The acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS raises concerns about the stability and ripple effects within the banking sector.
Amazon's repeated layoffs indicate the company's pursuit to enhance efficiency and sustainability amidst a challenging business landscape.
Deep dives
Credit Suisse acquisition by UBS raises concerns about global banking stability
The recent acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS, orchestrated by Swiss regulators, highlights concerns about the stability of the global banking industry. While these banks may not have received much attention previously, the size and influence of this deal has investors questioning the potential ripple effects and the overall health of the banking sector. The situation is seen as a train wreck in slow motion, with the uncertainty making it difficult for investors to predict when and how the situation will be resolved. The regulators' efforts to instill confidence through balance sheet strengthening measures may inadvertently contribute to a decrease in investor confidence. Regardless, it is clear that banking regulators are attempting to find industry solutions rather than relying on government intervention.
Amazon announces further layoffs, prompting questions about its future strategy
Amazon's recent announcement of another round of layoffs, adding to the previous 18,000 job cuts, raises concerns about the company's future direction and decision-making. While layoffs are generally disliked by leaders, employees, and investors alike, they are often necessary to eliminate bloat and improve business efficiency. The current job cuts at Amazon are primarily impacting its AWS, advertising, and Twitch divisions. As the business landscape becomes more challenging, companies like Amazon will need to focus more on fundamentals and make difficult decisions to ensure sustainability and profitability. It remains to be seen how many more rounds of layoffs Amazon will undergo before finding the right balance in its workforce.
Banking regulations, deposit insurance, and the impact on bank runs
The recent events in the banking industry have prompted discussions about the definition of money, bank runs, and the role of deposit insurance. One key observation is how the government's decision to backstop deposits expands the definition of a dollar. Historically, the meaning of a dollar was tied to gold or paper notes, but now it extends to insured bank accounts. The government's tacit guarantee on deposits, although not explicitly acknowledged, has become apparent, leading to questions about the necessity of deposit insurance and the stability of the banking system. The recent bank failures, like Silicon Valley Bank, have exposed vulnerabilities and highlighted the need for clearer regulations and insurance policies to protect depositors. The government's ad hoc approach to regulation and changing rules on the fly contributes to uncertainty and undermines confidence in the banking sector.
(0:21) Jason Moser discusses: - UBS buying Credit Suisse for $3.2 billion - The ripple effects of everyone checking with their bank - Why Amazon's latest layoff announcement has him looking at the revenue-per-employee metric
(13:58) Ricky Mulvey catches up with Jacob Goldstein, host of the podcast "What's Your Problem?" to talk about bank runs, why they happen, and how businesses could potentially prepare for them.
Companies discussed: UBS, CS, AMZN, SIVB
Host: Chris Hill Guests: Jason Moser, Jacob Goldstein Producer: Ricky Mulvey Engineers: Dan Boyd