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.
DeepSeek's emergence has intensified concerns in the U.S. market about potential shifts in AI dominance away from American tech firms.
The competitive AI landscape between the U.S. and China evokes parallels to the arms race, highlighting national security and economic strategy implications.
Deep dives
The Impact of AI on the American Economy
DeepSeek, an AI tool developed in China, has created significant turmoil in the U.S. stock market, especially following its increased public attention. Investors have grown anxious over its potential to disrupt the market dynamics that currently favor major American tech companies. DeepSeek has positioned itself as a cost-effective alternative to established AI models from companies like OpenAI, raising questions about the sustainability of the ongoing investments in AI technologies. This sudden shelf life of fear reflects the broader uncertainties surrounding AI's implementation and profitability in the American economy.
NVIDIA's Dilemmas Amidst AI Advancements
The introduction of DeepSeek has sparked complex discussions regarding NVIDIA, a leading chip manufacturer for AI technology. Some analysts suggest that if DeepSeek proves to be a sufficient tool for various AI applications, it could reduce reliance on advanced NVIDIA chips, which would negatively impact their business. Conversely, there's a belief that if AI continues to develop towards artificial general intelligence (AGI), the demand for NVIDIA's chips might amplify as companies strive to leverage these advancements. This dichotomy illustrates the differing perspectives between financial markets and tech industry visions, creating uncertainty for investors.
The Arms Race for Technological Supremacy
The current AI landscape has set the stage for a competitive race between the U.S. and China, with significant implications for national security and economic strategy. Politicians, including President Trump, view the advancement of AI technologies as a vital endeavor, fostering initiatives that enhance computing capabilities and infrastructure investments. This urgency parallels the nuclear arms race, where the imperative of achieving technological superiority leads to accelerated funding and innovation. The implications of AI extend beyond corporate profits to societal expectations, as technological progress is intertwined with national pride and future success.
This week, a Chinese-made AI model called DeepSeek shot to the top of the Apple Store downloads – it stunned investors and sunk some tech stock. DeepSeek claims it was built at a fraction of the cost of American leading models. Chip-making giant Nvidia shed almost £482bn of its market value as a result.
What is DeepSeek, and what does it have to do with US-China relations? Freddy Gray is joined by Joe Weisenthal to explain exactly what’s happened with the AI platform DeepSeek, why it has sparked chaos in the US markets, and how it raises questions about the future of AI globally.
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