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Tag: demand

  • Goldman Tames Extreme Risks and Cuts Tariff Inflation Forecast

    Goldman Tames Extreme Risks and Cuts Tariff Inflation Forecast

    Tariffs, Demand, and Inflation – The Truth, Unfiltered

    Picture this: you’re scrolling through Twitter when a tweet from zerohedge pops up, pointing fingers at tariffs and claiming they cause inflation. Let’s sift through that buzz and get straight to the headline.

    What Everyone Gave Their Attention To

    • “Tariffs push prices up.” The gut‑feel, the textbook logic.
    • In 2020, the big‑budget stimulus super‑charged the economy so tariffs seemed almost harmless.
    • Now, leading economists are turning the tables, saying tariffs can actually weaken demand.

    A Surprising Quote From the Frontlines

    Back in a recent lab at St. Louis Federal Reserve, Javier Bianchi – aka the Harvard‑bro med‑student‑turned‑economic‑nerd – published a paper that basically says: tariffs are a negative demand shock. In plain words, if you slash imports with taxes, fewer folks are buying, which can soften or even collapse price levels.

    How Does That Stack Up With the Real World?
    • See the latest price trends? Major retailers are reporting faster-than‑expected price drops in a handful of categories.
    • Another mind‑shift came from HBS professor Alberto Carvallo, who noted the same cooling trend on the sales side.
    • All of this points to what economists are calling “disinflation” – prices are falling, and the economy isn’t blazing hot.

    So, Who’s Right? The Old Economy or the New?

    It’s simple: the idea that tariffs are always the villain that drifts prices upward is now a relic. We’re seeing a picture where tariffs hurt demand, giving the economy a quick “cooling” effect unless a massive stimulus intervention keeps the wheels turning.

    Bottom line: the next time someone pushes the tariff‑inflation angle, remember the quietly powerful studies that paint a different reality. Tariffs can sap demand, and in doing so, they can help tame runaway prices – or even bring them down.

  • Microsoft Tops $4 Trillion Valuation Amid Record Earnings

    Microsoft’s Azure Over‑25‑Lives‑Charging €65 Billion+ It’s a Money‑Making Machine

    Why Investors Are Throwing Their Hands in the Air

    • Revenue Rumble: Azure now pulls in over €65 billion per year—so big it’s practically a revenue titan.
    • Investor Cheers: Share prices are soaring; the market’s practically give‑cheering for the win.
    • AI Powerhouse: This cash flow is fuel for Microsoft’s AI dreams—think self‑driving innovations backed by real money.
    • Secret Sauce: A combination of cloud services, data analytics, and smart contracts is turning masses into millions.

    With Azure’s numbers blowing past the €65‑billion mark, Microsoft’s future looks lit—and investors are keenly eyeing the next growth wave.

    Microsoft’s $4 Trillion Milestone and Skyrocketing Azure Earnings

    At the crack of the market on Thursday, Microsoft celebrated an impressive new record: its market cap surged past the $4 trillion mark. That’s no small feat—almost thirty‑five dollars worth of empire per share!

    The Azure Explosion

    • Annual revenue for Azure, the cloud computing juggernaut, topped $75 billion (about €64.9 billion).
    • That’s a whopping 34% jump from the previous year, leaving analysts scrambling for answers.
    • Microsoft kept quiet until mid‑week, but the numbers were too good to hide.
    • Investors breathed a sigh of relief—after all, they’ve been secretly worrying about the cost of those new data centers.

    Profit & Flags

    Profit for the fiscal Q4 hit $34.3 billion (€2.8 billion), equating to $3.65 (€3.19) per share—well above the expected $3.37 (€2.95).

    CEO Satya Nadella announced during an investor call:

    “We’re scaling our own data center capacity faster than any other competitor.”

    He added, “We now operate over 400 sprawling facilities spread across six continents.”

    Behind the Numbers

    Azure is more than a cloud platform—it’s the backbone for businesses running websites, backing up data, and crunching massive datasets.

    • Think of it as the Swiss Army knife for businesses: compute power, storage, and a whole lot of tools, all over the internet.
    • For AI projects, Azure supplies the infrastructure needed to build, train, and deploy AI models at scale.
    • In essence, Azure lets companies innovate without the relentless headache of maintaining their own hardware.

