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FT News Briefing

The Fed ignores Trump’s calls to cut rates

Jan 30, 2025
Big Tech is making waves with impressive earnings, yet concerns linger over future revenue. The Federal Reserve holds steady on interest rates, resisting pressure from Trump, emphasizing its independence. Meanwhile, Syria is seeking reparations from Russia, adding to geopolitical tensions. Activist short-selling is on the decline, raising questions about market dynamics and integrity. Dive into the financial landscape as these stories unfold!
10:38

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Tech earnings reports reveal contrasting performances as Microsoft struggles while Meta thrives with a nearly 50% net income increase.
  • The decline of activist short selling highlights challenges in exposing corporate fraud, raising concerns over unchecked practices in the financial market.

Deep dives

Mixed Results in Tech Earnings

Tech earnings reports revealed contrasting performances, with Microsoft experiencing a 10% year-over-year revenue increase but falling short in cloud computing sales, leading to a more than 5% drop in its share price post-report. In contrast, Meta's net income surged by nearly 50%, surpassing expectations thanks to its investments in AI for targeted ads and recommendations, resulting in a modest uptick in its stock price. This divergence highlights the varying success of major tech companies in navigating market demands and investor expectations. The tech industry's overall mixed performance underscores the ongoing challenges and shifts within the sector.

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