Alphabet stock pops 6% in premarket trading after Google avoids break-up in antitrust case

Core Viewpoint - China is investigating Google for anti-monopoly violations following U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, while Alphabet shares rose nearly 6% as the antitrust case outcome was seen favorably by investors [1]. Group 1: Antitrust Case Developments - The U.S. Department of Justice proposed a breakup of Google, including the divestment of its Chrome browser, in an antitrust case initiated in September 2023 [2]. - Google was found to hold an illegal monopoly in internet search, but the U.S. District Judge ruled against the most severe consequences proposed by the DOJ [2]. Group 2: Implications for Google - Google will not be required to divest Chrome and can continue to make payments to companies for preloading products, but cannot have exclusive contracts tied to these payments [3]. - Google can still pay Apple billions to remain the default search engine on iPhones, maintaining its strategic partnerships [3].