Core Viewpoint - Nvidia plans to invest "several hundred billion" dollars in semiconductor and electronics manufacturing in the US over the next four years, reflecting a shift in its supply chain strategy due to geopolitical factors and tariff threats [1][2]. Group 1: Investment and Manufacturing Strategy - Nvidia's CEO, Jensen Huang, stated that the company will procure approximately half a trillion dollars worth of electronics over the next four years, with a significant portion manufactured in the US [2]. - The company's shift is influenced by the "America First" policy, prompting Nvidia to reconsider its global operations despite being one of the world's most valuable companies [2][3]. - Recent investments, including a $100 billion commitment from TSMC, have facilitated the production of Nvidia's Blackwell chips in the US, enhancing supply chain resilience [7]. Group 2: Market Position and Competition - Nvidia has been a key player in the AI market boom, with its valuation reaching $2.9 trillion, but it has become increasingly reliant on Taiwanese chipmaking facilities, which are vulnerable to geopolitical tensions [3][4]. - Huang expressed confidence in Nvidia's ability to manage potential disruptions in Taiwan, emphasizing a diversified supply chain [4]. - The competitive landscape includes formidable companies like Huawei, which have thrived despite US efforts to constrain them, highlighting the challenges faced by US tech firms [5]. Group 3: Regulatory Environment and Energy Needs - Huang noted the importance of having supportive government policies for the success of the AI industry in the US, particularly regarding energy supply for data centers [6].

Google has agreed to pay $28m (£22m) to settle a class action lawsuit claiming that it favoured white and Asian employees by paying them more and putting them on higher career tracks than other workers.The accord with Google, a unit of Alphabet, won preliminary approval last week from Judge Charles Adams of the Santa Clara county superior court in California.He called the settlement fair, reasonable and “a good result for the class” of at least 6,632 Google employees in California between 15 February 2018 a ...

Hundreds of people protested at Tesla dealerships across the US over the weekend, as the backlash against Elon Musk and the Trump administration continued despite a warning from the attorney general that the government would be “coming after” protesters.The protests, in cities including Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Boston and New York, have come as Musk has seen his net worth plunge and the sales of Teslas plummet in Europe. In Brooklyn, New York, about 50 people gathered outside a Tesla showroom on Saturday ...

Core Viewpoint - The investment community is concerned about Elon Musk's involvement in political activities, particularly regarding federal spending cuts, which may negatively impact Tesla's stock performance and investor sentiment [2][5][6]. Company Insights - Investment manager Christopher Tsai, whose firm manages approximately $137 million, has significant investments in Tesla and has expressed hope that Musk's political involvement is temporary, allowing him to focus on his businesses [2][4]. - Despite recent stock market downturns, Tsai Capital has seen a return of more than six times its initial investment in Tesla since February 2020, indicating strong long-term confidence in the company's potential [3]. - Tsai views Tesla as a creator of advanced electronics and software rather than a traditional automotive manufacturer, suggesting a belief in its long-term value and growth trajectory [4]. Market Reaction - The stock market has reacted negatively to Musk's political activities, with a notable decline in Tesla's stock price, which fell over 15% amid public protests and vandalism at dealerships [7]. - A CNN poll indicated that 53% of Americans disapprove of Musk, reflecting a significant public backlash against his recent actions [7].

Core Viewpoint - Tesla has expressed concerns that Donald Trump's trade war could lead to retaliatory tariffs affecting the electric vehicle market, which would also impact other automotive manufacturers in the US [1][3]. Group 1: Tesla's Position on Trade - Tesla supports fair trade and urges the US Trade Representative (USTR) to consider the downstream impacts of proposed trade actions [2][3]. - The company highlights that US exporters face disproportionate impacts when other countries respond to US trade actions, citing past instances where tariffs on electric vehicles were increased in response to US tariffs [3]. Group 2: Impact of Tariffs - The EU and Canada have announced significant retaliatory measures against US tariffs on steel and aluminum, while the UK has not yet announced any countermeasures [4]. - Tesla's share price has dropped by over one-third in the past month due to concerns about potential backlash against Elon Musk's political affiliations and actions [5]. Group 3: Recommendations for Trade Actions - Tesla recommends that the USTR consider the timeline of implementation for any trade actions, advocating for a phased approach to allow US companies to prepare and ensure compliance [7].

