Facebook and Instagram parent company Meta on Wednesday said it will begin to show advertising on its Threads micro-blogging service to all users globally starting next week. "With ads on Threads, businesses can authentically join this conversation while finding new ways to connect with the people most interested in their business," the company wrote in a blog. Wall Street analysts expect Threads to become a significant revenue driver for Meta as the company monetizes the platform. The company is set to rep ...

Group 1: AI Impact on Economy and Capital Markets - Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents both significant opportunities and threats to the economy and capital markets, with the potential to enhance productivity and create new industries while also posing risks of labor displacement [2][6][8] - In 2025, AI-related companies like NVIDIA, Palantir, and Alphabet saw substantial stock gains, indicating strong market interest and investment in AI technologies [4][12] - AI's ability to automate tasks and improve efficiency could lead to a productivity boost, which is crucial for economic growth, especially in aging economies [6][7] Group 2: Market Valuations and Concentration - The S&P 500 Index shows a high concentration, with the top ten companies accounting for nearly 40% of the index, raising concerns about overvaluation and lack of diversification for investors [11][12][13] - The average price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio for the top ten S&P 500 companies is significantly higher than historical averages, suggesting that these stocks may be overvalued [12][15] - Elevated valuations could lead to lower future returns, as higher purchase prices for earnings result in diminished return on investment [15] Group 3: Financing and Investment Risks - AI companies are engaging in vendor financing arrangements, creating a feedback loop where investments are made based on projected growth, which raises concerns about sustainability and profitability [16][17] - The reliance on private credit markets for financing AI initiatives has increased, with many companies borrowing significant amounts, which could lead to risks if these companies fail to generate expected revenues [18][19] - The mismatch between the rapid evolution of technology and the long-term nature of private credit loans poses additional risks, as companies may struggle to keep up with advancements while repaying older debts [20][21] Group 4: Global Investment Opportunities - Despite concerns in the US market, there are attractive investment opportunities in undervalued assets globally, particularly in emerging markets and specific sectors like technology and healthcare [24][25] - Emerging markets are benefiting from positive demographics and structural growth, making them compelling investment options compared to developed markets [25] - The potential for a weaker dollar could further enhance the attractiveness of non-US investments, providing a hedge against domestic economic challenges [24]

Core Viewpoint - The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is appealing a previously dismissed antitrust lawsuit against Meta, but the appeal is undermined by historical context and current market dynamics [2][3]. Group 1: Historical Context of Acquisitions - Facebook acquired Instagram for $1 billion in 2012 and WhatsApp for $19 billion in 2014, which the FTC claims were anticompetitive actions to maintain a monopoly in social networking [3]. - The total expenditure of $20 billion for these acquisitions raises questions about the validity of the FTC's claims regarding monopoly power [4]. - Following the acquisitions, Facebook's stock actually declined, indicating that investors did not perceive these purchases as indicative of monopoly status [5][6]. Group 2: Current Market Dynamics - In 2025, Meta invested over $70 billion in data centers, which contradicts the notion of a monopoly that would not need to invest heavily to protect its market position [7][8]. - The concept of monopolies is challenged by the fact that they typically do not face competition, and thus would not require such significant expenditures to maintain their business [8]. - The technology sector has evolved significantly since the introduction of ChatGPT in late 2022, leading to substantial investments aimed at adapting to a rapidly changing landscape [9][10]. Group 3: Weakness of the FTC's Case - The FTC's original lawsuit in 2020 was already weak, and the appeal in 2026 is considered even weaker due to the changing dynamics in the technology sector and Meta's substantial investments [9][10].

Group 1: Earnings Reports and Expectations - The first Big Tech earnings of the year will begin with Intel reporting results, with a focus on AI monetization and spending from major companies like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta [1] - Investors are particularly interested in PC chip sales from AMD and Intel, which may benefit from Microsoft's end of support for Windows 10, although a global memory shortage could negatively impact sales outlooks [2] - Apple's earnings are anticipated to show solid growth driven by strong iPhone sales in Q4, while Nvidia's future in China remains uncertain as it seeks to reestablish its business in a key AI market [3] Group 2: AI Spending and Capital Expenditures - Major AI spenders include Amazon, Google, Meta, and Microsoft, with their earnings results expected to influence AI companies across the market [6] - Amazon plans to invest $125 billion in data centers by 2025, with even higher spending anticipated in 2026 [6] - Google has raised its 2025 capital expenditures forecast to between $91 billion and $93 billion, up from $85 billion, with significant increases expected in 2026 [7] - Meta has also increased its 2025 capital expenditures projection to between $70 billion and $72 billion, with total expenses expected to grow at a faster rate in 2026, driven by infrastructure costs and employee compensation [7][8]

