Core Insights - The discussion centers around the investment strategies and successes associated with Elon Musk's companies, particularly Tesla and SpaceX, highlighting their growth and potential future valuations [1][2][3]. Investment in Tesla - Initial investment in Tesla occurred between 2014 and 2016, amounting to $400 million, which has since generated approximately $8 billion in returns [1]. - Current valuation of Tesla is around $800 billion, with speculation that it could reach $1.5 trillion by next summer [2]. Investment in SpaceX - Investment in SpaceX began in 2017, totaling about $1.5 billion, with a current valuation of approximately $10 billion [1]. - Anticipation of SpaceX going public in June 2024, with a projected valuation potentially doubling to $1.6 trillion [2]. Company Culture and Growth - Tesla's workforce has grown to about 120,000 employees, with 30,000 new hires annually from millions of applicants, indicating strong demand for employment at the company [1]. - The culture at Tesla emphasizes innovation and flexibility, allowing employees to propose better ideas regardless of previous investments [2]. Broader Market Trends - The investment strategy includes a diversified portfolio, focusing on small and mid-cap companies that have been overlooked in the current market, particularly those investing in their own growth [3]. - Companies like Guidewire and Idex are highlighted as examples of firms that are transitioning to cloud-based solutions and developing new products, respectively, which are expected to yield positive results [3]. Future Outlook - The expectation is set for significant profit growth over the next decade, with projections of $250 billion in profits compared to $57 billion over the past 40 years [3]. - The portfolio strategy includes a mix of high-growth companies and those currently penalized for short-term earnings, aiming for long-term value realization [6][7].

Core Insights - The European space industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a shift towards a more structured financial architecture that supports repeatable deals [1][5] - Investment focus has transitioned from technology development to production capacity, emphasizing strategic solutions and supply chain financing [3][4] Investment Trends - Significant investments include Quantum Systems in Germany raising €180M for aerial systems, and Ferroelectric Memory Company in Dresden securing €100M for semiconductor fabrication [2][6] - Institutional capital is emerging, exemplified by the European Investment Bank's €500M funding program for Space TechEU, indicating a shift towards production-focused scaling [6] Robotics and AI Development - The robotics sector is evolving from lab-based prototypes to scalable, investable solutions, with notable funding such as Flexion Robotics raising nearly €50M for humanoid robotics [8][9] - Investment in AI governance and fraud prevention is growing, with companies like TMT ID securing €34M for identity intelligence and cybercrime prevention [13][15] Financing Structures - November saw a rise in hybrid financing structures, with companies utilizing credit facilities and securitization as growth tools rather than relying solely on equity rounds [19][20][21] - Asset-backed funding is becoming more prevalent, allowing companies to scale without frequent valuation resets, as seen with Keyzy's €147M in property financing [22] M&A Activity - The M&A landscape in Europe is characterized by smaller, functional acquisitions rather than large liquidity-driven deals, with 69 tech M&A transactions in the DACH region alone [25][27] - Acquisitions are focused on enhancing capabilities and integrating functionalities, reflecting a shift towards operational efficiency in the tech market [28] Market Outlook - The European tech sector is moving towards a more disciplined approach to production and deployment, with an emphasis on technologies that can be manufactured and integrated [28][29] - The current environment rewards companies that demonstrate readiness and the ability to deliver scalable solutions, shaping the future trajectory of the tech industry in Europe [29]

Billionaire entrepreneur and Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO, Elon Musk, reached another personal wealth milestone, with the valuation of his privately held space transportation company, SpaceX, soaring to record new highs, ahead of a planned public offering in 2026.Step Closer To A TrillionOn Monday, Musk’s net worth touched $677 billion, becoming the first person ever to be worth $600 billion or more, according to a report by Forbes.This comes just months after Musk hit the $500 billion milestone earlier thi ...

The latest craze in the space business is the promise of orbital data centers, which could provide a solution to artificial-intelligence hyperscalers' energy problem. A slew of companies stand to benefit. ...

Market Overview - The year 2025 began with optimism but faced challenges from low-cost AI initiatives from China, Trump tariffs, sticky inflation, and high interest rates, leading to market turbulence in April before stabilization in May [1] - Market euphoria solidified midyear due to easing trade tensions and three Federal Reserve rate cuts starting in September, but momentum faded with a government shutdown halting economic progress and raising overvaluation concerns in the AI sector [2] Performance of Major Indices - Wall Street showed resilience in 2025, with the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) up 16.6%, the Invesco QQQ Trust (QQQ) up 20.3%, and the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) up 14.5% year-to-date as of December 12, 2025 [3] Winning Leveraged ETFs - **Gold Miners**: MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs (GDXU) surged 794.9% as gold prices rose over 60% year-to-date, driven by central bank buying and safe-haven demand amid U.S. debt concerns [4] - **Rocket Lab**: Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF (RKLX) increased 529.2%, with Rocket Lab USA (RKLB) stock gaining over 146% due to NASA contracts and excitement in the space sector [5] - **Micron**: Direxion Daily MU Bull 2X Shares (MUU) rose 408.3%, with Micron Technology (MU) stock up 176% driven by high demand for high-bandwidth memory and pricing recovery for DRAM [6] - **Robinhood**: Defiance Daily Target 2X Long HOOD ETF (HOOX) climbed 368.8%, with Robinhood Markets Inc (HOOD) stock up 203% due to increased trading volumes and retail investor interest [7] - **South Korea**: Direxion Daily MSCI South Korea Bull 3x Shares (KORU) increased 336.2%, with South Korea's KOSPI climbing about 73% driven by the AI boom and strong performance from Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix [8] - **D-Wave Quantum**: Tradr 2X Long QBTS Daily ETF (QBTX) rose 312.0%, with D-Wave Quantum Inc (QBTS) stock up 171.6% due to enthusiasm for quantum technologies [10] - **Applovin**: Tradr 2X Long APP Daily ETF (APPX) increased 307.0%, with Applovin Corp (APP) stock up 96.2% driven by its AI-driven advertising platform and strong financial results [11] - **Silver**: ProShares Ultra Silver (AGQ) rose 272.4%, with rising industrial demand and supply shortages boosting silver prices [12]

