headlines...by halloapp

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01-16-2024

TECH

• Microsoft has launched Copilot Pro, a $20 monthly subscription that offers advanced AI features and access to the latest models. It is expanding Copilot availability to all Microsoft 365 users and introducing smaller versions called Copilot GPTs.

• Vodafone and Microsoft have entered a 10-year, $1.5 billion partnership to enhance customer experience, develop AI, digital payments, and IoT services.

• Apple plans to offer rare discounts of up to $70 on its iPhones in China during the Lunar New Year event to combat competition and boost sales.

• OpenAI is introducing image attribution and real-time information attribution tools to combat election misinformation in the 2024 elections. They are also implementing digital credentials and restrictions on impersonation and political campaigning.

• Microsoft has overtaken Apple to become the world’s most valuable company with a market cap of $2.89 trillion, driven by its focus on artificial intelligence.

• French tech firm Atos appoints new CEO, Paul Saleh, as shares plummet 16% and warns of lower-than-expected free cash flow.

• Baidu’s stock fell 4-12% after reports falsely linking the company to Chinese military research, causing concerns of potential US sanctions.

• Synopsys has acquired Ansys for $35 billion in cash and stock, creating a major tech deal in the EDA and simulation industry.

MEDIA

• The AFC wild-card playoff game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Miami Dolphins on Peacock broke streaming records with 27.6 million viewers.

• Sinclair chairman David D. Smith acquires Baltimore Sun from Alden Global Capital, returning it to local ownership after four decades.

• Donald Trump faces a defamation trial brought by E. Jean Carroll, who accused him of rape, with potential damages at stake.

CONSUMER

• Ikea remains committed to lowering prices for customers despite disruptions in Red Sea shipping, according to CEO Jesper Brodin.

• Uniqlo has sued Shein in Japan for copyright infringement, claiming that the Chinese retailer copied its popular Round Mini Shoulder bag. The lawsuit seeks compensation and a halt to sales.

REAL ESTATE

• A report by Capgemini reveals that 25% of businesses are increasing real estate spending in 2024 to support hybrid working.

ECONOMIC

• The Bank of England is considering cutting interest rates as UK wage growth slows, easing concerns of inflationary pressure.

• Germany’s economy contracted by 0.3% in 2023 due to high inflation, weak foreign demand, and a budget crisis.

• The combined wealth of the world’s five richest men has doubled to $869 billion since 2020, while billions of people have become poorer, according to Oxfam. The organization predicts the world’s first trillionaire could emerge within a decade and calls for stronger regulation and wealth redistribution to address inequality.

CRYPTO

• Bitcoin’s price has experienced mixed trading after the approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs, with some analysts predicting a potential price increase to $90,000. The SEC has approved 11 applications for spot Bitcoin ETFs, offering more legitimacy and access for investors. However, J.P. Morgan analysts are skeptical that the new ETFs will attract new capital to the crypto space. The approval of Bitcoin spot ETFs is expected to bring more stability and position Bitcoin as an inflation and recession hedge. Bitcoin’s price has dropped for four consecutive days as excitement around the new ETFs fades.

• Hong Kong-based crypto exchange HashKey has raised nearly $100 million in a Series A funding round, reaching a valuation of over $1.2 billion. The funds will be used to strengthen its Web3 ecosystem and support global development.

• Coinbase’s role as the main provider of custody, trading, and financing for Bitcoin ETFs like BlackRock raises concerns about scrutiny and concentration risk.