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Topic: Politics (3212)

Tesla Stock Reaches $430 as Morgan Stanley Reinstates as Top Pick. Δ1.53

Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas predicts Tesla's shares will rise to $430, driven by the company's diversification into artificial intelligence and robotics. Shares initially fell 28% in February due to sluggish EV sales, but Jonas sees this as an attractive entry point for investors. The analyst reinstated Tesla as a top pick for the auto sector, citing the commercial opportunity of non-auto expressions of embodied AI.

Trump Criticizes Zelensky's Remarks on War's End. Δ1.65

The statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky that a deal to end the war with Russia was "very far away" has drawn a fierce response from Donald Trump, who accused Zelensky of not wanting peace and expressed frustration over what he perceived as a lack of gratitude for US aid. The US president's comments have caused tension between the two countries and raised concerns about the future of Ukraine's defense under Western backing. Meanwhile, European leaders have proposed a "coalition of the willing" to defend Ukraine and prevent Russian aggression after a peace deal.

TSMC Announces $100 Billion Investment in US Chipmaking Δ1.53

TSMC will invest at least $100 billion to expand chip manufacturing in the US, with two new factories to be built in addition to three previously announced facilities in Arizona. The investment builds upon existing commitments of $65 billion and $6.6 billion under the CHIPS Act. TSMC's expansion aims to establish itself as a major player in the global chip market.

Crypto Stocks, Bitcoin Drop, Reversing Direction After Trump Touts US Crypto Reserve Δ1.63

Crypto stocks experienced volatility following former President Donald Trump's announcement on Truth Social regarding the creation of a U.S. crypto reserve that would include various cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ether. Despite an initial surge in prices, including a nearly 9% rise in bitcoin, the market reversed course, leading to declines in major crypto stocks and raising questions about the feasibility of Trump's proposal. Analysts highlight the mixed reception from the crypto community, noting the unexpected inclusion of multiple digital assets beyond bitcoin, while also emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the implementation of such a reserve.

Nvidia Stock Plunges Amid China Probe. Δ1.51

Nvidia's stock price plummeted on Monday after Singapore announced an investigation into whether servers shipped to Malaysia containing chips barred from China ended up in the mainland. The investigation raises concerns about U.S. scrutiny of equipment exports by American companies, potentially dragging on sales growth. The news comes amid investor caution ahead of scheduled implementation of higher U.S. tariffs on goods from China, Mexico, and Canada.

Trump Set to Plow Ahead with New Tariffs that Could Surpass What He Did in His Entire First Term. Δ1.67

The latest round of tariffs from President Trump is expected to have a significant impact on the US economy, potentially causing a sharper decline in GDP than his previous tariffs. The proposed duties on Canada and Mexico alone are projected to surpass the economic toll of his entire first term if kept in place. This could lead to increased costs for American households, with estimates suggesting an additional $1,000 per household.

Currencies of Trump’s Tariff Targets Slump With Levies Looming. Δ1.64

The Canadian dollar and Mexican peso have experienced notable declines following President Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on products from both countries, set to take effect soon. This move has led to market volatility, as traders anticipated potential concessions that did not materialize, pushing both currencies to their weakest levels against the dollar since previous tariff deadlines. The overall sentiment in the foreign-exchange market suggests growing concern about the potential negative impacts of these tariffs on key industrial sectors in the U.S.

US Invests Heavily in Chip Manufacturing with TSMC Δ1.59

The U.S. government, led by President Donald Trump, has announced a significant investment of at least $100 billion in chip manufacturing capabilities through Taiwanese company TSMC, with plans to build three new facilities and generate 20,000-25,000 jobs. The move is seen as crucial to strengthening the country's domestic manufacturing footprint amid rising tensions between the U.S. and China. This investment will also enable TSMC to expand its production of advanced AI chips for major tech firms.

Tsmc and Trump Announce $100 Billion Investment in the Us, Including Three Fabs Δ1.58

TSMC is investing $100 billion in the United States, with a focus on building three fabrication facilities (fabs), two packaging facilities, and a research and development center. The investment will primarily be located in Arizona, with plans to create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs. TSMC's move to the US is seen as a response to global supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions.

GM Hires Chief AI Officer for New Role Δ1.55

General Motors has announced the hiring of its first chief artificial intelligence officer as the automaker seeks to integrate AI technology into its vehicles and other business operations. Barak Turovsky, a former head of AI at Cisco, will lead GM's software and services engineering team and report to Dave Richardson, senior vice president of the department. The appointment aims to accelerate GM's AI efforts across various product lines, including electric vehicles and autonomous driving systems.

