News Gist .News

Articles | Politics | Finance | Stocks | Crypto | AI | Technology | Science | Gaming | PC Hardware | Laptops | Smartphones | Archive

Archive: 2025-02-28 (623) - Page 12/13 (50)

← Back to February 2025 Archive

Lenovo's 10th-Gen Yoga Slim 9i Is a Surprise Pick for Best Productivity Laptop

The Lenovo 10th-gen Yoga Slim 9i has quickly become my go-to everyday laptop thanks to its Intel processor, high-resolution display, and sleek design. The laptop features a striking 4K OLED touchscreen and a camera-under-display (CUD) layout that expands the display to the edge of the screen. However, some may find the lack of ports limiting and the webcam of poor quality.

A Quantum Computing Showdown: Alphabet and Microsoft Battle for Supremacy in Quantum Computing Race

Quantum computing has the potential to be a generational investing trend, offering a massive market opportunity that could rival artificial intelligence investing. The field is being vied for by smaller pure plays and established big tech companies alike, with Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) emerging as the two most prominent players in this space. Both companies have made significant breakthroughs in recent months, but it remains to be seen whether either can establish a clear lead.

Adidas Targets Larger Us Market Share as Nike Struggles

Adidas is focusing on capturing a larger share of the U.S. market while Nike faces declining sales, with analysts predicting that Adidas's success hinges on attracting American consumers. The German brand has experienced a significant rebound since the leadership change and the discontinuation of its Yeezy line, leading to a notable rise in stock value and market share. As Adidas explores new collaborations and athlete partnerships, its ability to maintain growth amidst competition from both Nike and emerging sportswear brands remains critical.

Beef Prices May Rise as Canadian Ranchers Shrink Cattle Herds Fearing Trump Tariffs

Canadian cattle herds are shrinking due to the threat of U.S. tariffs, leading to a decrease in beef exports and an increase in prices for ground beef in U.S. cities. The smallest U.S. cattle herd in 74 years and the smallest Canadian herd in 36 years have resulted in higher prices globally, with global beef prices up 34% according to the International Monetary Fund. This is due to a disruption in the traditional flow of cows, calves, breeding stock, slaughter animals, and beef-in-boxes across the U.S.-Canada border.

Us Government Agency Layoffs Raise Concerns over Climate Change Research and Data Integrity

Around 880 workers, including weather forecasters, have been laid off by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a move that has raised concerns about the impact on climate change research and data integrity. The layoffs come as part of Elon Musk's efforts to reduce spending through funding cuts and firings, with many experts warning that this could compromise vital programs that rely on accurate weather forecasting and scientific data. As the US government agency responsible for monitoring the nation's oceans and atmosphere, NOAA plays a critical role in providing essential information for public safety and decision-making.

The Impact of Tariffs on Market Sentiment

Jim Cramer has expressed concerns that the ongoing uncertainty around tariff policies is likely to continue influencing market movements. The constant mention of tariffs by President Trump has become a recurring theme, shaping the market environment and overshadowing other major economic concerns. This unpredictability has led to a shift in investor focus, with long-term interest rates plummeting despite continued large bond auctions.

Meta Plans to Release Stand-Alone Ai App to Compete with Chatgpt

Meta is developing a standalone AI app in Q2 this year, which will directly compete with ChatGPT. The move is part of Meta's broader push into artificial intelligence, with Sam Altman hinting at an open response by suggesting OpenAI could release its own social media app in retaliation. The new Meta AI app aims to expand the company's reach into AI-related products and services.

Nvidia Breaks Records: Doubled Revenues in 2024 Behind Blackwell

During 2024, the company reported revenues of $130.5 billion, increasing 114% from the previous fiscal year. Higher demand for AI capabilities and specifically the Blackwell GPU supported the results. A key factor in the results was the Data Center segment, which reported a record-breaking $35.6 billion in revenue for the fourth quarter.

Morning Bid: S&p500 in Red for 2025 as Trade War Fears Ratchet

The S&P500 index has fallen into negative territory for 2025 amid a broad market selloff led by Nvidia's disappointing earnings, compounded by fears of an economic slowdown and escalating trade tensions. The announcement of new tariffs by President Trump on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China has further rattled investor confidence, leading to declines in both U.S. and global markets. As jobless claims rise and uncertainty over tariffs persists, businesses may face challenges in planning and investment, heightening concerns about economic stability.

