Got a new media mega deal may be in the works. Paramount Sky Dance preparing to make a bid to buy Warner Brothers Discovery. It follows Sky Dance's merger with Paramount, of course, just weeks ago.Let's bring in SPG Global Principal and former Hulu and Netflix executive Simon Gallagher. Simon, thanks for the help today. Good to see you. Good to see you.Why do you think they're were acting with such elacrity here. Well, there was some concern that if they didn't move quickly, uh, Warner Brothers Discovery, a ...

Market Overview - The U.S. stock market showed mixed but resilient performance on September 12, 2025, with major indexes reflecting cautious optimism ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision [1][2] - The S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite remained near record levels, while the Dow Jones experienced profit-taking [1][2] Major Index Performance - The S&P 500 was flat, maintaining its all-time high for the third consecutive day, indicating that much of the positive news regarding potential rate cuts has been priced in [2] - The Nasdaq Composite achieved a new record peak, supported by strength in the tech sector [2] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average saw a decline due to profit-taking after previous gains [2] Economic Indicators - Expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate cut have been bolstered by recent economic reports, including a milder-than-expected August CPI and a rise in weekly jobless claims [3] - The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index for September fell to 55.4, the lowest since May, indicating caution in consumer outlook [3] Upcoming Events - The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on September 16-17 is highly anticipated, with a near-certainty of a 25-basis-point rate cut expected [4] - The FOMC's updated projections for future interest rates will be closely monitored for long-term policy insights [4] Corporate Earnings - Key corporate earnings reports are expected next week, including General Mills, FedEx, and Darden, which will provide insights into corporate performance amid current economic conditions [6] Notable Stock Movements - Tesla, Inc. shares rose 6% due to optimism surrounding Fed rate cuts and a strong technical breakout [7] - Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. surged 29% following news of a potential majority-cash takeover bid from Paramount Skydance [7] - AbbVie Inc. rose 4.1% after securing a patent settlement for its drug Rinvoq, extending protection until 2037 [12] - Super Micro Computer Inc. climbed 3.6% after announcing high-volume shipments of racks using Nvidia's technology [12] - Quantum computing company IonQ surged 15% after receiving UK regulatory clearance for its acquisition of Oxford Ionics [12]

Group 1: Market Overview - Stocks are on track for the fourth week of gains in the past five weeks, with major indices like the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite, and Dow Jones Industrial Average reaching all-time highs [2][7] - Recent inflation data from the Producer Price Index (PPI) and Consumer Price Index (CPI) suggests inflation may be stabilizing or contracting, leading to expectations of a Federal Reserve rate cut [3][7] - The upcoming week is significant due to the triple witching expiration of options and futures, which historically brings volatility [6][7] Group 2: IPO Activity - The week has seen a surge in Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), including Klarna and Figure Technology Solutions, both of which were oversubscribed [4] - Gemini Space Station, a crypto exchange founded by the Winklevoss twins, is also expected to begin trading today and has been oversubscribed, indicating strong investor appetite for new issues [4][6] - The current environment for IPOs is viewed positively, suggesting a healthy market as long as the companies have viable products and revenues [4] Group 3: Individual Stock Highlights - Adobe reported earnings that exceeded expectations, leading to a projected 4.5% increase in its stock price [5] - Restoration Hardware issued a disappointing report, resulting in an expected 8% decline in its stock price [5] - Super Micro Computer announced it will start shipping Nvidia's Blackwell Ultra chips, with shares expected to rise by about 6% [5] - Warner Brothers Discovery shares are increasing following news of a potential acquisition offer from Paramount Skydance [5]