Okta CEO: We Just Had a 'Blowout' Quarter. Δ1.56

Okta co-founder and CEO Todd McKinnon's latest earnings report is indeed a blowout, reflecting significant growth driven by major deals in the quarter. This surge in subscription backlog to over $4 billion underscores the importance of security protection in today's fast-paced AI-driven landscape. The company's strong financial performance has powered its shares up 14% year-to-date.

What Elon Musk’s Critics Are Getting Wrong. Δ1.63

Elon Musk’s role in the government efficiency commission, known as DOGE, has been misconstrued as merely a vehicle for his financial gain, despite evidence suggesting it has led to a decline in his wealth. Critics argue that Musk's collaboration with Trump aims to dismantle government services for personal financial benefit, yet his substantial losses in Tesla's stock value indicate otherwise. This situation highlights the complexities of Musk's motivations and the potential risks his political alignment poses for his primary business interests.

Albertsons Appoints Insider to Top Role as CEO Vivek Sankaran to Retire. Δ1.51

Albertsons has appointed Susan Morris, its chief operations officer since 2018, to take over the top role following the retirement of CEO Vivek Sankaran. The move aims to shift focus towards building digital sales and retail media business, a strategy that aligns with Morris's background in driving operational efficiency. As part of her new role, Morris will also oversee the execution of "Customers for Life" strategy, which seeks to retain customers through loyalty offerings and personalized digital experience.

Trump Administration Official to Brief Congress on USAID Δ1.68

Pete Marocco, deputy administrator-designate at the U.S. Agency for International Development, will provide an update on foreign aid review and reorganization amid concerns over staff layoffs and program dismantling. The move comes as thousands of staff have been put on leave and contractors terminated since Trump began his second term, sparking fears about humanitarian consequences and democratic oversight. Critics argue that the administration's actions are illegal and unconstitutional.

The Future of Productivity on Large-Screen Tablets Δ1.51

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra is now available with up to $800 off, making it an attractive option for those seeking a large-screen tablet that balances productivity with portability. Its 14.6-inch AMOLED display and 120Hz refresh rate provide vibrant colors and seamless performance. The tablet's AI capabilities and software longevity make it an excellent choice for users invested in the Samsung ecosystem.

Sesame Gets the Imperfections of Human Conversation. Δ1.53

Sesame's Conversational Speech Model (CSM) creates speech in a way that mirrors how humans actually talk, with pauses, ums, tonal shifts, and all. The AI performs exceptionally well at mimicking human imperfections, such as hesitations, changes in tone, and even interrupting the user to apologize for doing so. This level of natural conversation is unparalleled in current AI voice assistants.

Self-Driving Cars: Google and Others Map the Road to Automated Vehicles Δ1.54

General Motors has announced the discontinuation of its Cruise robotaxi service, a decision that highlights the challenges faced by companies in the autonomous vehicle sector. CEO Mary Barra cited high costs and regulatory difficulties as primary reasons for the shift in focus toward privately owned driverless cars, reflecting a significant pivot in GM's strategy. The financial burden of the Cruise project, which reported a staggering loss of $3.48 billion in 2023, raises questions about the viability of shared autonomous mobility services.

Pentagon Chief Restores Name of Fort Benning, Sidesteps Congressional Provision Δ1.59

The U.S. Defense Secretary has ordered the renaming of Fort Moore to its original name of Fort Benning, undoing a 2023 change driven by racial justice protests, while sidestepping a Congressional provision that banned bases with Confederate names. The decision comes after months of controversy surrounding the base's namesake, Corporal Fred Benning, who served in World War One and received the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. The move is seen as a victory for those who sought to restore the original name, which was previously used during World War One.

Trump's Trade Tariffs to Take Effect on Canada and Mexico Δ1.62

The US is set to impose 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico, effective Tuesday, amid a heated trade dispute between President Donald Trump and his counterparts in these countries. The move comes after Trump initially delayed tariffs by one month while the countries engaged in trade talks. Trump's decision has significant implications for inflation and the global economy, with potential consequences for interest rates and trade relationships.

The Future of AI Regulation Takes Center Stage in California Δ1.55

The author of California's SB 1047 has introduced a new bill that could shake up Silicon Valley by protecting employees at leading AI labs and creating a public cloud computing cluster to develop AI for the public. This move aims to address concerns around massive AI systems posing existential risks to society, particularly in regards to catastrophic events such as cyberattacks or loss of life. The bill's provisions, including whistleblower protections and the establishment of CalCompute, aim to strike a balance between promoting AI innovation and ensuring accountability.

