Squawk on the Street Stakes and the Chips, Palantir Hits Bear Territory, Target Picks a New CEO 8/20/25
35 snips
Aug 20, 2025 The podcast dives into the declining tech sector, especially semiconductor stocks amid potential government equity stakes. Palantir experiences a bear market drop, while Target struggles post-CEO transition amid sluggish sales. Discussions highlight the forthcoming Google Pixel launch and its AI enhancements. Retail investor trends impacting stock fluctuations are examined, along with the increasing energy demands of data centers. Insights into the effects of electricity rates on consumer behavior and AI-backed stocks versus traditional funds round out the conversation.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Government Stakes Rattle Chip Sector
- Reports that the U.S. may take equity stakes in CHIPS-funded chipmakers create market uncertainty for semiconductor stocks.
- Michael Santoli says this question "mushrooms" into broader issues about government ownership when public funds are involved.
Equity Conversion Would Dilute Recipients
- Converting CHIPS grants into equity would dilute recipients and complicate fundraising for companies like Intel.
- David Faber notes Intel needs more capital and is already discussing discounted private equity infusions.
Uncertainty, Not Immediate Discounts
- Talk of government equity stakes has created market flux without yet forcing broad valuation discounts on affected firms.
- Mike Santoli says the uncertainty keeps investors "off balance" even if immediate discounts aren't applied.