$ASML provides further positive outlook. AI seems very apparently real. With companies like $PLTR making real money. Buffett is not a tech guy, but he bet on $AAPL once he could link the tech to value of the consumer product. Perhaps he could bet big one day when AI becomes a thing thing.
• Trump Sends Shock Waves Through Washington With Gaetz Pick
The House ethics investigation of Matt Gaetz for sexual misconduct involving minors and illicit drug use to abruptly end.
• How China Capitalized on U.S. Indifference in Latin America
Xi is currently touring LATAM. China constructs infrastructure including ports in the area, and imports various commodities such as lithium, crude oil, iron ore and soybeans.
• How Beijing Took Control of Hong Kong’s Financial Hub—and Left the West Behind
Hong Kong has turned more Chinese, with head of HKEX presenting in Mandarin, foreign banks’ presence diminishing, banking service focused on servicing Chinese riches, Chinese customers replacing western customer in bars.
• New Starbucks CEO Scouted Cafes Before Taking Over: What He’s Tackling First
New CEO Brian Niccol to trim menu and drink customization, shrink discounts. Delivering good coffee faster, comfortable seats and handwritten names on cups will be the priority.
• Trump Wins Republican Trifecta as GOP Retains House Majority
• What Can Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency Actually Do?
DOGE is not a Department as it can only be created or dismantled by Congress. Musk’s SpaceX contracts with the government could complicate his position. Americans to stayed tuned to Musk’s posts online.
• How Bluesky, the Rival of Elon Musk’s X, Is Seizing the Moment
The Twitter founder Jack Dorsey created Bluesky, provides optional feeds based on one’s interest alongside the traditional follow-based feed. The platform gained attraction from people who moved away from X.
• Xi’s Key Players to Lead China in Another Trump Trade Fight
• Europe Seeks Last-Minute Support From Biden to Help Ukraine
Secretary of State Anthony Blinken rushes to Brussels on Wednesday to reassure EU allies of money, ammunition, weapons through a $61b package passed by US Congress in early 2024.
• Global Oil Market Faces a Million-Barrel Glut Next Year, the IEA Says
Oil demand in China continues to swindle after a six-month streak of oil demand contraction.
• Stocks and Dollar Rise Before Data, Powell Speech: Markets Wrap
European shares rose Thursday as ASML forecasts strong outlook, and October inflation meets expectation fueling hopes of further rate cut.