S&p500 Sells Red for 2025 as Trade War Fears Ratchet

The S&P500 plunged 1.5% on Thursday, marking the first time this year that the benchmark slid into negative territory for 2025, as trade war fears and economic slowdown concerns led to a sharp sell-off in Big Tech stocks like Nvidia. The selloff was fueled by President Donald Trump's warning of further tariffs on Mexican and Canadian goods, which is expected to take effect next week. The downturn also reflected growing unease among investors about the impact of trade tensions on global supply chains.

Gm's Electric Gains Face Critical Test as Trump Targets Ev Subsidies

General Motors has significantly increased its share of U.S. electric vehicle sales, reaching 12% in 2024, thanks to a broad lineup of competitive models and aggressive pricing strategies. However, the future of this momentum is uncertain as former President Trump threatens to eliminate crucial EV subsidies and impose tariffs that could impact GM's production costs. As GM prepares to launch new models and aims for profitability in its EV sector, it faces a pivotal year that will test its commitment to an all-electric future.

Gebbia Joins Doge Amid Controversy over Trump Support

Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia has taken on a role at President Donald Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), sparking concerns about his involvement with the administration. Gebbia, who previously served as a board member for both Airbnb and Tesla, announced that he is using his "designer brain and start-up spirit" to improve the government's retirement process. His appointment comes after Gebbia expressed support for Trump in the 2024 presidential elections.

Microsoft Is Finally Putting Skype Out of Its Misery, Urging People to Use Teams Instead

After over 20 years, Skype headed for the scrapheap. Microsoft is shutting down Skype in May 2025 and urging users to move over to Microsoft Teams instead. Skype has been in steep decline since 2020, with a significant decrease in monthly users from around 36 million to less than none.

Bosnian Serb Region Bars Bosnian State Authorities in Separatist Move

Bosnia's autonomous Serb region passed legislation barring the national police and judiciary from its territory after a court banned its separatist leader Milorad Dodik from politics for six years and sentenced him to a year in prison. The move undermines state institutions, touching off a constitutional crisis in ethnically polarised post-war Bosnia. Russia, Dodik's most powerful supporter, said the sentence was politically motivated and would destabilise the Balkans.

Oil Prices to Remain Stable Despite Political Uncertainty

Analysts are holding their oil price predictions largely steady as they expect any impact from further U.S. sanctions to be balanced by ample supply and a possible peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, a Reuters poll showed. The survey of 41 economists and analysts forecast Brent crude would average $74.63 per barrel in 2025, up from a forecast of $74.57 in January. Global oil demand is expected to grow by 788,000 to 2.0 million barrels per day (bpd) in 2025.

The Institutional Investors' Grip on Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

Berkshire Hathaway's stock price may be vulnerable to institutional investors' trading decisions, given their large stake of 58% in the company. The top 24 shareholders hold a combined ownership of 50%, implying no single shareholder has a majority. Despite being rewarded with a 22% one-year return and last week's gain, institutions still pose a risk due to their collective power.

High-Yield Savings Interest Rates Offer Steadily Growing Returns Today

The current savings interest rate environment offers high-yield returns that are elevated by historical standards, with rates ranging up to 4.50% APY from verified partners. Despite the national average being just 0.41%, top high-yield savings accounts offer more than 10 times this rate. However, it's essential to consider your individual financial goals and needs before opening a savings account.

The Best Smart Rings of 2025: Expert Tested and Reviewed

The latest smart rings on the market have been evaluated for their capabilities in tracking sleep, activity, and overall wellness, with the Oura Ring 4 emerging as the top choice due to its advanced features and user-friendly interface. Other noteworthy competitors include the Ultrahuman Ring Air, which offers a subscription-free experience, and the Samsung Galaxy Ring, which integrates seamlessly into the Samsung ecosystem. As the smart ring market evolves, these devices not only enhance health monitoring but also reflect a growing trend towards more personalized and convenient wearable technology.

Canon Eos R100 Review: A Great Starter for Aspiring Photographers

The Canon EOS R100 mirrorless camera is a great starter for aspiring photographers, featuring a 24-megapixel sensor for great image quality and color, as well as the ability to capture 4K (UHD) video at 24 frames per second. Its compact design makes it easy to handle, despite its APS-C sensor, which can produce high-quality images and video without breaking the bank. The camera's intuitive menu design and dial-and-button layout make it accessible to new photographers.

Money Market Account Rates Soar up to 4.51% Apy Today

The national average rate for money market accounts has dropped, while top high-yield accounts are offering rates above 4%, making it crucial to compare and shop around. Historically elevated by the Federal Reserve's cuts in 2024, these interest rates are still far below their peak but more attractive than the low 0.64% average offered by most MMA providers. As a result, individuals can now earn significant returns on their deposits without having to invest in stocks or other market securities.

