Core Insights - The article discusses the expertise of Vladimir Dimitrov, CFA, who has a background in brand and intangible assets valuation, particularly in technology, telecom, and banking sectors [1]. Group 1: Professional Background - Vladimir Dimitrov has experience as a strategy consultant and has worked with major global brands [1]. - He graduated from the London School of Economics, indicating a strong academic foundation in economics [1]. Group 2: Investment Focus - The focus is on identifying reasonably priced businesses that possess sustainable long-term competitive advantages [1].

Market Overview - The Hong Kong stock market experienced fluctuations, with the Hang Seng Index closing at 23,831 points, down 145 points or 0.61% [1] - The market turnover decreased to 82.799 billion HKD, with net inflows of 484 million HKD recorded in the Hong Kong Stock Connect [1] - The US stock market saw significant declines, with the Dow Jones dropping 1.7% to 47,457 points and the Nasdaq Composite falling 2.3% to 22,870 points [2] Company Highlights - Alibaba's stock rose over 3% amid reports of its secret project "Qwen," which aims to compete with ChatGPT [1] - Ganfeng Lithium surged over 12%, and 3SBio increased by more than 10%, indicating strong performance in the resource and pharmaceutical sectors [1] - Tencent reported an 18% year-on-year increase in adjusted net profit for the third quarter [11] Industry Insights - The report emphasizes the importance of technological self-reliance, particularly in sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and industrial software [3] - The global patent application volume is expected to rise, with China leading at 1.8 million applications, highlighting the growth potential in hard technology sectors [8] - The report suggests focusing on companies with low valuations and high dividends, particularly state-owned enterprises and those benefiting from anticipated interest rate cuts [3] Investment Recommendations - The report recommends continued attention to sectors such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and resource companies benefiting from favorable market conditions [3] - Specific companies to watch include ZTE Corporation, Baidu, and Alibaba, which are positioned to leverage advancements in AI and cloud computing [8]

Market Overview - The U.S. government has reopened after a 43-day shutdown, which had raised investor concerns and disrupted economic data flow [1] - A growing number of Federal Reserve policymakers are hesitant about further interest rate cuts, with market odds for a December reduction now near even [1][12] - Inflation concerns and signs of stability in the labor market are influencing Fed officials' views on interest rates [1][12] Stock Performance - Major tech stocks experienced significant declines, with Nvidia down 4.7%, Tesla down 7.6%, and Broadcom down 5.4% [5][12] - The S&P 500 fell 1.62% to 6,739.60 points, the Nasdaq declined 2.48% to 22,825.50 points, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased 1.38% to 47,590.87 points [6][12] - Eight of the eleven S&P 500 sector indexes declined, with information technology leading the drop at 2.74% [6][12] Sector Rotation - Cisco Systems saw a rally of about 5% after raising its full-year profit and revenue forecasts, indicating strong demand for networking equipment [7][12] - There is a noticeable market rotation away from technology stocks, with the S&P 500 value index gaining approximately 1.4% this week, while the growth index dipped 0.7% [7][12] - Walt Disney's shares tumbled 7.7% amid concerns over a prolonged dispute with YouTube TV regarding cable channel distribution [8][12] Employment Data - Recent data from ADP indicated that private employers shed over 11,000 jobs weekly through late October, and retail-related job postings dropped by 16% year-over-year in October, suggesting ongoing labor market weakness [8][12] Rate Cut Expectations - Traders are currently pricing in a 47% chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut in December, a decrease from the previous week's 70% probability [9][12] Company-Specific Developments - APA Corp gained 3.2% following reports that Spain's Repsol is considering a reverse merger of its upstream unit with potential partners [9][12] - Memory device manufacturers Western Digital and SanDisk saw declines of 3.1% and 10.7%, respectively, after Kioxia Holdings reported lower sales and profits [9][12] Market Dynamics - Declining stocks outnumbered rising ones in the S&P 500 by a ratio of 1.8-to-one, with the S&P 500 posting 15 new highs and 6 new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 51 new highs and 178 new lows [10][12]

Core Viewpoint - Disney's CEO Bob Iger expresses confidence in the application of AI to enhance the Disney+ platform, particularly in user-generated content and interactive experiences [1][3]. Group 1: AI Integration in Disney+ - Iger highlights the potential of AI to make Disney+ more appealing by allowing users to create short video content and engage with other users' creations [1]. - The company aims to leverage AI to provide a more immersive experience for Disney+ users [1][3]. Group 2: Strategic Direction and Partnerships - Following Disney's investment in Epic Games, Disney+ is expected to serve as a platform to promote Disney theme parks and gaming businesses [3]. - Disney is exploring new ways to enhance user interaction with its platform amidst the rise of user-generated content and independent creators [3]. Group 3: Intellectual Property Concerns - Disney has concerns regarding AI potentially infringing on its intellectual property, as evidenced by a lawsuit against AI company Midjourney for unauthorized use of its works [3]. - Iger emphasizes the need for agreements to protect intellectual property rights through industry collaboration and company efforts [4]. Group 4: AI Efficiency and Data Utilization - Iger notes the potential of AI to improve efficiency in production processes and company operations, as well as to enhance data collection and analysis [3]. - Disney is in discussions with several AI companies to both protect its intellectual property and enhance user engagement [3].

