U.S. DOJ indicates it is contemplating Google break-up following monopoly ruling

Potential legal Google break-up

On Tuesday, October 8, 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicated that it might consider the break-up of Google as an antitrust action.

The DOJ is considering both behavioural and structural options to prevent Google from using products like Chrome, Play, and Android to favour Google Search.

The decision regarding the remedies is still outstanding, and it is anticipated that Google will appeal, potentially extending the process for years.

See details of recent ruling here

Dividend stocks in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 – a basic overview

Passive income from dividend stocks

The FTSE 100 index comprises the 100 largest companies by market capitalisation. These companies are typically well-established and financially stable, making them reliable dividend payers. 

The average dividend yield for the FTSE 100 is around 3.97%.

Here are ten dividend stocks in the FTSE 100

British American Tobacco (BATS) – Known for its high dividend yield, often exceeding 7%. Not an ethical choice.

Rio Tinto (RIO) – A mining giant with a strong dividend history.

Imperial Brands (IMB) – Another tobacco company with a robust dividend yield. Not an ethical choice.

Legal & General Group (LGEN) – A financial services company with a consistent dividend payout.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) – A pharmaceutical company with a reliable dividend.

Vodafone Group (VOD) – A telecommunications company with a solid dividend yield.

HSBC Holdings (HSBA) – One of the largest banking institutions with a strong dividend.

BP (BP) – An oil and gas company known for its high dividend yield.

Unilever (ULVR) – A consumer goods company with a consistent dividend payout.

National Grid (NG) – An energy company with a reliable dividend history.

FTSE 250 Dividend Stocks

The FTSE 250 index includes the next 250 largest companies after the FTSE 100. These mid-cap companies often offer higher growth potential and, in some cases, higher dividend yields. The average dividend yield for the FTSE 250 is around 3.30%.

Here are ten dividend stocks in the FTSE 250

Harbour Energy (HBR) – An oil and gas company with a yield of 7.24%.

Tritax Big Box REIT (BBOX) – A real estate investment trust with a yield of 4.76%.

Investec (INVP) – A financial services company with a yield of 6.21%.

Greencoat UK Wind (UKW) – A renewable energy company with a yield of 7.48%.

IG Group Holdings (IGG) – A financial services company with a yield of 5.02%.

ITV (ITV) – A media company with a yield of 6.43%.

Abrdn (ABDN) – An investment company with a yield of 9.45%.

HICL Infrastructure (HICL) – An infrastructure investment company with a yield of 6.37%.

Direct Line Insurance Group (DLG) – An insurance company with a yield of 3.30%.

Drax Group (DRX) – An energy company with a yield of 3.81%.

Passive dividend income

Passive income from dividends
Dividend stocks in the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 – a basic overview

Buying dividend stocks can offer several benefits to investors – key advantages are…

Regular Income

Dividend stocks provide a steady stream of income through regular dividend payments. This can be particularly appealing for retirees or those seeking passive income.

Potential for Capital Appreciation

In addition to dividends, these stocks can also appreciate in value over time, offering the potential for capital gains. This dual benefit can enhance overall returns.

Reinvestment Opportunities

Dividends can be reinvested to purchase more shares, a strategy known as dividend reinvestment. This can compound returns over time, significantly boosting the value of your investment.

Lower Volatility

Dividend-paying stocks tend to be less volatile than non-dividend-paying stocks. Companies that pay dividends are often more established and financially stable, which can provide a cushion during market downturns.

Tax Advantages

In many jurisdictions, dividends are taxed at a lower rate than regular income. This can make dividend stocks a tax-efficient investment option.

Inflation Hedge

Dividend growth can help protect against inflation. Companies that consistently increase their dividends can provide a rising income stream that keeps pace with or exceeds inflation.

Signal of Financial Health

A company that pays regular dividends is often seen as financially healthy and confident in its future earnings. This can be a positive signal to investors about the company’s stability and profitability.

Diversification

Including dividend stocks in your portfolio can add diversification. They often belong to various sectors, providing exposure to different parts of the economy.