Mortgage Rates Today: Lowest Rates All Year

Mortgage rates are the lowest they've been all year. According to Freddie Mac, the 30-year fixed rate has dropped 15 basis points since early January and is now 6.76%. The 15-year fixed interest rate is down 19 basis points since the beginning of the year and is 5.94%. Home loan rates tend to follow the 10-year Treasury yield, which has been decreasing for the last week and a half.

Trump Dials Back Fed-Bashing, Seeks a Different Kind of Rate Cut

The Trump Administration's stance on monetary policy has softened since taking office, with President Donald Trump calling for lower interest rates and criticizing the Federal Reserve for not doing enough to combat inflation. This shift in tone marks a significant departure from his earlier attacks on the Fed and Chair Jerome Powell. The truce appears to be welcome news for investors who were worried about the administration's intentions towards the central bank.

Inflation Relief Fueling Stock Market Rally

The S&P 500 is experiencing a modest recovery from its year-long slump, with stocks turning higher in early Friday trading as investors breathe a sigh of relief over the potential for inflation relief. The Atlanta Fed's GDPNow forecaster has revised its estimate of first-quarter GDP growth to a 1.5% decline, down from its prior estimate of a 2.3% advance, and Treasury yields have retreated amid President Trump's renewed tariff threats. The market is now looking to close out a difficult month with some modest index gains.

Tesla Fixes Cybertruck Wiper Blade Windshield Streaks with Ota Update

The Cybertruck's giant wiper blade has left owners concerned about streaks on the windshield in winter conditions. The issue was first reported by early reservations and owners, citing performance concerns in adverse weather. Tesla has now released an over-the-air (OTA) update to fix the problem.

Oil Prices on Course for Monthly Decline Amid Tariff and Economic Growth Concerns

Oil prices were set for a monthly decline amid concerns about the risks posed by tariffs to the global economy and demand for fuel. The pound was muted against the dollar in early European trading, hovering below the $1.26 mark, at $1.2593. Concerns around trade tariffs and inflation persist, as US president Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that 25% duties on Canada and Mexico were still due to come into force on Tuesday 4 March.

Could bigbear.ai Stock Be the Next Palantir Technologies?

BigBear.ai's recent surge in value trails that of Palantir Technologies, which has experienced significant revenue growth due to artificial intelligence (AI). The smaller company's deal with the Department of Defense and its facial biometrics solutions have investors optimistic about its prospects. However, BigBear.ai's market capitalization is significantly lower than Palantir's, raising questions about its long-term viability.

Regulatory Approval Required for Autonomous Driving Software Upgrades in China

China has introduced new regulations requiring regulatory approvals for autonomous driving-related over-the-air software upgrades, aiming to prevent automakers from using them to conceal defects or avoid liability. Under the new rules, electric vehicle makers such as Tesla and Xiaomi must obtain a license for product changes before resuming production of affected vehicles. The regulations also ban automakers from naming and marketing driving assistance systems with hints that they can be used as autonomous driving systems.

Why Jpmorgan Might Be Hiding Its Trading Size

JPMorgan has been accused of evading capital requirements created to prevent another financial crisis—a claim the bank denies. The Federal Reserve has allowed U.S. banks, including JPMorgan, to flout some of the norms established by common standards to regulate financial institutions critical to the health of the global economy. If the Fed is looking the other way, experts say it could diminish the meaning of these rules and lead other countries to follow suit.

Softer Inflation, Weak Growth Bolster Case for Ecb Rate Cuts

Recent data reveals improved inflation prospects in the Eurozone alongside stagnant economic growth, strengthening the argument for further rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB). Inflation in France has fallen to a four-year low, while consumers are adjusting their inflation expectations downward, indicating a potential shift in price growth trends. Despite concerns over lingering price pressures, the ECB is anticipated to implement additional cuts to stimulate the economy, which has been hindered by trade uncertainties and weak consumer spending.

Trump Moves Quickly to Redefine America

The White House has accelerated its legislative agenda in recent weeks, with President Trump addressing France, Britain, Ukraine, and taking steps towards a potential government shutdown. Trump's rapid-fire approach to policy changes has raised concerns among critics that something might get broken in the process. The President's Joint Address to Congress next week is expected to be a pivotal moment in his legislative agenda.

