The Rundown

Meta scores a major legal victory, thwarting FTC plans to break up its platforms. Meanwhile, Google unveils Gemini 3, boasting impressive benchmarks and strategic rollout advantages. In retail news, Lowe's exceeds expectations while Target faces a steep sales slump, prompting a shift in strategy and leadership. The podcast dives into the implications of these shifts in big tech and retail, as well as the changing landscape of AI investment and market dynamics.

Markets are on the decline as the S&P breaches key moving averages, raising investor concerns. Meanwhile, the crypto landscape crumbles with Bitcoin facing significant losses. Home Depot struggles with a missed earnings report and a guidance cut, though online sales show some promise. A Cloudflare outage highlights the fragility of internet infrastructure, while Amir Sports shines with impressive revenue growth. Lastly, Pinkfong's Baby Shark IPO makes waves in South Korea's market.

Delve into the latest stock market shifts as investors pivot from tech to healthcare and energy sectors. Get the scoop on Buffett's strategic Google investment and its impact on the market. Novo Nordisk shakes things up by slashing obesity drug prices, aiming to broaden access against stiff competition. Plus, explore Johnson & Johnson's $3 billion acquisition to enhance its oncology pipeline. All this, while retail earnings give insights into consumer behavior and a jobs report looms ahead.

Josh Brown, CEO of Ritholtz Wealth Management and a notable finance commentator, dives deep into the current economic landscape. He explains why unchecked inflation can feel more daunting than a recession, and how the housing market significantly influences consumer sentiment. Brown also discusses the generational shift in politics, with young voters seeking solutions to affordability issues. Additionally, he highlights how economic pressures might actually boost entrepreneurship, offering a glimmer of hope amidst financial uncertainty.

Young Americans are grappling with the most challenging housing market in decades. Home prices have skyrocketed, and mortgage rates have doubled, pushing buyers' average age to 40. The episode delves into why builders have underproduced homes since 2008 and how homeowners with low mortgage rates create a 'lock-in effect' that limits inventory. While rising rents show some signs of relief, the discussion reveals that major supply increases are crucial for affordability. Political proposals like 50-year mortgages are also scrutinized as potential but inadequate solutions.

The podcast dives into the recent stock market sell-off tied to the end of a government shutdown, revealing underlying economic weaknesses. NVIDIA's upcoming earnings are highlighted as potential market catalysts. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's plans to roll back tariffs aim to ease grocery prices. Merck's $9.2 billion acquisition of Cedara is discussed for its significance in healthcare. Lastly, Michael Burry's decision to shut down his hedge fund raises eyebrows as he expresses concerns about market valuations.

The market gets a snapshot with a focus on the struggles of the Dow amid broader trends. Disney’s latest earnings reveal a dip in cable profits but a rise in streaming subscribers. Anthropic makes waves with a massive investment in data centers, while Cisco continues to thrive thanks to AI demand. Exciting news from Firefly Aerospace as they plan to resume rocket launches after setbacks. Plus, Waymo rolls out driverless highway rides, marking a new era in transportation!

In the latest discussion, AMD showcases its ambitious AI growth plans, citing a remarkable 35% revenue increase and a strategic challenge to Nvidia. On Running surprises with a 25% sales boost and an optimistic full-year outlook, while deciding against holiday discounts. Meanwhile, Oklo experiences a stock rally despite ongoing losses, driven by interest in modular reactors. The episode also highlights a bullish sentiment among CEOs, suggesting a potential economic upswing.

This episode dives into Tesla's dramatic plunge in China sales, battling fierce local competition. The discussion shifts to CoreWeave's optimistic performance contrasted with troubling construction delays impacting their outlook. Paramount's strategic plan emerges, highlighting a significant cost-cutting initiative and a potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. Lastly, the episode examines SoftBank's surprising move to sell its entire NVIDIA stake while focusing investments on AI development. Tune in for insights on market reactions and strategic shifts!

The podcast delves into the recent downturn in tech stocks, with particular emphasis on concerns regarding hefty AI infrastructure investments lacking clear returns. There's a discussion about TSMC's revenue slowdown raising alarms over cooling AI chip demand, alongside big tech's ambitious $400 billion AI spending plans. OpenAI's pursuit of expanded tax credits for AI data centers sparks debate, while Rumble's acquisition of Northern Data aims to secure a massive GPU supply. Lastly, Pfizer's aggressive bid for MetSera and the potential fallout for rewards programs are also highlighted.