Compounding Effect

The combination of regular dividends and potential capital gains can create a powerful compounding effect over time, significantly enhancing long-term returns.

Psychological Benefits

Receiving regular dividends can provide psychological comfort, especially during market volatility. Knowing that you are earning income regardless of market conditions can help maintain a long-term investment perspective.

Investing in dividend stocks can be a strategic way to build wealth and generate income. However, it’s important to research and choose companies with a strong track record of dividend payments and financial stability. 

Conclusion

Investing in dividend stocks from the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 can be a strategic way to generate passive income while also benefiting from potential capital gains. These indices offer a diverse range of companies, each with its own strengths and dividend yields, making them attractive options for income-focused investors.

These are NOT recommendations – just observations. Go do your research. Interest rates will/do change quickly – go check. Thanks.

Remember to ALWAYS do your own careful and considered research…

RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!

Prices listed as of 9th October 2024

The Fed says smaller rate cuts not bigger to come

Federal Reserve

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently stated that the latest half-percent reduction in interest rates should not be interpreted as a sign that future measures will be equally as aggressive.

The Fed suggests that subsequent adjustments will likely be more ‘modest’.

In his address, the central bank’s chief highlighted their goal to balance curbing inflation with maintaining a robust labour market, basing future decisions on data insights.

‘Moving forward, should the economy evolve as widely expected, our policy stance will progressively adjust towards neutrality. Yet, we are not bound to a fixed course,‘ he clarified during in his statement. ‘Risks are two-way, and our resolutions will be determined one meeting at a time.

The Federal Reserve believe, as noted in a recent update, that they are just millimetres away from that ‘elusive’ economic soft landing.

Chinese stocks tumble amid stimulus benefit scepticism

China stocks drop

On Wednesday 9th October 2024, Chinese stocks experienced a sharp decline, with the Shanghai benchmark plummeting by 6.6%

Hong Kong’s index fell by 1.5%, in contrast to the mostly positive performance of other global markets.

Beijing’s recently detailed economic stimulus plans did not meet the high expectations set after the central bank and other agencies announced measures aimed at revitalising the struggling property sector and accelerating economic growth.

The Shanghai Composite Index fell 6.6% reversing a 4.6% gain from Tuesday 8th October 2024 when it re-opened following a weeklong national holiday.

The CSI 300 Index, which follows the top 300 stocks in the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges, relinquished 7.1% – ending a 10-day winning streak.

In Shenzhen’s smaller market, the benchmark tumbled by 8.7%.

The Hang Seng index in Hong Kong dropped 1.5% – and this coming after a steep decline of over 9% the previous day.

Failed crypto firm FTX set to pay customer refunds

Crypto exchange desk workser

Creditors of the disgraced cryptocurrency exchange FTX are set to receive up to $16.5 billion (£12.6 billion) following a bankruptcy plan sanctioned in the U.S. on Monday

This settlement concludes a tumultuous period that began with the company’s bankruptcy in November 2022, which left millions of customers without access to their funds.

Last year, the exchange’s former chief, Sam Bankman-Fried, was found guilty of misappropriating customer funds before the collapse and was subsequently sentenced to 25 years in prison.

Under the terms of the agreement, former clients will be able to reclaim approximately 119% of the value held in their accounts at the time of the bankruptcy, as per FTX’s statement.

Creditors expect to receive their compensation within 60 days after the plan becomes operative, although the exact date remains to be determined.

European Union vote to slap tariff charge on Chinese EV imports

EU EV Charge

On Friday 4th October 2024, the European Union voted to implement definitive tariffs on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) made in China

‘The European Commission’s proposal to levy definitive countervailing duties on imports of Chinese battery electric vehicles has garnered the requisite support from EU Member States to proceed with the imposition of tariffs,‘ stated the EU.

Initially, the EU announced in June its intention to impose higher tariffs on imports of Chinese electric vehicles, citing substantial unfair subsidies that threaten economic harm to European electric vehicle manufacturers.