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market experienced a significant decline, with major indices falling sharply due to heavy selling of key technology stocks, including AI leader Nvidia, amid a drop in interest rate cut expectations from the Federal Reserve [1][5]. - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 797.60 points (1.65%) to 47,457.22, the Nasdaq dropped by 536.10 points (2.29%) to 22,870.36, and the S&P 500 decreased by 113.43 points (1.66%) to 6,737.49 [5]. Federal Reserve and Economic Data - Following a record 43-day government shutdown, the U.S. government resumed operations, which had previously raised investor concerns and disrupted economic data releases [2]. - The Federal Reserve officials have shown hesitation regarding further interest rate cuts, with market expectations for a December cut dropping to nearly 50% from 70% [2][5]. - Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester emphasized the need for a restrictive interest rate policy to address ongoing inflation concerns [3]. - San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly stated it is too early to determine if a rate cut is warranted at the December meeting [4]. Sector Performance - In the S&P 500, the consumer discretionary sector fell by 2.73%, and the information technology sector declined by 2.37%, while the energy sector was the only one to gain, rising by 0.31% [6]. - Among industry ETFs, the semiconductor ETF dropped by 3.01%, and various technology-related ETFs fell between 2.55% and 2% [6]. Notable Stock Movements - Major tech stocks mostly declined, with Nvidia down 3.58%, Google A down 2.84%, Amazon down 2.71%, and Microsoft down 1.54%, while Meta saw a slight increase of 0.14% [7]. - Tesla experienced a significant drop of 6.64% due to a recall of approximately 10,500 Powerwall 2 battery systems over safety concerns [8]. - Cisco saw a notable increase of 4.6% after raising its full-year profit and revenue forecasts, benefiting from strong demand for network equipment in AI data centers [9]. - Disney's stock fell by 7.8% amid warnings of potential long-term channel conflicts with YouTube TV, raising concerns about its cable network cash flow [10]. - BioNTech's shares dropped by 7% as Pfizer announced plans to sell its remaining stake in the company, potentially raising about $508 million [10]. - Most Chinese concept stocks declined, with the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index down 1.59%, while Alibaba and Huya saw slight gains [10].

Market Overview - The US stock market experienced a significant decline, with the three major indices recording their largest single-day drop in over a month, primarily led by a downturn in AI stocks [3] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell by 797.6 points, closing at 47,457.22 points, a drop of 1.65%; the S&P 500 decreased by 1.66% to 6,737.49 points; and the Nasdaq Composite plummeted by 2.29% to 22,870.36 points [3] Sector Performance - All seven major tech giants faced pressure, with Microsoft down 1.54%, Amazon down 2.71%, Apple down 0.19%, Tesla down 6.64%, Nvidia down 3.58%, and Google A down 2.84%, while Meta saw a slight increase of 0.14% [3] - Among the 11 sectors in the S&P 500, 9 sectors declined, with the consumer discretionary sector leading the drop at 2.73%, followed by the information technology sector, which fell by 2.37% [3] Chinese Stocks - Chinese stocks also faced challenges, with the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index dropping by 1.59%. Baidu fell over 6%, Bilibili dropped nearly 5%, and both Xpeng Motors and NIO fell by over 3% [3] Company-Specific Developments - Cisco saw an increase of 4.6% after raising its full-year revenue and profit forecasts, benefiting from sustained demand for networking equipment [5] - Disney experienced a sharp decline of 7.8% due to warnings about a prolonged distribution dispute with YouTube TV, raising concerns about further pressures on its traditional television business [5] Commodity Prices - International oil prices rose on November 13, with WTI crude oil futures closing at $58.69 per barrel, up by $0.20 (0.34%), and Brent crude oil futures closing at $63.01 per barrel, up by $0.30 (0.48%) [5] - COMEX gold futures fell by $19.10 (0.45%), settling at $4,194.5 per ounce [5]

Stock Performance & Market Reaction - Disney shares experienced a significant drop of almost 8%, marking its worst day since April, despite reporting better-than-expected earnings but missing on revenue [1] - The market reaction is attributed to a lack of clear catalysts for streaming acceleration, which is considered the future of the company [3][4] - The stock's underperformance suggests that the market has already priced in the company's lethargy, despite a largely solid DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) business [9][10] Streaming Business & Future Strategy - There was an expectation of greater acceleration in streaming, but no clear indication of a catalyst, leading to disappointment [3][4] - Disney's CEO Bob Iger discussed Disney Plus as a platform, envisioning it as a "super app" leveraging AI to connect fans to various Disney businesses [5] - Disney needs to demonstrate successful integration of Hulu and bundling of ESPN streaming to leverage its unique position of strength across children, families, adults, and sports [6][7] - Disney Plus subscriber growth has been limited, with only 11 million subscribers a year, a portion of which are wholesale subscribers under a charter deal, unlike Netflix's previous growth of 40 million subscribers a year with 30% margins [12] - Disney did not mention engagement metrics on the earnings call, leaving uncertainty about how the company will be measured going forward [14] Financial Health & Strategic Moves - Disney is buying back $7 billion of shares, indicating an improved balance sheet after a difficult period [9] - The company has demonstrated that growth in streaming is outpacing the decline in traditional media, with the majority of engagement and revenue now coming from streaming [11]

