Federal Reserve Monetary Policy Outlook - Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran anticipates a rate cut in December, preferring 50 basis point reductions, while many colleagues favor 25 basis points [2] - Miran describes the current labor market deterioration as gradual, indicating no immediate need for emergency measures [3] - The overnight reverse repurchase agreement (RRP) facility saw balances near zero for most of the month, with an increase only towards month-end, reflecting changing dynamics in money markets [4] Google Enhances AdTech with New AI Capabilities - Google has introduced three AI-powered updates for its advertising products: Ad Manager, AdSense, and AdMob, aimed at automating tasks and enhancing monetization for publishers [5] - Key features include a generative AI tool for custom performance reports and an AI chat assistant for instant support, along with a new AI brand safety feature to block non-compliant ads [6] Social Media Giants Face Youth Addiction Trial - Major social media companies, including Meta, Alphabet, Snap, and Bytedance, must stand trial over claims that their platforms contribute to youth addiction, as per a lawsuit filed by New York City [7] - The lawsuit alleges that these companies have intentionally designed features that hook young users, leading to psychological harm and societal costs, prioritizing profits over safety [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - The Justice Department has filed multiple antitrust lawsuits against Google, alleging illegal monopolistic practices in both online search and ad tech software, with federal judges ruling against Google in both cases [1][3][6]. Group 1: Antitrust Lawsuits - In 2020, the Justice Department accused Google of operating an illegal monopoly in online search, claiming it entered into exclusionary agreements that restrict access to search engines [3][4]. - A federal judge ruled in August 2024 that Google engaged in illegal practices to maintain its monopoly in the internet search market, with proposed remedies including limiting Google's ability to pay for default search placements [4][5]. - In April 2025, another ruling found Google had an illegal monopoly in ad tech software, with allegations of anticompetitive conduct aimed at neutralizing competitors [6][8]. Group 2: Financial Implications - Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Wall Street estimates that Alphabet's earnings will grow at an annual rate of 12% through 2026, making its current valuation of 19 times earnings appear reasonable [10][11]. - Alphabet has consistently beaten consensus earnings estimates by 8% over the last six quarters, indicating strong financial performance despite legal uncertainties [11]. Group 3: Market Position and Risks - Google reportedly paid Apple $20 billion in 2022 to remain the default search engine in Safari, highlighting the financial stakes involved for both Google and its partners [3]. - Historical trends suggest that breakups resulting from antitrust lawsuits are unlikely, as seen in past cases like Microsoft in 2001 [10].