These regulations could reshape Nvidia’s market strategies and global operations as it strives to keep its lead in the semiconductor industry amid changing rules.

WALL STREET Surges: Oil Price Drop Sparks Investor Optimism

05 January 2025 — Wall Street is climbing today, driven by a 6% DROP in oil prices. Investors are gearing up for a crucial week of earnings reports from major tech firms.

Tech and energy stocks are leading the way, with analysts hopeful about tech giants’ futures. However, there is still caution about the overall economic outlook.

The fall in oil prices comes from oversupply worries and easing geopolitical tensions, affecting inflation rates and consumer spending that Wall Street closely monitors.

While U.S. markets rise, Asian markets face recession fears linked to U.S. economic performance, showing global interconnectedness and financial volatility.

NBA’S SHOCKING Return to China: Millions at Stake After Controversial Ban Lifted

06 December 2024 — The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will play two preseason games in China. This follows the reinstatement of the NBA’s broadcast deal, worth millions. The league was banned in 2019 after a controversial tweet by Rockets executive Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong protesters.

Chinese authorities demanded Morey be fired, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver refused. Instead, Silver publicly criticized Morey, leading to his apology and retraction of support for the pro-democracy movement. Despite this, China suspended NBA broadcasts until now.

Morey’s tweet read: “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” His apology aimed to mend relations with Chinese fans and sponsors offended by his stance. He stressed that his views were personal and not representative of the Rockets or the NBA as a whole.

The return of NBA games to Chinese screens marks a significant financial move for both parties involved. It highlights ongoing tensions between business interests and political stances within international sports diplomacy.

NEW FIGHTER JET Program Aims to Counter China and Russia Threats

20 October 2024 — Japan, the U.K., and Italy are teaming up to create a new combat aircraft by 2035 under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). This project aims to strengthen defense against threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. The advanced stealth fighter will replace Japan’s F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani announced the creation of the GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO) by year’s end. GIGO will manage aircraft development from its base in the U.K., led by a Japanese official. This announcement came after a meeting with his U.K. and Italian counterparts at the Group of Seven defense ministers meeting in Naples, Italy.

Private companies like Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Britain’s BAE Systems PLC, and Italy’s Leonardo are part of this effort. Nakatani confirmed that GIGO is on track to sign its first contract next year despite leadership changes in Japan and the U.K. This partnership highlights a commitment to boosting military capabilities amid global security concerns.

BLOOMBERG’S $1 Billion Gift Transforms Johns Hopkins Medical School

09 July 2024 — Starting this fall, Bloomberg Philanthropies will cover tuition for Johns Hopkins medical students from families earning under $300,000 annually. This initiative aims to reduce student debt and increase opportunities.

Students from families making less than $175,000 a year will also have their living expenses and fees covered. Mike Bloomberg stated that more generous financial aid has made Johns Hopkins more economically diverse and selective.

The $1 billion gift will not only make medical school tuition-free for those with limited means but also boost financial aid for other graduate programs at Johns Hopkins. This move is expected to attract top students who might otherwise be deterred by financial constraints.