The EU disclosed specific duties for companies based on their level of cooperation and the information provided during the bloc’s investigation into China’s EV production, which commenced last year. Provisional duties have been in effect since early July.

Following the receipt of ‘substantiated comments on the provisional measures‘ from stakeholders, the European Commission updated its tariff strategy in September 2024.

A spokesperson from China’s Ministry of Commerce indicated that Beijing maintains its stance that the EU’s investigation into China’s electric vehicle industry subsidies has led to predetermined outcomes – suggesting that the EU is fostering unfair competition.

China responded by vowing a suitable response.

UK house prices closing in on new high according to Halifax

UK House Prices

Last month, the average UK house price nearly reached a record high, buoyed by decreasing mortgage rates that have lifted buyer confidence, Halifax reports.

Halifax, the UK’s largest mortgage lender, noted that the average house price climbed to £293,399 in September 2024, narrowly missing the record of £293,507 set in June 2022.

According to Halifax, house prices have been on an upward trend for three consecutive months as market conditions have improved.

Easier mortgage affordability, driven by robust wage increases and declining interest rates, has enhanced confidence among buyers, leading to a rise in the number of mortgages agreed upon over the past year.

Halifax has recorded a 4.7% increase in house prices compared to the previous year, marking the most rapid growth rate since November 2022.

If I were a rich man

Super rich

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has overtaken Jeff Bezos as the world’s second-richest person

Zuckerberg’s wealth surged by $78 billion in 2024, a rise unmatched by any other member of the index’s 500 richest individuals, thanks to his 13% stake in Meta.

Throughout the year, Wall Street has applauded Meta as the company’s quarterly earnings have consistently exceeded analysts’ expectations.

On Thursday 3rd October 2024, Zuckerberg’s net worth hit $206.2 billion, as per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, surpassing the $205.1 billion fortune of the ex-Amazon CEO and president. The co-founder of Facebook is now approximately $50 billion behind Tesla’s Elon Musk, according to the index.

Bloomberg Billionaires Index as of 3rd October 2024

Bloomberg Billionaires Index as of 3rd October 2024

Fact: Apparently Mark Zuckerberg says he plans to give away 99% of his Facebook shares.

Bitwise files for first-ever spot XRP ETF

XRP ETF

Bitwise Asset Management, a prominent player in the cryptocurrency investment space, has recently made headlines with its filing for a spot XRP exchange-traded fund (ETF) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

This move marks a significant milestone as it is the first attempt to create an ETF specifically for XRP, the native token of the XRP Ledger.

The proposed Bitwise XRP ETF aims to provide investors with direct exposure to XRP through traditional brokerage accounts. This will make it easier for both institutional and retail investors to gain access to this digital asset. Bitwise’s decision to pursue an XRP ETF underscores the growing recognition of XRP’s potential and its established presence in the cryptocurrency market.

Bitwise is no stranger to the ETF landscape, having successfully launched Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs in the past. The company’s experience and reputation in managing crypto assets lend credibility to this new venture. However, the approval process for the XRP ETF is expected to be rigorous, given the SEC’s cautious approach to cryptocurrency-related financial products.

The filing comes at a time when the cryptocurrency market is experiencing increased interest from mainstream investors. XRP, known for its fast transaction speeds and low fees, has been a popular choice for cross-border payments and remittances. If approved, the Bitwise XRP ETF could attract a new wave of investors looking to diversify their portfolios with digital assets.

While the SEC’s decision is still pending, the filing itself is a testament to the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency investments. There is a growing acceptance of digital assets in traditional financial markets. Investors and crypto enthusiasts alike will be watching closely as this development unfolds.

Others will likely follow suit.

XRP 7-day chart from CoinMarketCap

Note the timing of the ETF announcement and the subsequent drop in XRP price.

XRP 7-day chart from CoinMarketCap. Note the timing of the ETF announcement and the subsequent drop in XRP price.

Note: article written by AI

Meta reportedly to use the voice of Dame Judi Dench for its celebrity AI Chatbot

Chatbot with celebrity voices

Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has announced that voices of Dame Judi Dench and John Cena will be available as options for its AI chatbot.