Trump Says 'No Room Left' For Canada, Mexico to Avert Tariffs Δ1.65

The U.S. President's statement marked the finality of the trade tensions between the United States and its northern neighbors, with no possibility of avoiding the tariffs imposed by Trump. The imposition of tariffs has been a major source of conflict in the ongoing negotiations over fentanyl trafficking and other issues. However, the deal was not renegotiated due to disagreements over implementation details.

Google Unveils Shielded Email Feature to Protect User Inboxes. Δ1.51

Google is working on a new feature called Shielded Email, which aims to protect users from unwanted emails by creating an alias address when signing up for new accounts. This feature uses Google's autofill features to automatically forward emails sent to the alias address to the user's main email address, allowing them to easily block or unsubscribe from unwanted emails. By using a separate alias address, Shielded Email provides a buffer between users and service providers, making it harder for bad actors to track their online activity.

Blood Pressure in Smartwatches: A New Frontier for Health Monitoring Δ1.50

Huawei's Watch D2 has made a significant breakthrough in wearable technology by integrating an ambulatory blood pressure monitoring device, marking the first wrist-based device of its kind. The smartwatch is certified by China's National Medical Products Association and the EU's Medical Device Regulation, ensuring its safety and accuracy. By measuring blood pressure over a 24-hour period, users can gain a clearer picture of their health, particularly for those with hypertension and cardiovascular issues.

Tariffs on Canada, Mexico to Start Tuesday, Trump Says Δ1.63

The U.S. is imposing 25% tariffs on its trade with Canada and Mexico, effective from Tuesday, in response to what President Donald Trump described as "unfair" trade practices by the two countries. Reciprocal tariffs will start on April 2, marking a significant escalation of tensions between Washington and its northern neighbors. The move is part of a broader strategy to protect American industries and jobs.

Atlanta Fed Shock Sounds 'Trumpcession' Warning Δ1.64

The Atlanta Fed's GDPNow model has signaled a concerning -2.8% growth estimate for the current quarter, a stark decline from previous projections and the fastest contraction since the pandemic lockdown. This drop is attributed to a combination of a record-high trade deficit and weakening manufacturing activity, reflecting broader economic uncertainties tied to President Trump's policies. As consumer sentiment falters and market indicators flash warning signs, the potential for a "Trumpcession" looms, raising questions about the Federal Reserve's next steps.

Tech Giants Have Pledged Over $1 Trillion in US Investment, So Far Δ1.60

US Tech Investments Are Ramping Up Under Trump's Watch With the latest pledge from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., a growing list of major tech companies has committed to a combined total of over $1 trillion in investments for manufacturing facilities and research centers across America. These massive pledges demonstrate the President's successful ability to promote business investment, which can be seen as an accomplishment of his 'America First' agenda. Notably, many of these commitments have come from Taiwanese firms like TSMC, underlining Trump's diplomatic efforts.

FTC Staffing Cuts Undergo Terminations Δ1.58

At least a dozen probationary staffers at the Federal Trade Commission were terminated last week, with terminations taking place across the agency. The FTC's staffing cuts follow a familiar playbook driven by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), targeting probationary employees in an indiscriminate manner. The agency's internal equal opportunity office was also cut from six to three staffers.

Crypto Rally Fades Despite Trump's New Promises About a US Reserve Δ1.64

The value of digital assets such as bitcoin and ether surged after President Donald Trump announced plans to establish a US strategic reserve, but the rally faded by Monday afternoon as prices began to decline. The president's promise included the inclusion of various cryptocurrencies in the potential reserve, which could boost their values if implemented. However, the specifics of how such a program would work are unclear.

The Clean Energy Industry Faces Significant Headwinds. Δ1.57

The clean energy industry is facing several challenges, including a barrage of political headwinds in the US, a war-fueled energy crisis, and stubbornly high interest rates, which have led to a decline in green asset values. Despite these headwinds, Gupta argues that the long-term need for a clean-energy transition remains, and his hedge fund is focused on finding corners of the market where supply-demand dynamics will drive up prices.

Federal Government Downsizes Workforce Amid Remote Return Δ1.64

The Office of Personnel Management greeted remote federal workers with balloons, candy, and handshakes on their first day back in the office amid layoffs and cost-cutting measures. Many employees had worked remotely for years, but under President Trump's orders, they were forced to return to the office as part of a broader effort to downsize the federal workforce. The scene was met with dismay by some workers who felt that the welcome-back effort was tone-deaf and mean-spirited.