Core Viewpoint - Disney's shares fell nearly 8%, marking its worst day since April, despite reporting better-than-expected earnings but missing revenue targets [1] Financial Performance - Disney's TV networks and movie business negatively impacted results, and the company is currently in a carriage dispute with YouTube TV [1] - The company reported an increase of 11 million subscribers for Disney Plus, but this growth is largely attributed to wholesale subscriptions under a charter deal [12] Streaming and Future Outlook - There were high expectations for acceleration in the streaming segment, which is considered the future of the company, but no clear catalyst was identified [3][4] - CEO Bob Iger discussed plans for Disney Plus to evolve into a "super app" that integrates various Disney offerings, but this did not seem to excite investors [5] - The integration of Hulu and ESPN into a cohesive streaming strategy is seen as essential for future growth, with 80% of ESPN subscribers being part of a Disney Hulu bundle [6] Market Position and Competition - Disney is noted for having a strong presence across various demographics, including children, families, and sports, but it needs to demonstrate that this will drive growth [7] - The company has shown that its streaming growth is outpacing the decline in traditional media, with the majority of engagement and revenue now coming from streaming [11] Investor Sentiment - The market reaction to Disney's earnings was viewed as an overreaction, with some analysts suggesting that the stock has been priced for a prolonged period of stagnation [8][10] - Despite challenges, Disney is in a better financial position now, including a $7 billion share buyback plan, indicating recovery from previous difficulties [9]

Core Viewpoint - Disney is actively working to finalize a deal with YouTube TV to restore access to its channels, which have been removed due to a contract dispute, causing significant revenue losses for the company [1][3][5]. Group 1: Financial Impact - Disney is reportedly losing tens of millions of dollars per week due to the ongoing carriage dispute with YouTube TV, with estimates suggesting a revenue loss of approximately $30 million per week or $4.3 million per day [3]. - A blackout lasting 14 consecutive days could result in a total revenue headwind of $60 million for Disney [3]. Group 2: Negotiation Dynamics - Disney's CEO stated that the terms being negotiated with YouTube TV are either equal to or better than those agreed upon with other large distributors, emphasizing the value Disney provides [2]. - The dispute centers around the fees Disney is seeking from YouTube TV for carrying its channels, which include popular networks like ESPN and ABC [5][7]. Group 3: Market Position and Competition - YouTube TV has expressed its commitment to advocating for "fair pricing" and has refused to agree to terms that it believes would disadvantage its subscribers [7]. - Disney has accused Google of using its market dominance to undermine competition and undercut industry-standard terms that have been successfully negotiated with other distributors [9]. Group 4: Subscriber Impact - The removal of Disney's programming from YouTube TV has been described as directly harming subscribers while benefiting Disney's own live TV products, such as Hulu + Live TV [7]. - Disney+ has also faced challenges, reportedly losing nearly 3 million subscribers following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show, indicating broader issues within Disney's content strategy [7]. Group 5: Stock Market Reaction - Following the news of the dispute and its implications, Disney's stock fell nearly 8% [11].

Market Overview - On November 13, U.S. stock indices opened lower, with the Nasdaq index dropping over 1% at one point, although the decline narrowed by the time of reporting [1] - Chinese concept stocks surged, with the Wind Chinese Technology Leaders Index rising over 1% [1] Key Stock Movements - Disney's stock fell over 8% after the company reported Q4 FY2025 earnings that exceeded profit expectations but slightly missed revenue forecasts. Q3 revenue was $22.46 billion, below the expected $22.75 billion, while net profit was $1.44 billion, up from $564 million year-over-year [3][4] - Nvidia's stock dropped over 3% following news that Michael Burry's Scion fund disclosed short positions against Nvidia and Palantir [5][6] - Cisco's stock rose over 4% after reporting Q1 revenue of $14.88 billion, an 8% year-over-year increase, and non-GAAP earnings per share of $1.00, exceeding Wall Street expectations. Cisco raised its full-year revenue guidance to $60.2 billion to $61 billion [7] - Chinese solar company Canadian Solar saw its stock rise over 6% after reporting Q3 2025 revenue of $1.5 billion, surpassing market expectations, with Q4 revenue projected between $1.3 billion and $1.5 billion [8][9] - Alibaba's stock increased over 2% as the company secretly launched the "Qianwen" project, an AI assistant app aimed at competing with ChatGPT [10] - Beike's stock rose over 2% after reporting a total transaction volume (GTV) of 736.7 billion yuan and a net income increase of 2.1% year-over-year to 23.1 billion yuan [11]