Business and Finance News - 2.12.25

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Apple is partnering with Alibaba to introduce AI features for iPhones in China, aiming to regain market share lost to competitors like Huawei. The collaboration, pending regulatory approval, follows Apple's shift from Baidu and is driven by Alibaba’s extensive user data, which could enhance AI model training and personalized services. (Reuters)

Key Insight → Apple's partnership with Alibaba to bring AI features to iPhones in China marks a strategic shift to regain lost market share in a region where competitors like Huawei have surged ahead with AI-driven devices. This move signals Apple's recognition of the importance of localized AI solutions, especially in a market with strict regulatory oversight and unique consumer preferences. For the broader market, this partnership highlights the growing significance of AI in the smartphone industry, reinforcing that future competition will be increasingly centered around AI-driven personalization and ecosystem integration.

Elon Musk offered $97.4 billion to acquire OpenAI, but CEO Sam Altman rejected the bid, reinforcing the company's current trajectory with Microsoft. The rejection comes amid Musk's legal battle over OpenAI’s transition to a for-profit model, highlighting ongoing disputes over the company's valuation and governance. (Yahoo! Finance)

Key Insight → Elon Musk’s failed bid to acquire OpenAI highlights the growing tension between major players in the AI space and the immense strategic value placed on artificial intelligence. The rejection of Musk’s $97.4 billion offer signals OpenAI’s confidence in its future growth, as well as its deep ties with Microsoft, which has heavily invested in the company. This battle underscores the broader market’s focus on AI as the next frontier, with tech giants vying for dominance while navigating legal disputes, valuation debates, and competitive rivalries.

Super Micro's stock has surged 59% in the past five trading days, driven by strong AI infrastructure demand, but remains 64% below its 2024 peak due to governance concerns. The upcoming earnings report is crucial as the company faces scrutiny over delayed financial filings, regulatory probes, and potential delisting risks. (CNBC)

Key Insight → Super Micro’s upcoming earnings report is critical as it seeks to rebuild investor confidence following a volatile year marked by soaring demand for AI servers and serious governance concerns. The company’s ability to meet revenue expectations and address lingering financial transparency issues will determine whether it can sustain its recent stock rally or face renewed skepticism. Given the broader AI-driven tech spending boom, Super Micro’s performance will not only impact its own valuation but also signal broader market sentiment regarding AI infrastructure investments.

YouTube now sees more watch time on TVs than on phones, with users streaming over 1 billion hours daily, according to CEO Neal Mohan. The platform has expanded its TV app with interactive features, reinforcing its dominance as the most-watched streaming service in the U.S. for the past two years. (The Verge)

Key Insight → YouTube's dominance on TVs over phones signals a major shift in how people consume digital content, blurring the lines between traditional television and online video. This shift impacts advertisers, content creators, and streaming competitors, as YouTube solidifies itself as a primary entertainment hub rather than just a social media platform. With interactive features and a growing premium user base, YouTube is positioning itself as a direct challenger to legacy TV networks and streaming giants like Netflix and Hulu.

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Here’s how the major indexes did yesterday:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average: 44,593.65 +123.24 (+0.28%)

• S&P 500: 6,068.50 +2.06 (+0.03%)

• Nasdaq Composite: 19,643.86 -70.41 (-0.36%)

• Russell 2000: 2,275.70 -12.24 (-0.53%)

Here’s how The Magnificent Seven did yesterday:

• Apple (AAPL) [3.498T]: 232.62 +4.97 (+2.18%)

• Nvidia (NVDA) [3.252T]: 132.80 -0.77 (-0.58%)

• Microsoft (MSFT) [3.059T]: 411.44 -0.78 (-0.19%)

• Amazon (AMZN) [2.467T]: 232.76 -0.38 (-0.16%)

• Alphabet (GOOGL) [2.262T]: 185.32 -1.15 (-0.62%)

• Meta Platforms (META) [1.824T]: 719.80 +2.40 (+0.33%)

• Tesla (TSLA) [1.057T]: 328.50 -22.23 (-6.34%)

Here’s how Bitcoin and Ethereum did yesterday:

• Bitcoin (BTC): $95,772.64 (4:00PM PST on 2/11/25)

• Ethereum (ETH): $2,603.24 (4:00PM PST on 2/11/25)