New Zealand's Economic Missteps Hasten Exodus to Sunnier Shores. Δ1.56

New Zealand faces its worst economic downturn since 1991, with unemployment at a more than four-year high and companies going bust at the fastest pace in over a decade. The country's economy was the worst performing in the developed world last year, according to HSBC, and Australia has become a hot choice for kiwi jobseekers due to its better job prospects. Flawed data and policy missteps have worsened New Zealand's economic woes, leading many to seek opportunities elsewhere.

East Congo Rebels Abduct At Least 130 Hospital Patients, UN Says Δ1.51

M23 rebels abducting hospital patients is a stark reminder of the devastating humanitarian consequences of armed conflict in east Congo. The Tutsi-led rebel group's ongoing advance into the region has already displaced nearly half a million people and killed over 7,000 since January. As the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, the international community must consider the long-term implications of supporting or backing groups like M23.

TSMC to Invest $100B as Trump Demands More US-Made Chips, Report Says Δ1.56

TSMC is set to invest $100 billion in expanding its semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in the United States, according to a recent report. This move comes as President Trump pressures the company to increase domestic production, citing national security and economic concerns. TSMC's expansion plans aim to bolster the US technology sector and mitigate potential losses due to trade tensions.

OPEC+ to Proceed with Planned April Oil Output Hike. Δ1.53

OPEC+ has decided to proceed with a planned April oil output increase despite uncertainty surrounding U.S. sanctions on large oil producers Iran, Russia and Venezuela as well as U.S. tariffs on China that could reduce demand. The group agreed to raise output by 138,000 barrels per day in April, the first such increase since 2022 from OPEC+. Oil prices have been trading in a range of $70-$82 a barrel in recent weeks.

Economic Growth Forecasts Tumble as Trump Tariffs Loom Δ1.65

Weaker-than-expected data has led to a decline in US economic growth forecasts, with some economists now predicting a slower pace of growth than initially thought. The Atlanta Fed's GDPNow tool projects a 2.8% decline in the first quarter, down from a previous projection of a 1.5% decline. Uncertainty around President Trump's tariff policy appears to be weighing on business activity, particularly in the manufacturing sector.

TSMC Pledges to Spend $100B on US Chip Facilities Δ1.52

TSMC aims to invest at least $100 billion in chip manufacturing plants in the U.S. over the next four years as part of an effort to expand its network of semiconductor factories. The company's cash infusion will fund the construction of several new facilities in Arizona, with TSMC previously investing around $65 billion and receiving up to $6.6 billion in grants from the CHIPS Act. This significant investment brings TSMC's total investments in the U.S. chip industry to around $165 billion.

Americans Voters Frustrated by Zelensky-Trump Oval Office Spat Δ1.70

American voters are expressing frustration with both U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following a contentious meeting at the White House that showcased significant diplomatic tensions. The incident revealed deep divisions in American public opinion regarding support for Ukraine, as some voters feel that Zelensky's approach was inappropriate while others condemned Trump's demeanor as callous and disrespectful. This fallout highlights the complexity of international relations and the varying expectations Americans hold for their leaders in times of conflict.

Military Car Insurance: What to Know and How to Find the Best Deal Δ1.57

You can get a break on car insurance rates for serving in the U.S. armed forces, but finding the best deal involves more than searching for a military car insurance discount. Assessing your needs, understanding different types of car insurance, shopping around for coverage, and choosing a company with a reputation for excellent customer service are key to winning the battle plan. By considering companies with national and overseas coverage and understanding how to handle coverage when deployed, you can navigate the complex world of military car insurance.

US to Slap Tariffs on Crop Purchases as Food Imports Balloon. Δ1.64

The US plans to impose tariffs on "external" agricultural products starting April 2, in an effort to boost American manufacturing and protect industries, despite the country's growing food imports and trade deficit. The announcement comes amid rising concerns about high prices and comes ahead of Trump's scheduled primetime address to Congress, where he may discuss his tariff plans. This move could have significant implications for global food markets, particularly those reliant on US agricultural exports.

The Apple Vision Pro's Spatial Computing Future Takes Shape Δ1.52

The Vision Pro's spatial computing capabilities are rapidly expanding with new apps, including the highly-anticipated Spatial Gallery and the web. However, these innovations also raise questions about the ecosystem's direction and user experience. The App Store's presence on the Vision Pro is a significant development in its growth as a platform.