Severance Season 2 Episode 7 Ending Explained: What Happened to Gemma, Who Is Doctor Mauer, Chikhai

In the seventh episode of Severance's second season, titled "Chikhai Bardo," viewers delve into Gemma's complex backstory, revealing her relationship with Mark and the traumas that have shaped their lives. The episode introduces Doctor Mauer, a key figure in Lumon's mysterious operations, who appears to have an unsettling obsession with Gemma as she navigates her challenging environment. As the narrative unfolds, Gemma's attempts to escape highlight both her resilience and the dark implications of Lumon's experiments, leaving viewers questioning the true nature of her predicament.

The Nation’s Cartoonists on the Week in Politics Capture Reality with Ink-Stained Precision

Political cartoonists throughout the country and across the political spectrum have consistently applied their skills to capture the foibles, memes, hypocrisies, and other head-slapping events in the world of politics. The cartoons have become a reflection of the times, entertaining and enraging readers of all political stripes with their unflinching commentary on current events. From satirical depictions of politicians to clever critiques of systemic issues, these cartoons serve as a necessary counterpoint to the often sanitized narratives presented in mainstream media.

Big Tech Cripples Vaginal Health Businesses with Embarrassing Product Restrictions

Amazon's restrictive policies have led to the shutdown of businesses focused on addressing women's vaginal health issues, according to a new report. The company has allegedly flagged products as "potentially embarrassing or offensive" without clear guidelines or transparency. This move is exacerbating the lack of representation and support for women's reproductive health.

Ukraine Live: Trump and Zelenskiy Set to Sign Minerals Deal

President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy are set to meet at the White House to sign a minerals deal that aims to bolster Ukraine's economy amidst ongoing conflict. The agreement, however, notably lacks explicit U.S. security guarantees, raising concerns among European leaders about the implications for Ukraine's long-term stability. As both leaders prepare for a press conference, the future of Ukraine's mineral resources and their potential impact on U.S.-Ukraine relations remains a point of contention.

Warren Buffett's Actions (or Lack Thereof) with His Favorite Stock Speak Volumes -- but Are Investor's Earnings Potential.

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett's preference for certain stocks over others is often closely scrutinized by market enthusiasts, with his portfolio comprising some of the most valuable companies globally. Berkshire Hathaway's CEO has consistently demonstrated a keen eye for undervalued assets and shrewd investment decisions, yielding impressive returns to his shareholders. Notably, despite significant stakes in well-known companies like Apple and Occidental Petroleum, Buffett's actual favorite stock remains an open question.

Donald Trump: UK-US Trade Deal Could Mean Tariffs 'Not Necessary'

The US president has hinted at the possibility of a trade deal between the US and UK that could see tariffs "not necessary", as he met with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Washington DC. The meeting was seen as a key moment in Sir Keir's premiership, with the two leaders discussing Ukraine, trade, and artificial intelligence. Trump also reiterated his stance on tariffs, stating that there is a "very good chance" of a real trade deal where tariffs wouldn't be necessary.

Alibaba Begins Spring Hiring with 3,000 Internship Roles Focused on Ai

Alibaba Group Holding has kicked off its spring hiring season with 3,000 internship openings for fresh graduates, half of them related to artificial intelligence (AI), as the Chinese e-commerce giant commits to advancing the technology. The recruitment campaign targets students graduating between November 2025 and October 2026, with internships spanning multiple business units. Nearly half of the roles - including more than 80 per cent of positions in the cloud computing arm - are AI-focused.

Chinese Spies Allegedly Donated to Philippine City and Police Forces

The four detained Chinese nationals allegedly led groups overseen by China's foreign influence network, making donations of cash to a Philippine city and vehicles to two police forces. The men had frequent meetings with China's defense attaché, Senior Col. Li Jianzhong, and were found to have photos and maps of sensitive sites and vessels on their phones. Allegations of espionage carry a prison term of up to 20 years for the detained suspects.

Accent Translation Technology Aids Indian Call-Center Agents

Teleperformance SE is rolling out an artificial intelligence system that softens English-speaking Indian workers' accents in real time in a move the company claims will make them more understandable. The technology, called accent translation, coupled with background noise cancellation, is being deployed in call centers in India, where workers provide customer support to some of Teleperformance's international clients. By neutralizing the accent of Indian speakers, the system aims to increase customer satisfaction and reduce average handling times.

Ford (F): Buy, Sell, or Hold Post Q4 Earnings?

Over the past six months, Ford's stock price fell to $9.31, with shareholders losing 15.7% of their capital, disappointing considering the S&P 500 has climbed by 5.1%. This decline might have investors contemplating their next move, particularly given the company's history of underwhelming revenue growth. Despite a more favorable entry price, our analysts remain cautious due to concerns about Ford's ability to accelerate growth and maintain profitability.