    While Microsoft launched Azure over a decade ago, it has become a crucial part of its AI big‑picture strategy. The company’s goal is to sell its AI chatbot and a host of related tools to large enterprise customers, many of whom already rely on Microsoft’s core online services.

    Who’s Still Ahead?

    Even with Azure’s remarkable growth, Amazon Web Services (AWS) remains the market leader, pulling in €94 billion (about $107.6 billion) in revenue for its fiscal year ended last December.

    Cost-cutting layoffs

    Microsoft’s Cost‑Cutting Shuffle: 15,000 Jobs Cut, Same Numbers Stuck

    Picture this: Microsoft is slashing roughly 15,000 jobs this year—yes, even as its profits are flying higher than a kite—while the total count of full‑time workers stays exactly the same.

    What’s the Rationale?

    Satya Nadella said the layoffs hit him hard, but he framed it as a chance to refresh the company’s AI‑centric mission. He painted it as a strategic move, not just a cost‑cutting play.

    Workforce Snapshot

    • Full‑time employees: 228,000 (as of June 30)
    • Same figure as last year—no big change
    • More people are now based in the U.S.
    • Fewer folks in product support or consulting roles

    Wall Street’s Reaction

    Investors have been cheering the “leaner” approach. Tech giants, including Microsoft, need to justify hefty capital outlays for data centers, chips, and other gear that powers AI. The news of cutbacks gives a tidy narrative to stabilize those spending concerns.

    Tariff Low‑down

    • Microsoft didn’t break down the exact impact of U.S. tariffs on revenue this week.
    • Annual report highlights tariffs as a risk factor.
    • They warn that “geopolitical instability” and “shifting U.S. administration priorities” make the trade landscape unpredictable.
    • The “volatility of U.S. tariffs” could shake the cost competitiveness of cloud and device supply chains.

    In a nutshell: Microsoft’s chinos are cut, its numbers stay the same, and the company is playing the story of efficiency while juggling the stormy seas of tariffs. It’s a corporate juggling act that, hopefully, keeps investors smiling without the heavy hand of new job losses.

  • Rogan Guest Exposes Facebook’s Hidden Experiment That Controlled 700,000 Users

    Rogan Guest Exposes Facebook’s Hidden Experiment That Controlled 700,000 Users

    Joe Rogan & the Mind‑Control Professor: Unveiling the Digital Puppet Master

    In a nutshell: When Jay (Joe) invite – yes, that’s the guy with the charismatic-friendly vibe – a Harvard brain wizard named Rebecca Lemov to a humble interview set up by VigilantFox.com, the conversation didn’t eat time; it leapt straight into the juicy heart of techno‑politics: government meddling in our online lives.

    What Made It Hit The Spotlight?

    • Joe’s penchant for probing where secret controls hide.
    • Rebecca’s track record on mind‑corsetry—think ‘brain‑slingers’ at the academic level.
    • Audience curiosity about the unseen algorithms behind your clicks.

    Conversation Highlights (Spoiler: It’s Eye‑Opening)

    1⃣ “The brain‑bolt”: Rebecca uses metaphors that paint the cloud as a suburb of the Tri‑State Office, where policies sneak in like soda cans in your backpack.

    2⃣ Follow‑up: Joe jokes about getting a “mind‑device” in his gym to keep the government from mincing his thoughts. Rebecca counters: “The real gym is reality and the mind, not a chip.”

    Why This Matters to Us (Not Just Some Big‑Tech Loves)
    • Feelings of privacy loss are tangible, that’s why we’re worried.
    • We’re a generation that runs on app notifications—cool, but a little sobering when it comes influence.
    • Government policies often have more depth than our coffee data; beware.
    The Bottom Line

    Joe Rogan isn’t just talking about the “next streaming service” or the newest podcast episode; he’s opening a door into the blueprint of control that spans our digital silence. Let’s keep this conversation rolling, because knowledge is the ultimate counter‑hacking tool.

    Joe Rogan & “Mind‑Control” Chat Gets Real

    Picture this: a regular guy talking with a Harvard professor and suddenly the conversation turns into a deep‑dive into how our brains are being nudged by governments, tech giants, and even the very platforms we swipe through daily.

