Business and Finance News - 3.4.25

Author

Skool Projekt Staff
March 04, 2025

 

Here’s a quick rundown of today’s stories:

(Insights in our Top Stories) 

 

  • Apple’s Next Move: Tim Cook hints at a new Air-branded device, likely a MacBook Air with an M4 chip, though an iPad or even an iPhone Air could also be on the horizon.

  • Euro Zone Inflation Eases: February inflation fell to 2.4%, slightly above expectations, reinforcing hopes for an ECB rate cut while geopolitical risks loom.

  • Palantir’s Pentagon Advantage: Despite defense spending concerns, analysts say Palantir remains well-positioned with high-priority contracts, pushing its stock up 5%. 

  • TSMC’s $100 Billion U.S. Expansion: The chipmaker is ramping up investment in Arizona, securing government support as the U.S. pushes to reduce reliance on Asian semiconductor production.

 

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TOP STORIES

 

Key Insight → Apple's teaser signals a broader push to refresh its lightweight, high-performance product lineup, likely starting with a new MacBook Air but potentially extending to the iPad or even a rebranded iPhone. If the rumored M4 MacBook Air materializes, it could set a new standard for efficiency and AI-driven performance, reinforcing Apple's lead in the ultraportable laptop market. More importantly, the possibility of an "iPhone Air" hints at a shift in Apple's branding strategy—perhaps toward thinner, lighter devices that further blur the lines between product categories.

 

Key Insight → The slight decline in euro zone inflation to 2.4% signals continued progress toward the European Central Bank's 2% target, but the higher-than-expected reading suggests that inflationary pressures remain stubborn. Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, also eased slightly, reinforcing hopes that price stability is within reach—yet uncertainties like geopolitical tensions and potential U.S. trade tariffs could still disrupt this trend. For the larger market, this data strengthens expectations for an ECB interest rate cut, which could impact borrowing costs, investment decisions, and overall economic momentum in the euro zone.

 

Key Insight → Palantir’s resilience against potential Pentagon budget cuts highlights the company’s deep integration into high-priority government projects, reinforcing its long-term stability in the defense and AI sectors. The bullish forecast from Wedbush, which sees Palantir heading toward a $1 trillion market cap, signals growing investor confidence in AI-driven government and enterprise solutions. More broadly, this suggests that AI-focused companies with strong government ties may continue to thrive despite broader economic uncertainties, making them key players in the next phase of tech market expansion.

 

Key Insight → TSMC’s $100 billion investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing is a major step toward reducing American dependence on Asian chip production, reinforcing the geopolitical and economic importance of domestic semiconductor supply chains. As the global demand for advanced chips surges, this move signals a deepening commitment to securing critical technology infrastructure, benefiting industries from AI to defense. For the broader market, TSMC’s expansion could accelerate innovation, strengthen U.S. tech leadership, and intensify competition in the semiconductor space, shaping the next decade of technological advancements.

 

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THE MARKETS

Here’s how the major indexes did yesterday:

Here’s how The Magnificent Seven did yesterday:

Here’s how Bitcoin and Ethereum did yesterday:

Disclaimer: This content is not intended as financial guidance. The purpose of this newsletter is purely educational, and it should not be interpreted as an encouragement to engage in buying, selling, or making any financial decisions regarding assets. Exercise caution and conduct your own research before making any investment choices. 

 

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