Market Overview - Wall Street experienced mixed performance last week, with the S&P 500 down 0.6%, the Dow Jones up 1.1%, and the Nasdaq down approximately 1.6% [1] - Tech stocks faced significant pressure, impacting the Nasdaq-100 and S&P 500, with Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (MAGS) down 1.7% and State Street Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLK) down 2.5% [1] Tech Sector Performance - Oracle's shares fell 14% due to revenue misses, negatively affecting related AI companies like NVIDIA and Micron [2] - Broadcom's stock dropped about 11% despite strong earnings, raising concerns over high capital expenditures and delayed AI revenue [2] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve implemented its final rate cut of the year, lowering the benchmark federal funds rate to a range of 3.5% to 3.75% [3] - The Fed's outlook for 2026 appears more restrained, with only one rate cut projected for next year [4] ETFs Performance - AdvisorShares MSOS Daily Leveraged ETF (MSOX) surged 94.1% due to optimism surrounding potential federal marijuana regulation changes [5] - Defiance Daily Target 2X Long RKLB ETF (RKLX) increased by 53.0%, driven by Rocket Lab Corp's 22.8% stock surge and positive developments in the space economy [6] - ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas (KOLD) rose 52.7% as U.S. natural gas futures fell to a six-week low amid strong supply and mild weather [7] Sector-Specific Developments - Cannabis leveraged ETFs gained significantly on optimism regarding U.S. marijuana reclassification [9] - Space and defense-linked leveraged ETFs benefited from contracts and IPO-related excitement [9] - Voyager (VOYG) stock increased by 10.6% following a $21 million contract win from the U.S. Air Force for AI-enabled ISR systems [10] - Carvana Co. (CVNA) stock rose about 5.4% after being announced for inclusion in the S&P 500 index, reflecting strong investor interest in its scalable business model [11]

So, our next guest is going to be weighing in on Disney's billion-dollar deal with Open AI, dueling bids for Warner Brothers, and so much more this morning. Walter Isacson is here. Great to see you.Of course, Walter's Carella Weinberg advisory partner, Twolane University, history professor, CNBC contributor, uh, amazing writer and allaround great friend of ours. >> Help us understand. Let's go AI first.>> Obviously, >> you saw the the Disney story. Were you surprised. And what do you think it portrays.I was ...

Company Developments - iRobot (IRBT) has filed for bankruptcy protection and will go private after being acquired by its primary manufacturer [3] - SpaceX (SPACE) is in the process of selecting investment banks for a potential IPO, targeting a valuation of up to $1.5 trillion [5] - SpaceX has initiated a secondary share sale valuing the company at $800 billion, with shares priced at $421 each [6] - Alphabet (GOOG) stands to gain significantly from its investment in SpaceX, with an expected accounting gain linked to its stake [7] Industry Insights - Concerns over China's property sector have resurfaced as Vanke's bondholders rejected its bond payment plan, increasing default risks [4] - The tech trade between the US and UK is at risk of collapse due to disagreements [8] - Developers have canceled nearly 2,000 power projects this year, indicating potential shifts in the energy sector [8]

Core Insights - STMicroelectronics and SpaceX celebrate a decade-long partnership that has significantly contributed to the development of Starlink's satellite communication technology, enabling global connectivity for over 8 million users [2][4][8] Company Collaboration - The collaboration has resulted in the co-design of billions of custom-made components for Starlink, including over 10,000 satellites and user terminals, enhancing the performance and scalability of Starlink's services [2][5][6] - STMicroelectronics has played a crucial role in the manufacturing of Starlink user terminals, producing over 20,000 terminals daily for customers in more than 150 countries [3][6] Technological Advancements - The partnership has focused on BiCMOS technology and innovative manufacturing processes, such as panel level packaging (PLP), to meet the high-volume and quality demands of Starlink [6][8] - STMicroelectronics supplies various critical technologies, including STM32 microcontrollers and secure elements, for Starlink's broadband satellites and ground infrastructure [6][8] Future Directions - The collaboration is set to continue with a focus on next-generation satellites and user terminals, aiming to advance new technologies for phased-array antennas powered by ST's solutions [7][8]

Core Insights - STMicroelectronics and SpaceX celebrate a decade-long partnership that has significantly contributed to the development of Starlink's satellite communication technology, enabling global connectivity for over 8 million users [2][4][8] Company Collaboration - The collaboration has resulted in the co-design of billions of custom-made components for Starlink, including over 10,000 satellites and user terminals, enhancing the performance and scalability of Starlink's services [2][5][6] - STMicroelectronics has played a crucial role in the manufacturing of Starlink user terminals, producing over 20,000 terminals daily for customers in more than 150 countries [3][6] Technological Advancements - The partnership has focused on BiCMOS technology and innovative manufacturing processes, such as panel level packaging (PLP), to meet the high-volume and quality demands of Starlink [6][8] - STMicroelectronics supplies various critical technologies, including STM32 microcontrollers and secure elements, for Starlink's broadband satellites and ground infrastructure [6][8] Future Directions - The collaboration is set to continue, focusing on next-generation satellites and user terminals, with an emphasis on advancing phased-array antenna technologies powered by ST's solutions [7][8]