    Opening the Gate

    • Rogan’s punch line: “Mind control is everywhere. It’s not just science fiction.”
    • He points out that social media isn’t the pure, organic debate it claims to be—the noise is often state‑funded or corporate‑driven, shaping narratives for its own agenda.
    • And it’s not just “the government” playing filter; the very design of the platforms themselves pushes emotions in a particular direction.

    From DARPA to Emotional Engineering

    Rebecca Lemov pulls the curtain on DARPA—a nickname you might not know as the agency behind the internet’s early bones. She says:

    • DARPA helped build the internet and pushed into pattern‑recognition research that underlies every recommendation engine today.
    • But the heart of her concern is how that tech becomes a tool for emotional contagion—not just telling you what to think, but how you feel about it.

    It’s Not About Changing Thoughts—It’s About Changing Feelings

    Imagine someone’s post gets a comment that flips your mood from neutral to over‑excited. Editors or algorithms can repeat that, creating a ripple of vibes that spread like wildfire.

    Facebook’s 2012 Emotional Experiment

    Learning about the most notorious hidden test in social history might feel like a plot twist from a spy thriller. The details are chilling:

    • A team quietly tweaked the newsfeeds of 689,003 users, either slashing positive posts or spiking negative ones.
    • When feeds were cut of optimism, users posted more negative content; when positivity was removed, users posted more upbeat stuff.
    • The experiment lasted just one week, but the emotional aftershock likely lingered much longer.

    Why Everyone Was Unaware

    In 2012, folks were simply “sweeping up the internet” without realizing they were part of a secret lab. If you’ve ever felt your mood swing wildly for no clear reason, it’s possible you were inside the test.

    Public Backlash and No Accountability

    • Once the dust settled, the British government opened a probe and considered sanctions—yet nothing came of it.
    • One affected user, who visited an emergency room with suicidal thoughts, wondered if the feed had nudged them over the edge.
    • Research teams admitted the study, but traceability to individual timelines was impossible.

    The Big Question

    What’s the ethical groundwork for a world where algorithms secretly steer our emotional states? Are there more covert experiments lurking behind the scenes? The conversation ends on a heavy note, leaving us to wonder if our feelings might just be another resource under control.

    Takeaway

    From flagships to brains, our digital life is a battlefield where state, corporation, and platform all employ subtle, often invisible methods to steer our hearts. If the next time you’re scrolling past that snarky meme, your mood shifts suddenly, maybe it’s not just the content—it’s the engine behind it. Stay curious, stay critical, and remember: the feel‑good vibes can be the real power play.

  • Kazakhstan enlists Russia and China to build first nuclear power plants since Soviet era

    Kazakhstan, one of the world’s top uranium producers, currently relies mostly on coal-fired plants for power, alongside hydropower and a growing renewables sector.

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    Kazakhstan has chosen Russia’s state nuclear firm Rosatom and China’s National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to lead separate consortiums to build its first nuclear power plants.  
    This marks the country’s return to nuclear energy, as Kazakhstan has had no nuclear power facilities of its own since 1999 when its Soviet-era reactor was shut down.  

    In a national referendum last October, nearly 70% of Kazakh voters approved constructing nuclear power facilities, a move strongly backed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.  
    Kazakhstan, one of the world’s top uranium producers, currently relies mostly on coal-fired plants for power, alongside hydropower and a growing renewables sector.
    The nuclear project is seen as key to reducing heavy coal dependence and meeting future energy demand in an environmentally sustainable way. 
    The nuclear project is seen as key to reducing heavy coal dependence and meeting future energy demand in an environmentally sustainable way. It will feature two Russian VVER-1200 Generation 3+ reactors. Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during their meeting in Astana, 16 June, 2025Chinese President Xi Jinping, left, and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during their meeting in Astana, 16 June, 2025
    AP Photo

    Rosatom’s CEO Alexei Likhachev welcomed the decision, saying the plant will use “the most advanced and efficient design in the world.”
    This flagship project of Kazakhstan’s first commercial nuclear power station is expected to significantly improve domestic power supply and create thousands of jobs during construction and operation.
    It also restores nuclear generation in Kazakhstan after a 26-year pause since the BN-350 reactor’s closure. 