The Rise of Agentic Browsing: Opera's AI-Powered Browser Technology Takes Center Stage Δ1.53

Opera's newest AI feature, Browser Operator, allows users to assign shopping tasks to the browser, which then autonomously researches and executes those tasks. This "agentic browsing" technology enables users to prompt the browser with tasks like finding products to buy or booking hotels, and the browser will take care of the rest. Opera claims that this technology is a "paradigm shift for browsers," as it empowers users to delegate tasks to the browser itself.

Google Releases SpeciesNet, an AI Model Designed to Identify Wildlife Δ1.53

Google has open-sourced an AI model, SpeciesNet, designed to identify animal species by analyzing photos from camera traps. Researchers around the world use camera traps — digital cameras connected to infrared sensors — to study wildlife populations. But while these traps can provide valuable insights, they generate massive volumes of data that take days to weeks to sift through.

Russo Brothers' The Electric State Unveils Stunning Trailer for Netflix Original Film Δ1.52

Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt star in the Netflix original film The Electric State, with Anthony and Joe Russo directing from a graphic novel by Swedish artist/designer Simon Stålenhag. The movie follows a teen girl named Michelle who must travel across the country with her robot companion to find her long-lost brother, while being pursued by a federal agent. The Electric State was initially intended for a theatrical release but was later bought by Netflix due to Universal's decision not to give it a release.

White House Seeks Plan for Possible Russia Sanctions Relief, Sources Say. Δ1.66

The White House is drafting a plan to potentially ease Russian sanctions as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to restore ties with Moscow and stop the war in Ukraine. The proposal aims to lift sanctions on select entities and individuals, including some Russian oligarchs, under certain conditions. A potential deal could involve economic cooperation between Russia and the US, but the specifics of the relief and what Washington seeks in return are still unclear.

US Chips Act Office Loses Two-Fifths of Staff to Trump Purge Δ1.64

The US government office responsible for the $52 billion chip subsidy program will lose nearly a third of its staff due to President Donald Trump's purge of federal workers. The office, which oversees a marquee manufacturing spending program, has seen around 20 employees accept voluntary deferred resignations and another 40 probationary employees face termination. This reduction threatens to hamper the implementation of the Chips and Science Act, a bipartisan law signed by President Joe Biden in 2022.

Bolivia Bus Crash Claims At Least 31 Lives. Δ1.50

A truck traveling on a highway in southern Bolivia collided with a bus early on Monday morning, forcing the bus off the road and killing at least 31 people, police said. First responders worked to reach the site of the accident, where they found a destroyed bus that had rolled down a ravine after the collision. The driver of the truck has been arrested, while the cause of the accident is currently under investigation.

European Stocks Beating the S&P 500 This Year. Δ1.58

European equities have outperformed U.S. stocks by the widest margin since 2000, according to a recent report from Morgan Stanley, driven by optimism about economic stabilization and increased fiscal stimulus. European stocks have rallied on hopes that increased defense spending and an end to the war in Ukraine could stimulate growth. The group's recent forward price-to-earnings ratio is well below American stocks', encouraging investors to turn to Europe for better returns.

Trump Alerts American Farmers to External Tariffs April 2. Δ1.63

President Donald Trump's announcement of impending U.S. tariffs on "external product" has significant implications for America's farmers, who must now adapt their sales strategies to domestic markets. This shift is likely to result in increased domestic production and potentially alter the global agricultural trade landscape. As a result, American farmers will need to reassess their business models and invest in domestic infrastructure.

Sunnova’s 71% Stock Plunge Heralds US Solar State of ‘Chaos’. Δ1.59

Sunnova Energy International Inc. experienced a dramatic 71% decline in its stock value amid warnings about its potential inability to continue operations, reflecting mounting pressures on the U.S. solar industry. This downturn follows similar concerns from other major solar players, such as First Solar and Sunrun, who are grappling with customer delays and stagnant installation volumes. The current landscape is characterized by uncertainty, driven by high interest rates, reduced state incentives, and policy shifts under the Trump administration that threaten the future of solar energy investments.

Meta's New Smart Glasses Come with Some Much-Needed Upgrades to Their Battery and Sensors. Δ1.51

Meta has unveiled the Aria Gen 2 smart glasses, designed primarily for AI and robotics researchers, featuring significant enhancements in battery life and sensor technology. These advancements, including eye tracking cameras and a heart-rate sensor, hint at promising features that could be integrated into Meta's upcoming consumer glasses, potentially enhancing user experience and functionality. While the consumer versions are still awaited, the upgrades in the Aria Gen 2 raise expectations for improved performance in future iterations of Meta’s smart eyewear.