Moreover, users can access information through AI representations of celebrities such as Awkwafina, Keegan-Michael Key, and Kristen Bell. Meta is hopeful that this new endeavour with celebrity chatbots will surpass the success of its previous attempts. In September 2023, Meta introduced AI chatbots featuring the ‘personalities’ of celebrities including Kendall Jenner and Snoop Dogg, but the project was terminated within a year.

At Meta’s annual Connect conference, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced the new celebrity chatbot project, remarking, ‘Interacting with AI through voice will be more intuitive than through text.‘ The enhanced ChatGPT-style chatbot will also be capable of recognizing objects in images and providing relevant details. Additionally, a novel image editing tool will allow users to alter photos by simply directing the Meta AI with their requests.

Meta has disclosed that its AI now reaches over 400 million people monthly, with 185 million engaging weekly.

Meta one-year chart as of 2nd October 2024

Meta one-year chart as of 2nd October 2024

What is China’s equivalent to Nvidia?

AI microchips

Chinese firms are reportedly intensifying their efforts to develop a competitive alternative to Nvidia’s AI chips, as part of Beijing’s ongoing initiative to reduce its reliance on U.S. technology.

China faces several challenges that are impeding its technological progress, including U.S. export restrictions that limit domestic semiconductor production. The lack of technical expertise is also reported to be a problem.

Analysts have identified companies including Huawei as the principal competitors to Nvidia in China

China’s counterparts to Nvidia, such as Huawei, Alibaba, and Baidu, are actively developing AI chips to compete in the same market. Huawei’s HiSilicon division is known for its Ascend series of data centre processors.

Huawei’s HiSilicon division is known for its Ascend series of data centre processors, and Alibaba’s T-Head has produced the Hanguang 800 AI inference chip. Other significant players include Biren Technology and Cambricon Technologies.

Alibaba’s T-Head has developed the Hanguang 800 AI inference chip. Other significant players include Biren Technology and Cambricon Technologies.

These Chinese firms are intensifying their efforts to create alternatives to Nvidia’s AI-powering chips. This is a big part of Beijing’s broader initiative to reduce its reliance on U.S. technology.

Nvidia’s surge in growth is attributed to the demand from major cloud computing companies for its server products, which incorporate graphics processing units, or GPUs.

These GPUs are crucial for entities like OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, which requires substantial computational power to train extensive AI models on large datasets.

AI models are crucial for chatbots and other AI applications

Since 2022, the U.S. has limited the export of Nvidia’s top-tier chips to China, with further restrictions imposed last year.

The U.S. sanctions and Nvidia’s market dominance pose significant obstacles to China’s ambitions, particularly in the short term, according to analysts. The U.S. has curbed the export of Nvidia’s most sophisticated chips to China since 2022, with increased restrictions implemented last year.

China’s GPU designers rely on external manufacturers for chip production. Traditionally, this role was filled by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC). However, due to U.S. restrictions, many Chinese firms are now unable to procure chips from TSMC.

As a result, they have shifted to using SMIC, China’s largest chipmaker, which is technologically several generations behind TSMC. This gap is partly due to Washington’s limitations on SMIC’s access to essential machinery from the Dutch company ASML, necessary for producing the most advanced chips.

Huawei is driving the development of more sophisticated chips for its smartphones and AI, which occupies a significant portion of SMIC’s capacity.

Nvidia has achieved success not only through its advanced semiconductors but also via its CUDA software platform. The system enables developers to build applications for Nvidia’s hardware. This has fostered an ecosystem around Nvidia’s designs, which will be challenging for competitors to emulate.

Huawei leading the pack for China

Huawei is at the forefront as a leading force in China for its Ascend series of data centre processors. The current generation, named Ascend 910B, is soon to be succeeded by the Ascend 910C. This new chip may come to rival Nvidia’s H100.

Ireland’s 13-billion-euro Apple windfall

Apple

Ireland stands to gain a substantial financial boost following a pivotal ruling by the European Union’s highest court, which requires Apple to pay €13 billion (around $14 billion) in back taxes. Initially resisted by Dublin, this windfall is now seen as a transformative chance for the nation.