Group 1 - Intel's shares surged nearly 15% following the appointment of Lip-Bu Tan as CEO, a decision welcomed by Wall Street [1] - Tan's primary challenge will be to revive Intel's fortunes after the company missed the AI-driven semiconductor boom and faced significant market share losses in data centers and PCs [2][4] - Over the past five years, Intel's stock has lost about 60% of its value, contrasting sharply with the performance of the Nasdaq Composite Index and S&P 500, which have both more than doubled during the same period [2] Group 2 - Analysts believe Tan's deep relationships within the chip ecosystem could attract customers to Intel's contract manufacturing business, which is crucial for the company's turnaround [3][5] - Tan's previous experience on the Intel board and his tenure at Cadence Design Systems are seen as assets that will aid his leadership [5][6] - Despite optimism, any potential turnaround for Intel is expected to take years, with the company's market value remaining below $100 billion for the first time in three decades [7]

When moving massive metal structures from the Ohio river to its Ohio One Campus semiconductor plant 140 miles to the north, Intel took every minute detail into account.Local school bus timetables were found and worked around. Teams of linemen in white crane trucks lined up to move traffic lights out of the way of the cargo, which measured up to three-quarters the length of a football field.In 37 deliveries over the past 11 months, Intel had planned everything to a T, the final superload landing last month i ...

Core Viewpoint - Tesla's brand and sales are increasingly affected by Elon Musk's political affiliations and actions, leading to a significant decline in electric vehicle registrations in Germany and raising concerns about the company's future performance [2][3][4]. Sales Performance - Tesla's electric car registrations in Germany fell by 76% to 1,429 units last month, while overall electric vehicle registrations increased by 31% [2]. - In 2024, Tesla's sales dropped to 1.79 million, marking the first sales decline since 2011 [5]. - Analysts expect Tesla to sell over 2 million cars in 2025, but this would not represent a strong recovery compared to previous growth rates [6]. Market Perception - The proportion of new vehicle buyers considering Tesla has decreased from 22% to just under 8% since Musk's acquisition of Twitter [10]. - The percentage of potential buyers who would not consider Tesla rose from 39% to 63% during the same period [10]. - Among Tesla owners, the percentage identifying as Democrats has fallen from 40% to 29%, indicating a shift in the brand's consumer base [11]. Brand Image and Activism - Activists have targeted Tesla, with protests and campaigns highlighting Musk's political stance, which some believe is damaging the brand's image as an environmentally friendly option [4][12]. - Analysts express concern that Musk's political involvement may alienate Tesla's core customer base, traditionally associated with liberal values [14]. Future Outlook - Some analysts remain optimistic, suggesting that Tesla's share price could rise significantly, while others warn of a potential decline due to Musk's political associations [7][8]. - Tesla's market share in the UK has decreased from 14% to 11% in early 2025, indicating increased competition from new electric vehicle models [19]. - In China, Tesla's sales of locally made EVs dropped by 49% year-on-year in February, reflecting pressure from cheaper competitors [20].

Sales of Teslas in the UK rose by more than a fifth last month as demand for battery-powered cars increased, despite the prospect of a buyer backlash over Elon Musk’s controversial and divisive behaviour since becoming a key figure in Donald Trump’s administration.Almost 4,000 Teslas were sold in the UK in February, with the Model 3 and Model Y proving the second and third most popular after the Mini Cooper, according to the latest new car registration figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Tra ...

Core Points - The US Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has dropped a legal action against Capital One, which was accused of cheating consumers out of over $2 billion in interest payments on savings accounts [1] - This dismissal reflects a broader trend of reduced enforcement actions by the CFPB under the Trump administration, including the dismissal of lawsuits against other financial entities [2] - The Trump administration aims to streamline the CFPB, which Democrats argue will be insufficient to meet the agency's legal obligations [4] Group 1 - The CFPB's dismissal of the lawsuit against Capital One indicates a significant shift in regulatory enforcement under the Trump administration [1] - The agency also dismissed a lawsuit against the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and a case against Solo Funds, highlighting a pattern of reduced enforcement actions [2] - Trump's administration has taken steps to dismantle the CFPB, including staff layoffs and office closures, which have faced legal challenges from employee unions and consumer advocates [3] Group 2 - Jonathan McKernan, Trump's nominee to head the CFPB, criticized past enforcement actions as excessive but committed to upholding the agency's legal mandates if confirmed [4] - The administration's approach suggests a focus on creating a more efficient CFPB, although this has raised concerns among Democrats regarding the agency's ability to fulfill its responsibilities [4]