In a fascinating discussion, Susan Schmidt, a Portfolio Manager at Exchange Capital Resources, navigates the complexities of Nippon Steel's potential $15 billion takeover of US Steel amid national security concerns. She delves into the implications this decision holds for the domestic steel industry and the contrasting opinions from management and labor unions. Additionally, Schmidt and her fellow guest touch on recent cybersecurity challenges faced by companies like American Airlines, and the rapid evolution and hype surrounding AI technology.
The potential $15 billion acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel raises national security concerns, prompting President Biden's urgent review of the deal.
American Airlines' technical issue that grounded all flights highlights the critical need for robust IT systems to prevent operational disruptions.
Deep dives
Nippon's Bid for US Steel and National Security Concerns
The proposed multi-billion dollar acquisition of US Steel by Japanese company Nippon has sparked significant debate due to national security concerns. Initially agreed upon for $15 billion, the merger is now under scrutiny by President Biden following an investigation by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. Opposition arises from the US Steelworkers Union, who express distrust in Nippon's commitments, fearing potential job losses and accusing executives of prioritizing profits over American workers. The outcome of this referral could lead to a penalty of $565 million for Nippon if the deal is blocked, highlighting the tangible stakes involved.
American Airlines Flight Disruptions Due to IT Issues
American Airlines faced major operational disruptions on a busy travel day due to a technical issue that grounded all US flights. Although the issue was corrected and systems were running again, the ripple effects of such disruptions are likely to linger as the airline grapples with the backlog of stranded passengers. Technical difficulties have plagued American Airlines before, especially during peak periods like holidays, raising concerns about the airline industry's reliance on IT systems. Moving forward, the incident underscores the importance of robust technological infrastructure in preventing future operational chaos.
Cybersecurity Woes Linked to a Faulty Update
A routine software update from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike caused widespread chaos in July, affecting millions of PCs globally and prompting major disruptions in various sectors. The faulty update resulted in a cascade of failures, including canceled medical appointments and heavily impacted travel schedules, illustrating the fragility of interconnected IT systems. As losses accumulated, totaling around $5 billion for Fortune 500 companies, lawmakers demanded accountability, leading to a testimony request from CrowdStrike's leadership. Experts emphasized the need for improved cybersecurity resilience to mitigate future risks linked to systemic vulnerabilities.
The decision over the potential $15 billion takeover by Japan's Nippon Steel has been referred to the President over National Security concerns. Joe Biden has 15 days to decide if the deal can go through.
Also, American Airlines grounds all US flights after a technical issue.
Plus James Wickham reflects on some of the biggest business and economics stories of the past year with Susan Schmidt, portfolio manager at Exchange Capital Resources in Chicago, and Bill Blain, Strategist and Head of Alternative Assets, Shard Capital, who's on England's south coast.
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