FT News Briefing Defending Europe without the US
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Feb 21, 2025 Investors are pushing for major reforms in Europe’s debt securitization market. Walmart has bounced back, boasting record revenue and expanding its e-commerce strategy to fend off Amazon. Meanwhile, Alibaba is aggressively investing in AI as it experiences significant revenue growth. An intriguing discussion arises around how Europe might need to bolster its own defense strategies if U.S. military support diminishes, prompting a reevaluation of readiness in a changing geopolitical landscape.
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EU Debt Market Reform
- Investors are urging the EU to reform its debt securitization market, currently hindered by regulations implemented after the 2008 financial crisis.
- They believe that revitalizing this market could stimulate economic growth by attracting more financing for businesses and households.
Walmart's Comeback
- Walmart faced a serious threat from Amazon a decade ago, with Amazon surpassing its market cap in 2015.
- However, Walmart has made a comeback, reporting record sales of $680 billion, highlighting its resilience and competitive strength.
Alibaba's Growth and Investment
- Alibaba reported its fastest revenue growth in over a year, with an 8% increase, leading to a stock price surge.
- CEO Eddie Wu plans to invest aggressively in cloud and AI infrastructure over the next three years, exceeding the investment of the past decade.