The settlement’s roots trace back to 2016 when the European Commission deemed that Apple had received illegal state aid via favorable tax deals with Ireland. After prolonged legal disputes, the EU court’s verdict has concluded the issue, mandating Apple to settle the substantial amount.

The Irish government has devised a strategic plan to capitalise on this unforeseen fiscal advantage. The funds are designated for various key sectors to promote sustained economic growth and societal welfare. A considerable portion is allocated for infrastructure enhancements, including transport network upgrades and sustainable energy initiatives, in line with Ireland’s green economy transition goals.

The windfall will also bolster progress in healthcare and education. Plans are in place to improve healthcare facilities and services, enhancing access and care quality for residents. In education, investments will focus on updating educational institutions, fostering research and innovation, and preparing the workforce with future-oriented skills.

The financial influx also presents a chance to tackle housing deficits, with investments directed towards boosting affordable housing availability and ameliorating living standards nationwide. This comprehensive strategy aims to forge a more equitable and thriving society.

In essence, Ireland’s $14 billion windfall from Apple offers an exceptional opportunity to effectuate considerable improvements across diverse sectors, potentially reshaping the country’s economic and social fabric for generations.

It’s quite remarkable how a fortune from just ONE company can be utterly transformational for an entire country.

As of September 2024, Apple’s market cap sat at around $3.4 trillion. This makes Apple the most valuable company in the world by market cap.

As of September 2024, Apple’s market cap sat at around $3.4 trillion. This makes Apple the most valuable company in the world by market cap.

Just so you know, 14 billion of 3.4 trillion equals about 0.41%. A small drop in a massive financial ocean.

Freetrade buys UK arm of Australian investing platform Stake

Financial trading app

Freetrade acquires Stake’s UK customer base, increasing domestic presence amid intense competition with similar apps such as Robinhood

The British retail investment platform Freetrade is set to acquire the UK customer base of its Australian competitor Stake, highlighting the growing competition in the UK’s digital investment sector. The acquisition, initially reported by CNBC, entails Freetrade assuming responsibility for all of Stake’s UK clients and their assets.

Freetrade currently oversees more than £2 billion in assets for its UK customer base.

Robinhood launches crypto transfers in Europe directly through its app

Crypto exchange

The retail investment platform Robinhood has announced the introduction of cryptocurrency transfers in and out of its app for European customers

As part of its international expansion efforts, the company aims to enhance its product offerings in the region.

According to a blog post-dated Tuesday 1st October 2024, Robinhood will enable customers within the European Union to deposit and withdraw over 20 different digital currencies via its platform, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and USD Coin.

This development grants Robinhood’s European clientele the option of “self-custody” of assets, allowing them to personally hold their cryptocurrencies in a privately-owned wallet, rather than relying on a third-party service to manage their funds.

Mervyn King’s perspective on interest rates and inflation – too low for too long

Bank of England ex-governor

Lord Mervyn King, the former Governor of the Bank of England, has been a prominent voice in the ongoing debate about interest rates and inflation. His insights are particularly valuable given his extensive experience in central banking and economic policy

King has been critical of the Bank of England’s approach to interest rates in recent years. He argues that the central bank kept rates too low for too long, which he believes contributed significantly to the current high levels of inflation. According to King, the prolonged period of low interest rates created an environment where inflation could take root and grow unchecked. This, he suggests, was a misstep that central banks around the world are now grappling with.

In his recent comments, King has emphasised the need for a balanced approach to managing inflation. While he acknowledges that raising interest rates is a necessary tool to combat rising prices, he also warns against the potential negative impacts of aggressive rate hikes. King points out that rapid increases in interest rates can stifle economic growth, leading to higher unemployment and other economic challenges.

King’s perspective is that central banks should have acted more decisively when inflation first began to rise. By delaying action, they allowed inflation to become more entrenched, making it harder to control. He advocates for a more proactive stance in the future, where central banks are quicker to adjust interest rates in response to economic indicators.