Recession Hits Heavy Equipment Stocks Hard

The Q4 earnings season for construction machinery companies has ended with a disappointing tone, as Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) and its peers collectively reported slower revenue growth and lower stock prices. The slowdown is attributed to factors such as interest rates impacting demand for construction equipment and services. Despite this challenging environment, some stocks have fared better than others.

Kosovo Businesses Under Threat From Trump's Usaid Freeze

Kosovo's economy heavily reliant on international aid, including USAID funding, is facing a significant blow as the Trump administration freezes US Agency for International Development (USAID) funding and seeks to drastically scale down the agency and all US foreign aid under its "America First" agenda. The halt in funding affects projects on democracy, energy, and inclusion, which are crucial for Kosovo's development and stability. The impact of this decision will be felt across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and infrastructure.

Wealth Fund Blocks Pwc From Advisory Work for One Year

The Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund (PIF) has temporarily banned PwC from advisory and consulting services contracts, halting the firm's progress in one of the world's most lucrative markets. The decision comes two years after PwC received a license to open its regional headquarters in the kingdom, where it employs more than 2,000 people across several locations. This move raises concerns about the stability of professional services firms operating in the region.

Tesla Stock Vs. Apple Stock: Billionaires Buy One and Sell the Other

Tesla's market value increased as Israel Englander's Millennium Management bought 1.3 million shares, nearly tripling its stake, while David Shaw's D.E. Shaw purchased another 2 million shares of Tesla, nearly tripling its stake. However, both billionaires sold a significant portion of their Apple stakes, with Shaw selling 2.5 million shares, reducing his stake by 30%. Despite this, the overall trend suggests that Tesla's growth prospects and competitive edge are attracting more investor attention.

Ripple's Cryptocurrency Boom Expected to Soar 120-190%, According to Wall Street Experts

The overall cryptocurrency market has climbed 24% since the presidential election in November, with some Wall Street experts predicting significant gains for XRP and Bitcoin. The current market value of Ethereum is $282 billion, while that of XRP is $128 billion, implying a potential 120% upside for XRP if Dom Kwok's prediction comes true. Tom Lee's prediction of Bitcoin exceeding $250,000 in 2025 implies 190% upside for the cryptocurrency.

Celsius Stock Is Soaring Again and Just Made a $1.8 Billion Bet that Is Delighting Shareholders

The tide may be turning for Celsius Holdings as its stock jumped 40% following its fourth-quarter earnings report and announcement of the blockbuster acquisition of competitor Alani Nu. Management is aggressively positioning itself as the leader in sugar-free energy drinks, with combined revenue from Celsius and Alani Nu poised to close in on 20% market share in the United States. Investors have applauded Celsius's bounce-back earnings and the Alani Nu deal, with some speculating that this marks a turning point for the company.

Russian Oil Flow to China Rebounds Amid Sanctions

China's imports of Russian Far East crude and Iranian oil are set to rebound in March as non-sanctioned tankers, drawn by lucrative payoffs, joined the trade replacing vessels under U.S. embargo, traders said. The rebound of sanctioned oil shipments to China is easing supply worries that had boosted global oil prices, they said. Washington's sanctions have disrupted trade with major importers China and India, but new shipping routes and terminals are facilitating access for Russian and Iranian oil.

Indian Stocks' Worst Run in 29 Years, Wiping $1 Trillion in Wealth, May yet Have Legs

India's NSE Nifty 50 is poised for its fifth consecutive monthly loss, marking the longest such streak since 1996 and positioning India as the worst-performing global market. Weak earnings, persistent foreign outflows, and uncertainties surrounding U.S. tariffs have collectively eroded nearly $1 trillion in investor wealth, leading market analysts to predict that the situation might not improve soon. Despite some net buying from local institutional investors, the overall sentiment is cautious, with a significant shift towards safer large-cap funds.

Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc (Iova) Q4 2024 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue and Growth

Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc has announced a strong revenue performance in its Q4 2024 earnings call, driven by the success of its AntagB therapy. The company's robust manufacturing network and favorable medical coverage policies have contributed to this growth. Iovance Biotherapeutics Inc is now expanding its capacity further to meet increasing demand.

Bloom Energy Corp (Be) Posts Record Revenue: A Shifting Landscape for Clean Energy Investors?

Bloom Energy Corp (BE) reports a 60% revenue increase in Q4 2024, with strong operational efficiency and promising 2025 guidance. The company's record full-year gross margin of 28.7%, up from 25.8% in 2023, demonstrates its ability to optimize operations and improve profitability. Bloom Energy Corp (BE) has a solid foundation for growth, driven by its diverse sales funnel, particularly in the data center segment.