Group 1: Microsoft and OpenAI Partnership - Microsoft and OpenAI have signed a non-binding deal that allows OpenAI to restructure into a for-profit company, marking a significant phase in their partnership [2] - Microsoft has invested $11 billion in OpenAI, which under previous agreements had exclusive rights to sell OpenAI software tools through its Azure platform [3] - OpenAI's nonprofit arm is expected to receive over $100 billion, approximately 20% of the $500 billion valuation it seeks in private markets [3] Group 2: Market Performance - Global stocks have reached record highs, with the Dow Jones closing above 46,000 and the Nasdaq above 22,000 for the first time [4] - The Nikkei in Japan also hit a fresh record high, while the FTSE 100 in Europe is poised to set another record [5] - Rate cut expectations are rising due to jobless claims reaching their highest in nearly four years, despite a slight increase in CPI [5] Group 3: IPO Activity - Gemini Space Station, founded by the Winklevoss twins, priced its IPO at $28 per share, above the expected range of $24 to $26, valuing the company at $3.3 billion [6] - The offering capped at $425 million, with 15.2 million shares sold [6] - This week has seen a busy IPO market with notable companies like Legions and Figer also launching [7] Group 4: Economic Indicators - The University of Michigan's preliminary sentiment survey for September is expected to show a slight decline to 58, indicating consumer caution amid inflation and high borrowing costs [9] - Current conditions are anticipated to rise to 62, while expectations remain steady at 56 [10] - Inflation expectations are projected to ease slightly, with the one-year outlook dipping to 4.7% from 4.8% [10] Group 5: Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - A rate cut by the Federal Reserve is widely expected next week, with a quarter-point cut anticipated [24][33] - The impact of rate cuts on long-term yields is uncertain, as historical data shows mixed results in previous cycles [31][32] - Factors such as supply and demand for bonds, creeping inflation, and global yield trends are influencing long-term rates [29][30] Group 6: Corporate Developments - Paramount Sky Dance is reportedly preparing a cash bid for Warner Brothers Discovery, which could reshape the US streaming landscape [39] - Adobe reported better-than-expected Q3 results, with revenue rising 11% year-on-year to $5.41 billion and net income climbing to $4.18 per share [40] - SK Hynix announced readiness for mass production of next-generation high bandwidth memory chips, crucial for AI computing [42]

Market Overview - U.S. stock futures are showing mixed performance as investors reflect on record-setting highs and anticipate crucial economic data and the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision next week [1][2] - Major indices closed at record highs, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJI) gaining over 600 points and closing above 46,000 for the first time [3] Index Performance - S&P 500 (SPX) futures are slightly down by 0.1% to 0.2%, while Dow Jones (DJI) futures are down approximately 0.2% to 0.3% [2] - Nasdaq (IXIC) futures have seen a modest increase of around 0.1% [2] - The S&P 500 closed at 6,587.47, up 0.85%, and the Nasdaq Composite closed at 22,043.07, up 0.72% [3] Upcoming Events - The Federal Reserve's interest rate decision is scheduled for September 17, with expectations of a 25 basis point cut, bringing the federal funds rate to a range of 4% to 4.25% [5] - The Fed's updated "dot plot" is anticipated to indicate at least two additional rate cuts by the end of the year [5] - Key economic data releases include the Consumer Sentiment report, August retail sales, industrial production, and housing starts [6] Company-Specific News - Adobe (ADBE) shares rose in premarket trading after reporting better-than-expected fiscal third-quarter earnings and raising its full-year outlook [7] - Microsoft (MSFT) shares increased following the EU's acceptance of changes to its Teams platform and a non-binding agreement with OpenAI [12] - Nvidia (NVDA) stock futures indicate steady performance after a 3.85% increase in the past 24 hours and a 61.96% year-over-year rise [12] - RH (RH) shares fell 7% after missing sales and profit targets and lowering its full-year guidance [12] - Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) shares soared 29% amid reports of a potential takeover bid from Paramount Skydance Corp. [12] - Ibex Ltd. (IBEX) surged 24.75% after announcing better-than-expected fourth-quarter results and strong guidance for fiscal year 2026 sales [12]

Media-industry consolidation looks likely, as David Ellison tries to build a new player that can compete with Netflix. ...

Sources tell CNBC uh that Paramount Sky Dance is working with an investment bank to prepare an allcash takeover bid for Warner Brothers Discovery. Joining us now, Pucks Matt Bellan. Was I overstating it, Matt, that not only um are we in business news, but we're part of the media.So suddenly something like this is just so interesting because it it combines everything interesting. Can I ask you a question though. Why not wait if you are the Ellison's to buy what you want.And I figure that's the streaming stuf ...