As policymakers prepare for potential further rate hikes, King’s cautionary advice serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in monetary policy. His insights underscore the importance of not only addressing inflation but also considering the broader economic implications of interest rate decisions.

In summary, Mervyn King calls for a nuanced approach to interest rates, one that carefully weighs the need to control inflation against the potential economic fallout of higher rates. His views highlight the complexities of monetary policy in today’s economic landscape

Yuan hits strongest level against U.S. dollar in over 16 months

Dollar vs Yuan

China’s yuan hit its strongest level in over 16 months on Wednesday 25th September 2024 after Beijing unveiled a slew of stimulus measures to shore up the slowing economy on Tuesday 24th September 2024.

The Chinese yuan had weakened against the U.S. dollar over the last several weeks, as the dollar strengthened, and as investors fretted about China’s economic growth prospects pre-stimulus measure.

Unlike the Fed’s focus on a main interest rate, the PBOC uses a variety of rates to manage monetary policy.

Chinese stocks up sharply after Beijing confirms stimulus measures

China stocks up

Chinese stocks continued to rise following state media reports that China’s top leaders have endorsed the government’s recent measures to bolster their economy.

The CSI 300 index in Mainland China continued its rally for a seventh consecutive day, reaching its highest point in about four months, subsequent to a meeting of China’s highest officials confirming the government’s latest economic stimulus actions.

South Korea’s Kospi index surged by 1.9%, driven by advances in semiconductor company SK Hynix, which declared the commencement of mass production of the world’s inaugural 12-layer HBM3E chip, utilised in AI applications.

See SK Hynix Newsroom report here

U.S. consumer confidence falls the most in three years

U.S. consumer

In September 2024, consumer sentiment plummeted, marking the most significant drop in over three years, driven by escalating concerns over employment and business conditions, according to a report by the Conference Board released on Tuesday 24th September 2024.

The consumer confidence index reportedly fell to 98.7 from 105.6 in August 2024, marking the largest one-month drop since August 2021. This was contrary to the forecast of 104 and a stark contrast to the 132.6 reading in February 2020, just before the Covid pandemic’s onset.

All five components surveyed by the organisation declined this month, with the most significant decrease observed in the age bracket of 35-54 with incomes under $50,000.

Concerning

“Consumer evaluations of the present business conditions have turned negative, and the outlook on the current labour market has further weakened. There is also a growing pessimism about future labour market conditions, business conditions, and income prospects,” the Conference Board’s chief economist reportedly commented.

This significant dip in the confidence index last occurred as inflation began its ascent to the highest point in over four decades.

Following the announcement, stocks experienced temporary declines, and Treasury yields decreased.

UK’s wealth creators are threatening to exit en masse ahead of proposed tax changes

UK luxury shopping

Labour’s proposal to dismantle the UK’s non-dom tax system may lead to an exodus of the ultra-wealthy, as advisors and research bodies have cautioned.

Switzerland, Monaco, Italy, Greece, Malta, Dubai, and the Caribbean are becoming popular relocation destinations, sensing the apprehension among affluent investors.

Meanwhile, London’s super-prime real estate market could experience a decrease in transactions, although this may present opportunities for wealthy U.S. and other global buyers.

Nearly two-thirds (63%) of affluent investors have indicated they would depart from the U.K. within two years or ‘sooner’ if the Labour government proceeds with its intention to abolish the colonial-era tax concession.

Furthermore, 67% stated they would have chosen not to migrate to Britain initially, as per a recent Oxford Economics study evaluating the impact of these plans.

The UK’s non-dom regime, a tax rule with a 200-year history, allows individuals residing in the UK but domiciled elsewhere to not pay tax on foreign income and capital gains for up to 15 years. As of 2023, an estimated 74,000 people enjoyed the status, up from 68,900 the previous year.

Labour last month set out plans to abolish the status, expanding on a pledge set out in its election manifesto

London is again Europe’s best stock market!

UK stock market

The London Stock Market has recently been hailed as Europe’s best stock market! 

