Amazon announces 30,000 corporate job cuts, Berkshire stock downgraded to Underperform

Market Overview - US stock markets are experiencing a rally, with the Dow up 271 points, S&P 500 up 1%, and NASDAQ up 1.7% [1][2] - The tech sector is leading the gains, particularly semiconductor stocks, with Qualcomm up over 11% [7][8] - The bond market shows the 10-year Treasury yield flat at 4% and the 30-year down about one basis point to 4.57% [4][5] Amazon Layoffs - Amazon is reportedly planning to lay off 30,000 corporate employees, which represents about 10% of its corporate workforce [10][58] - This move is part of a broader trend in big tech to flatten organizational structures and improve decision-making speed [11][12] - The layoffs are not expected to affect logistics or warehouse staff, focusing instead on corporate operations [10] US-China Trade Relations - Optimism in the markets is fueled by potential progress in US-China trade negotiations, with President Trump set to meet with President Xi Jinping [13][14] - Key provisions being discussed include the removal of potential tariff increases, delays on China's export controls on rare earth minerals, and substantial Chinese purchases of American soybeans [15][16][17] - However, confirmation from China regarding these developments remains less optimistic [18][19] Federal Reserve Rate Decision - The Federal Reserve is expected to announce rate cuts, with market expectations indicating two cuts by the end of the year [26][28] - Analysts suggest that the Fed is in a tough position due to unclear economic data, but cuts are anticipated despite inflation remaining above target [30][31] Big Tech Earnings Expectations - Major tech companies are set to report earnings, with Microsoft expected to show respectable growth driven by Azure [72] - Amazon's layoffs may enhance its margins and earnings growth potential, as it aims to double revenues without increasing staff [73][74] - Apple is under scrutiny for its iPhone 17 demand and AI integration plans, with analysts noting strong lead times for the new model [47][48][52] Qualcomm's AI Chip Launch - Qualcomm has unveiled new AI accelerator chips, the A200 and A250, aimed at data centers, marking its re-entry into this competitive space [90][91] - The company is diversifying away from its smartphone dependency, targeting growth in the PC and automotive markets as well [93] - Investors in Nvidia may not be overly concerned about Qualcomm's entry, as competition in the AI chip market is already robust with established players like AMD [96][97] Whirlpool's Earnings Report - Whirlpool reported third-quarter results with revenue of approximately $4 billion, exceeding expectations [85] - The company experienced a 250 basis point hit to margins due to tariffs, but saw growth in small domestic appliances and major domestic appliances [88][89]