

Is AI the new arms race?
Jan 29, 2025
Joe Weisenthal, co-host of Bloomberg's Odd Lots podcast and finance expert, dives into the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese-made AI model that has shaken US markets and tech valuations. He discusses how DeepSeek's low-cost development raises tensions in US-China relations. The conversation explores AI's evolution, the economic implications of this tech arms race, and the challenges of internet censorship that affect AI reasoning. Weisenthal highlights the significant energy demands of AI, adding another layer to the geopolitical landscape.
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DeepSeek's Disruption
- DeepSeek's cheapness and efficacy challenge the high costs of U.S. AI models.
- This raises concerns about U.S. competitiveness and market stability.
Market Mania and NVIDIA
- The market reacted negatively to DeepSeek, impacting NVIDIA's stock value.
- This despite DeepSeek potentially increasing demand for NVIDIA's chips.
DeepSeek's Origins
- DeepSeek's origins in a Chinese hedge fund suggest potential repurposing of resources.
- This raises questions about the interplay between finance, technology, and national strategy.