According to a survey by Bank of America, Wall Street says that the UK is now the most preferred equity market in Europe. 

This positive sentiment comes as the FTSE 100 hit recent highs, reflecting a shift in investor confidence towards the UK stock market.

It’s quite a turnaround, especially considering the challenges the UK market has faced in recent years.

U.S. cuts interest rate aggressively by 0.50% bringing the Fed rate range to 4.75% – 5.0%

U.S. interest rate

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) has voted to reduce the interest rate by 0.50% after having maintained its benchmark rate within the range of 5.25% to 5.50% since July 2023

The previous rate was the highest seen for 23 years and remained unchanged even though the Fed’s favoured inflation gauge has decreased from 3.3% to 2.5%, and the unemployment rate has climbed from 3.5% to 4.2% during this period.

Following the interest rate cut today, 18th September 2024 of 0.50%, the new rate now stands at 4.75% to 5.0%.

Big Tech aiming to raise $100 billion for AI data centres

Fund creation for AI

In a substantial effort to strengthen the infrastructure required for artificial intelligence (AI), BlackRock and Microsoft have unveiled a significant fundraising endeavour.

The initiative, dubbed the Global AI Infrastructure Investment Partnership (GAIIP), seeks to secure $30 billion in private equity capital, with the possibility of leveraging up to $100 billion including debt financing.

The main objective of this initiative is to establish new and larger data centers to accommodate the escalating demand for computing power spurred by advancements in AI. These data centres are vital for meeting the growing computational requirements of AI applications, which necessitate substantial processing power and storage capacity. Additionally, the partnership will focus on investing in the energy infrastructure required to operate these data centres in an environmentally sustainable manner.

BlackRock, the global investment management corporation, contributes its vast network of corporate relationships and private equity expertise. Microsoft, a pioneer in technology and AI, offers the necessary technological expertise and industry leadership. Together, their goal is to establish a strong infrastructure that will bolster AI innovation and contribute to economic expansion.

The investment will be primarily directed towards the United States, with a portion also being allocated to partner countries. This strategic emphasis aims to boost American AI competitiveness and encourage worldwide cooperation. The partnership is designed to support an open architecture and a wide-ranging ecosystem, enabling a variety of partners and companies to leverage the infrastructure.

NVIDIA, a leading force in AI technology, will contribute to GAIIP by providing its expertise in AI data centres and manufacturing facilities. This partnership is anticipated to improve AI supply chains and energy procurement, offering advantages to both consumers and the broader industry.

This collaboration marks a substantial move towards establishing the infrastructure of tomorrow and powering it in an eco-friendly manner.

UK High Street woes continue as 38 shops reportedly close every day

Closing down

In the first half of this year, pharmacies, pubs, and banks accounted for half of the closures on Britain’s High Streets, according to data. A total of 6,945 stores have shut down in 2024, averaging 38 closures per day

Taking new store openings into account, the net closure rate stands at 12 stores per day, a slight increase from the previous year.

Research by accountancy firm PwC reportedly indicates that each week, an average of 18 pharmacies, 16 pubs, and nine banks closed from January to June 2024.

In contrast, only three convenience stores and one café chain have opened, underscoring the significant transformations occurring in town centres.

The previous year recorded a net closure rate of 11 stores per day.

UK says data centres are critical infrastructure and are designated as important as the power grid and the NHS

Critical data centres UK

UK data centres are set to be classified as critical national infrastructure (CNI), aligning them with sectors such as emergency services, finance, healthcare, and utilities

This classification will ensure they receive additional government support during major incidents like cyber-attacks, IT outages, or severe weather, to reduce disruption.

Data centres, large warehouses filled with extensive computer banks, are the backbone of services like AI applications, data processing, and streaming. Despite facing criticism for their energy and water usage, the new Labour government supports the industry, with Technology Secretary Peter Kyle referring to data centres as ‘the engines of modern life.’

Currently, the UK recognises 13 sectors as critical national infrastructure, a list last revised nine years ago with the addition of space and defence.