    Balancing global partners in nuclear projects

    Kazakhstan is adopting an “international consortium” approach, inviting multiple foreign partners to participate in its nuclear program in order to balance strategic relationships.

    While Rosatom will lead the first plant’s consortium, officials say China’s CNNC is slated to head a second nuclear plant project under a separate agreement. 
    “China definitely has all the necessary technologies and a full industrial base, so our next priority is cooperation with China,” said Almasadam Satqaliev, chairman of Kazakhstan’s atomic agency.
    The second plant’s details including its site, reactor design and timeline have yet to be clarified, but the inclusion of CNNC underscores Kazakhstan’s effort to engage both of its powerful neighbours in its energy ambitions.  Staff members from the China National Nuclear Corporation at the CNNC booth during the China International Exhibition on Nuclear Power Industry in Beijing, 27 April, 2017Staff members from the China National Nuclear Corporation at the CNNC booth during the China International Exhibition on Nuclear Power Industry in Beijing, 27 April, 2017
    AP Photo

    Kazakhstan’s push for nuclear energy comes amid rising electricity demand and frequent power shortages in parts of the country. The government argues that atomic power will strengthen energy security and help cut carbon emissions, leveraging Kazakhstan’s abundant uranium resources for domestic benefit.  
    “To not remain on the sidelines of global progress, we must use our competitive advantages,” President Tokayev said ahead of the nuclear referendum, pointing to the country’s uranium as a logical asset for power generation.  
    At the same time, the nuclear projects highlight Kazakhstan’s careful geopolitical balancing act.
    The decision to involve both Moscow and Beijing aligns with Astana’s broader strategy of maintaining strong ties with its former Soviet patron and its giant eastern neighbour. 
    By sharing its nuclear program between Rosatom and CNNC, Kazakhstan can reassure both Moscow and Beijing of partnership, while also diversifying its technological and financial support.

  • How Boxy Oversized Shirts and Private Label Hair Care Are Redefining Personal Style

    How Boxy Oversized Shirts and Private Label Hair Care Are Redefining Personal Style

    When the Shirt & the Shampoo Skip the Same Playlist

    Imagine a closet that screams “I didn’t plan this!” and a bathroom that whispers “Only for me.” That’s the vibe these two trends are rocking. One is an oversized, boxy shirt that turns your wardrobe into a comfy rebellion, while the other is a private‑label haircare brand that lets you dial in your own closet‑of‑silence.

    Why Everyone’s Biting the Trend

    • Comfort gets a new license: The boxy shirt isn’t just about oversized; it’s about dialing down the struggle between “fit” and “freedom.”
    • Haircare in your own niche: Private labels give you a chance to own a scent, a formula, and the bragging rights that come with it.
    • Identity meets what you use: These products let you tell a story without saying a word—your style is the headline.
    • Less is more: With fewer layers and cleaner lines, people can style themselves without drowning in choices.

    So, How Do They Fit Together?

    Picture this: you’re lacing up your favorite oversized tee for the weekend and you find yourself drenching your head in shampoo that smells like fresh herbs, all while staying completely in sync with your own personal brand. These two trends are simply the modern couple of self-expression.

    Because Fashion and Beauty Are One Big Character

    What’s the bigger message? The world’s getting more personal, and people want their clothing and their hair care to shout, “This is me.” The boxy shirt reminds you that comfort is optional but essential, and the custom shampoo reminds you that the way you look is as unique as the vibrations of your own heartbeat.

    The Surprising Connection Between Fashion Freedom and Hair Care Branding:

    When Your Wardrobe & Hair Do the Same Dance

    In today’s fashion‑beauty mash‑up, a single piece no longer defines your vibe. Clothes and grooming go hand‑in‑hand to create a sleek, cohesive look that speaks louder than any single statement piece could.

    Why Oversized Shirts Are the New Streetwear Staple

    • Boxy, roomy cuts feel like a blanket of confidence.
    • They’re the perfect backdrop for daring accessories.
    • Wear them and instantly get that “I’m both chill and chic” aura.