Core Insights - Super Micro Computer (SMCI) and Meta Platforms (META) are key players in the AI infrastructure supply chain, with SMCI focusing on high-performance servers and META acting as a hyperscale consumer of AI compute [1][2] Group 1: SMCI Overview - SMCI provides end-to-end AI rack-scale systems that integrate compute, networking, storage, and liquid cooling for AI data centers, utilizing advanced chips from NVIDIA and AMD [3] - The company has introduced Data Center Building Block Solutions (DCBBS) to facilitate rapid scaling for AI data centers, which is gaining traction [4] - SMCI is expanding its production facilities globally, diversifying into client, edge, and consumer AI markets, and aims for $36 billion in revenues by fiscal 2026, reflecting a 64% year-over-year growth [5][6] Group 2: SMCI Challenges - Rapid expansion has led to inventory accumulation, with first-quarter fiscal 2026 closing inventory at $5.7 billion, up from $4.7 billion, and a cash conversion cycle increase from 96 days to 123 days [7] - The company reported negative free cash flow of $950 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with earnings growth estimates revised downward [7][8] Group 3: META Overview - META is heavily investing in AI infrastructure, including custom chips and large clusters to support its applications, with 79% of its total expenses in 2024 directed towards data centers and technical infrastructure [9][10] - The company is developing custom chips for AI workloads and consolidating smaller models into larger, more efficient ones, with significant capital expenditures projected between $70-$72 billion for 2025 [11][12] Group 4: META Growth Projections - META's AI scaling efforts include the development of a one-gigawatt Prometheus cluster and a five-gigawatt Hyperion cluster expected to launch in 2028, with revenue and earnings growth estimates for 2026 at 18% and 31%, respectively [12] - Recent earnings estimates for META have been revised upward, indicating positive market sentiment [12] Group 5: Stock Performance and Valuation - Over the past six months, shares of SMCI and META have decreased by 37% and 14.3%, respectively [13] - SMCI is trading at a forward Price to Sales ratio of 0.46X, while META is at 6.42X, both below their historical medians [15] Group 6: Conclusion - SMCI is experiencing rapid growth driven by AI infrastructure demand but faces challenges with working capital intensity and negative cash flow [16] - META's long-term investments in AI infrastructure and improved technology position it favorably against SMCI, with both companies currently holding a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [16]

Group 1 - Oklo has formed a significant partnership with Meta Platforms to supply power for its data centers, which is highlighted as one of the few firm, binding agreements currently in place according to BofA Securities [1]

【导读】特朗普改口，市场暴涨 中国基金报记者 泰勒 大家好，今晚好消息，涨跌全看特朗普，外围市场全线大涨了！ 一起看看发生了什么事情。 1月21日晚间，美股三大指数高开高走，道指涨约500点，纳斯达克指数涨超1%，标普500指数也涨超 1%。 尽管特朗普排除了军事行动，但他仍表示，他正在"寻求立即谈判，再次讨论由美国收购格陵兰的事 宜"。 特朗普还在达沃斯讲话中表示，他将要求国会落实其提出的10%信用卡利率上限方案。鉴于国会内部支 持不足，这一前景仍不确定。该表态推动美股银行股上涨。 此外，美国财长贝森特周三在达沃斯对记者表示，特朗普政府"并不担心"前一交易日的抛售。 分析师表示，关键不在于特朗普说了什么，而在于他没有说什么。"他没有重申对欧洲的关税威胁；他 没有说政府会动用武力夺取格陵兰；他也没有说要给信用卡利率设上限，而是让国会去做。这更像是在 降低实质内容的烈度，尽管风格仍然是典型的特朗普"。 摩根大通资产管理的Bob Michele表示，周二市场的抛售是在向特朗普政府传递信息：需要采取行动恢 复秩序，就像去年"解放日"关税扰动投资者之后，官员们所做的那样。 在特朗普对世界经济论坛表示他不会以武力收购格 ...

【导读】特朗普改口，市场暴涨 中国基金报记者 泰勒 大家好，今晚好消息，涨跌全看特朗普，外围市场全线大涨了！ 一起看看发生了什么事情。 1月21日晚间，美股三大指数高开高走，道指涨约500点，纳斯达克指数涨超1%，标普500指数也涨超1%。 在特朗普对世界经济论坛表示他不会以武力收购格陵兰之后，股市上涨，市场对这一问题的担忧缓解；此前该担忧曾扰动市场并引发资金 撤离美国资产。 特朗普在达沃斯的讲话中谈到，他认为美国在北约承担了财政和军事负担。以下这段话提振了股市： 特朗普还在达沃斯讲话中表示，他将要求国会落实其提出的10%信用卡利率上限方案。鉴于国会内部支持不足，这一前景仍不确定。该表 态推动美股银行股上涨。 此外，美国财长贝森特周三在达沃斯对记者表示，特朗普政府"并不担心"前一交易日的抛售。 分析师表示，关键不在于特朗普说了什么，而在于他没有说什么。"他没有重申对欧洲的关税威胁；他没有说政府会动用武力夺取格陵 兰；他也没有说要给信用卡利率设上限，而是让国会去做。这更像是在降低实质内容的烈度，尽管风格仍然是典型的特朗普" 。 摩根大通资产管理的Bob Michele表示，周二市场的抛售是在向特朗普政府传递信息 ...

Meta’s new artificial intelligence lab has reportedly delivered its first AI models internally.By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.Andrew Bosworth, the company’s chief technology officer, told Reuters W ...

Upgrades Summary - Susquehanna upgraded Arm (ARM) to Positive from Neutral with an unchanged price target of $150, citing recent downgrades from competitors and significant underperformance as an "excellent setup" for investors [2] - BNP Paribas upgraded Seagate (STX) to Outperform from Neutral with a price target of $380, expressing greater conviction that "robust" data center storage demand could lead to a longer upcycle than initially expected [2] - Raymond James upgraded Ulta Beauty (ULTA) to Strong Buy from Outperform with a price target increase to $790 from $605, anticipating "outsized growth" in fiscal 2026 following heavy investments [2] - Northcoast upgraded Advance Auto Parts (AAP) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $55, highlighting "healthy" demand trends and performance improvements into 2026, along with a strategic decision to sell Worldpac and focus on core retail [2] - BofA upgraded Oklo (OKLO) to Buy from Neutral with a price target raised to $127 from $111, following a binding agreement with Meta (META) to develop a phased 1.2 GW advanced nuclear campus [2]