The 13 Critical National Infrastructure Sectors

  1. Chemicals
  2. Civil Nuclear
  3. Communications
  4. Defence
  5. Emergency Services
  6. Energy
  7. Finance
  8. Food
  9. Government
  10. Health
  11. Space
  12. Transport
  13. Water

British Technology Minister Peter Kyle announced on Thursday 12th September 2024 that UK data centres will be designated as ‘Critical National Infrastructure’ (CNI). This status, typically reserved for essential national sectors like nuclear power, provides data centre operators with a direct communication channel to the government for threat preparation and response.

Furthermore, the government has expressed support for a proposed £3.75 billion data centre by UK company DC01UK in Hertfordshire, England, which is projected to be the largest in Europe upon completion.

The AI Race between China and the U.S.

AI development in China and U.S.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal battleground in the technological race between China and the United States.

“AI is expected to become a crucial component of economic and military power in the near future,” Stanford University’s Artificial Intelligence Index Report 2023 stated.

Both countries are significantly investing in AI research and development, striving to achieve a leading role in this revolutionary sector. This post looks at the major figures in China’s AI scene, their progress, and their comparison with their American counterparts.

China’s AI Landscape

China’s AI aspirations are propelled by a number of significant technology firms, each forging their own AI models and applications.

Baidu: Often referred to as the ‘Google of China,’ Baidu leads in AI development. Its premier AI model, ERNIE (Enhanced Representation through Knowledge Integration), fuels the Ernie Bot, a chatbot aimed to compete with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Baidu asserts that ERNIE 4.0 matches GPT-4’s capabilities, demonstrating sophisticated understanding and reasoning abilities.

Alibaba: Alibaba’s AI model, Tongyi Qianwen (commonly known as Qwen), is a comprehensive set of foundational models adept at a range of tasks, from generating content to solving mathematical problems. Select versions of Qwen are open-source, enabling developers to utilize and modify them for various uses. Alibaba has announced that Qwen models are in use by over 90,000 enterprise clients.

Tencent: The Hunyuan model from Tencent is a prominent component of China’s AI landscape. Offered through Tencent’s cloud computing division, Hunyuan is tailored to facilitate a broad spectrum of applications, encompassing natural language processing and computer vision.

Huawei: In spite of considerable obstacles stemming from U.S. sanctions, Huawei persists in AI innovation. The firm has created its own AI processors, like the Kunlun series, to diminish dependence on international technology. Huawei’s AI features are incorporated into a diverse array of products, including smartphones and cloud solutions.

Comparison to the U.S.

The U.S. continues to be a dominant force in AI, with leading companies such as OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, Anthropic and Meta spearheading advancements.

Generative AI: U.S. firms have advanced significantly in generative AI, with OpenAI’s GPT-4 and Google’s Gemini at the forefront. These models excel in creating text, images, and videos from user inputs. Although Chinese models like ERNIE and Qwen are strong contenders, the U.S. maintains a slight lead in capabilities and market penetration.

Semiconductor Design: The U.S. leads the semiconductor design industry, vital for AI progress. U.S. companies command an 85% global market share in chip design, crucial for AI model training and system operation. China’s dependence on imported semiconductors is a notable obstacle, but there are ongoing efforts to create homegrown solutions.

Research and Innovation: Both nations boast strong AI research sectors, yet the U.S. edges out slightly in generating state-of-the-art AI products. U.S. tech giants frequently introduce AI breakthroughs to the market, with Chinese firms quickly gaining ground.

Government Support: The Chinese government ardently backs AI advancement, enacting strategies to spur innovation and lessen foreign tech reliance. Such support has spurred China’s AI industry’s rapid expansion, positioning it as a strong rival to the U.S.

Conclusion

The competition in AI development between China and the U.S. is escalating, as both countries achieve significant breakthroughs. Although the U.S. maintains a marginal lead in some respects, China’s swift advancement and state backing indicate that the disparity might keep closing. The quest for AI dominance by these nations is set to influence the worldwide technological and innovative landscape profoundly.

As of September 2024, it is estimated that China’s AI development is approximately nine months behind that of the U.S.