    Parallel Power Move: Custom Haircare Becomes the Luxe Sidekick

    Just as the oversized shirt trends upward, the beauty world is embracing private‑label haircare with the same swagger. Think of it this way: you own the look, you own the scalp care. Each brand tailors its formula to match your unique hair narrative—no generic, one‑size‑fits‑all bottle here.

    The Symbiosis of Style & Self‑Care

    When your wardrobe and haircare harmonize, you’re not just making an on‑trend statement—you’re delivering a complete, personalized scorecard that says, “Yes, I’ve got my vibe and my grooming under control.” This dual‑focus trend is making waves across both high‑fashion runways and street corners alike.

    Why It Matters

    Because we’re living in an era where expression isn’t limited to one outlet. Whether it’s the latest boxy tee or a bespoke shampoo, the fashion & beauty industries are pairing up to let us show our true selves—fully, flamboyantly, and fabulously.

  • Unveiled: How Global Carmakers Battle Rising Tariffs

    Unveiled: How Global Carmakers Battle Rising Tariffs

    When Car Makers Take a Break from Tariffs

    Picture a world where every new auto tariff in the United States feels like a surprise party for the manufacturers. That’s the reality many companies face today. They’ve got to keep a close eye on how big car makers respond, week after week, any time the government drops a new duty on a part or assembly line.

    Ferrari: The Crown Jewel of “Zero Impact”

    Then there’s Ferrari—this high‑end pressurizer that basically sidesteps any tariff worry. The reason? Their buyers are financially unshakable. Even with the brand’s prices shifting upward by roughly a quarter of a pound, the wait‑list stays solid. They’re not getting ripped off; the customers are simply happy to pay more for a floating golden coaster.

    Other OEMs: Fighting Fire & Lightening Dashboards

    For most other automakers, the fight is much fiercer—there’s also an upside in the lagging fuel costs, but it’s an earnest dog‑fight over market share. Quick look at their latest moves:

    • GM promises no blanket price hike, but notes a modest creeping rise between 0.5% and 1.0% across the year.
    • Ford keeps its brakes on—no price increases slated for cars built in May.
    • Hyundai rolls out a “Customer Assurance” program, basically putting a safety net over buyers to protect them from tariff‑induced price spikes until the month of June.

    Market Insight from DB’s In‑house Analyst

    Drumroll… the latest note from DB’s in‑house analyst, Edison Yu, mentions a new tilt in policy that might help manufacturers:

    • Charlie: “The Administration looks satisfied to keep the auto‑parts exemption USMCA‑compliant for a little while longer.”
    • On the ground, they’ll get back credits for any vehicle produced domestically during the next two years.

    Is it good? We’re watching closely for how this translates on the dealer floors and in the dealerships. The road ahead isn’t just about price tags; it’s about keeping a firm grip on margin and brand loyalty in a market where lifecycle volatility is the new norm.

  • US government seized $1M from Russian ransomware gang

    The U.S. Department of Justice announced on Monday it has seized the servers and $1 million in bitcoin from the prolific Russian ransomware gang behind the BlackSuit and Royal malware. 

    According to the press release, a coalition of global law enforcement agencies, including from the U.S., Canada, Germany, Ireland, France, U.K., and others, seized four servers and nine domains on July 24. In addition, authorities also seized around $1 million in cryptocurrency. 

    BlackSuit and Royal are two different types of ransomware, believed to be developed by the same Russian cybercriminal gang that has targeted critical infrastructure in the United States and beyond. 

    “BlackSuit actors have demanded over $500 million USD in total and the largest individual ransom demand was $60 million,” the U.S. cybersecurity agency CISA said in an advisory last year. 

    “The BlackSuit ransomware gang’s persistent targeting of U.S. critical infrastructure represents a serious threat to U.S. public safety,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg said in the press release. 

    According to ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, which led the investigation, Royal and BlackSuit have compromised more than 450 victims in the U.S., “including entities in the healthcare, education, public safety, energy and government sectors.” And, in total, the cybercriminals have earned more than $370 million in ransom payments since 2022. 

    The recovered bitcoin was recovered from a digital currency exchange account, whose funds were frozen in January of last year, according to the announcement. 

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    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

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