Core Insights - David Ellison, as CEO of the newly merged Paramount Skydance, is rapidly implementing a strategy focused on high-quality storytelling and technology to redefine entertainment [2][3][21] - The company is pursuing a significant acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, which would enhance its media portfolio and franchise offerings [3][17] Company Strategy - Ellison has signed key creative and executive talent, initiated new franchises, and secured a $7.7 billion deal for UFC streaming rights, marking a substantial investment in content [2][6] - The merger with Skydance, which faced delays due to regulatory scrutiny, is seen as a necessary step for rebuilding Paramount's content capabilities [4][5] Financial Implications - Analysts predict a prolonged period of investment in content, with expectations for the number of releases to double, although immediate financial benefits may not be evident [4][16] - The company is also looking to cut $2 billion in costs amid advertising losses and challenges in traditional cable networks [18] Market Position - The acquisition of UFC is viewed as a unique opportunity, as it provides year-round content that can drive subscription revenue [8][9] - Paramount's strategy includes developing major video game franchises into films, with successful examples like Sonic the Hedgehog already in place [12][11] Future Outlook - The upcoming earnings report in November is anticipated to provide further insights into the company's strategic direction and cost-cutting measures [18] - The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery could significantly expand Paramount's franchise portfolio, including major properties like DC superheroes and Harry Potter [17]

Group 1: Microsoft and OpenAI Relationship - Microsoft and OpenAI have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to redefine their relationship, allowing OpenAI to restructure into a for-profit company [2][4] - OpenAI's nonprofit arm is expected to receive over $100 billion, which is about 20% of the targeted $500 billion valuation in private markets [3] - Microsoft has been a significant backer of OpenAI, investing $1 billion in 2019 and $10 billion in 2023, with exclusive rights to sell OpenAI tools through Azure [4] Group 2: Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount Skydance - Warner Bros. Discovery's stock jumped 29% following reports that Paramount Skydance is preparing a majority cash bid for the company [5][6] - The potential bid is for the entire company, including its cable networks and movie studio, and is backed by the Ellison family [5] - A deal would combine Paramount's CBS News with Warner Bros. CNN and merge their respective studios [7] Group 3: Apple Watch Hypertension Detection Tool - Apple is set to roll out a new hypertension detection tool for the Apple Watch after receiving FDA approval, utilizing data from the watch's optical heart sensor [9][10] - The tool analyzes how blood vessels respond to heartbeats over a 30-day period and has been developed using machine learning trained on data from over 100,000 participants [10] - The feature will be available in 150 regions, including the US, EU, and Hong Kong, and is compatible with Apple Watch Series 9, 10, 11, Ultra 2, and Ultra 3 [12]

Economic Indicators - The U.S. consumer prices rose by +0.4% month-over-month in August, exceeding expectations of +0.3% [1] - Year-over-year headline inflation increased to +2.9% in August from +2.7% in July, aligning with forecasts [1] - Core CPI, excluding food and fuel, rose by +0.3% month-over-month and +3.1% year-over-year in August, meeting expectations [1] - Initial jobless claims unexpectedly rose by +27,000 to 263,000, marking a 3-3/4-year high, compared to the expected 235,000 [1] Stock Market Performance - Wall Street's main equity benchmarks closed higher, with the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq 100 reaching new record highs [2] - Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) surged over +28% following reports of a cash bid from Paramount Skydance [2] - Centene (CNC) rose about +9% after reaffirming its full-year adjusted EPS guidance [2] - Micron Technology (MU) climbed over +7% after Citi raised its price target from $150 to $175 [2] - Netflix (NFLX) fell more than -3% after the announcement of the Chief Product Officer's departure [2] Market Sentiment and Future Expectations - Investors are awaiting the University of Michigan's preliminary reading on U.S. consumer sentiment, with expectations for a figure of 58.2 [5] - U.S. rate futures indicate a 100% probability of a 25 basis point rate cut and a 7.5% chance of a 50 basis point cut at the next monetary policy meeting [4] International Market Developments - The Euro Stoxx 50 Index decreased by -0.24% amid cautious sentiment, while healthcare stocks led declines [6] - The U.K. economy stagnated in July, with GDP unchanged month-over-month and a +1.4% year-over-year increase [7] - Germany's CPI rose by +0.1% month-over-month and +2.2% year-over-year, in line with expectations [7] - France's CPI rose by +0.4% month-over-month and +0.9% year-over-year, also meeting forecasts [8] Corporate News - Baidu surged over +8% and Alibaba climbed more than +5% in Hong Kong after reports of using internally-designed chips for AI models [9] - General Motors (GM) advanced more than +1% in pre-market trading after Barclays upgraded the stock to Overweight with a price target of $73 [12] - RH (RH) plunged over -10% in pre-market trading after reporting downbeat Q2 results and cutting its full-year revenue growth guidance [12]