Elon Musk wants to make Tesla a $25 trillion company by 2040

Autonomous vehicle

Elon Musk’s Vision for Tesla’s Trillion Dollar Future

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla, has consistently set ambitious goals for the company. Among his most audacious claims is that Tesla could potentially become a multi trillion-dollar company and even reach a valuation of $25 trillion, largely driven by the deployment of robotaxis.

Robotaxi vision

Tesla’s robotaxi concept is centred around autonomous vehicles that can operate as self-driving taxis. These vehicles are equipped with Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which Musk believes will revolutionize transportation. By transforming Tesla cars into autonomous ride-sharing vehicles, the company could generate significant revenue without increasing the number of cars sold.

Projections

Musk’s financial projections are based on the immense potential of the robotaxi market

  1. Revenue Generation: Each Tesla vehicle could earn substantial income as a robotaxi. If Tesla owners opt into the robotaxi network, Tesla could take a share of the revenue generated from these rides.
  2. Cost Efficiency: Autonomous driving reduces the need for human drivers, leading to lower operational costs. This efficiency could make robotaxis more affordable for users and highly profitable for Tesla.
  3. Reduced pollution: will help meet green energy goals.
  4. Market Penetration: As autonomous technology matures, the adoption of robotaxis could grow rapidly, capturing a significant share of the global transportation market.

Market potential

The global ride-hailing market is already valued at hundreds of billions of dollars, and with the introduction of autonomous vehicles, this market is expected to expand further. Tesla’s early entry and continuous advancements in FSD technology position it to be a dominant player in this space.

Challenges

While the potential is enormous, there are several challenges and scepticism surrounding Musk’s projections

  1. Regulatory Hurdles: Autonomous vehicles must navigate a complex regulatory landscape. Approval processes and safety standards vary by region, which could delay widespread adoption.
  2. Technical Milestones: Achieving full autonomy is a significant technical challenge. Tesla’s FSD technology is still in development, and perfecting it for widespread use requires overcoming numerous technical obstacles.
  3. Market Competition: Tesla is not the only player in the autonomous vehicle market. Competitors like Waymo, Cruise, and traditional automakers are also investing heavily in autonomous technology.

Conclusion

Elon Musk’s vision of making Tesla a trillion-dollar and eventually a $25 trillion company through robotaxis is both bold and captivating. The success of this vision hinges on the successful deployment and adoption of autonomous driving technology. While there are significant challenges to overcome, Musk’s track record of defying odds and achieving groundbreaking innovations keeps the possibility within the realm of achievable dreams.

The future of transportation, as envisioned by Musk, could fundamentally reshape how we move and how Tesla thrives as a pioneer in autonomous mobility.

Tesla’s future does seem promising with the introduction of Optimus, their humanoid robot, as well as their advancements in solar energy and battery technology.

The future looks very bright for Tesla.

Bitcoin breaks $82,000 with billions bet on it reaching $90,000

Bitcoin

Bitcoin has achieved a new all-time high, surpassing $82,000, and has continued to climb.

This suggests that investors are confident the world’s leading cryptocurrency will gain even more, following U.S. elections that resulted in a significant number of pro-crypto candidates being elected.

During his campaign, President-elect Donald Trump vowed to make the United States the crypto capital of the world.’

Trump reportedly committed to several initiatives for the crypto community, such as creating a national cryptocurrency reserve using $16 billion in Bitcoin accumulated by the U.S. government from asset seizures and from reducing interest rates.

Generally, an easing of monetary policy aligns with an increase in cryptocurrency prices, as it lowers the cost of borrowing money.

The Fed recently lowered U.S. interest rates for the second time this year.

U.S. stocks just keep hitting new highs!

U.S. stocks up!

The U.S. stock market sunbathed in another day of records on Friday 8th November 2024.

The Dow and S&P 500 recorded their best week in a year after Trump’s election win.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 259.65 points to close at 43,988.99 and broke the 44,000 barrier in intraday trading. The Dow Jones traded above 44,000 for the first time ever during the session.

The S&P 500 closed at 5,995.54, after briefly trading above 6,000 – a first for the S&P 500.

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite slowed at 19,286.78 but set an intraday record high as well.

Dow Jones one-year chart as of: 8th November 2024

Dow Jones one-year chart as of: 8th November 2024

S&P 500 one-year chart as of: 8th November 2024

S&P 500 one-year chart as of: 8th November 2024

S&P 500 and Nasdaq close at new records again as Fed cuts rates

U.S> stocks up

More new records set in extended U.S. post-election rally

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq climbed on Thursday 7th November 2024, extending the rally following the victory of President-elect Donald Trump, while traders considered the implications of the Federal Reserve’s recent rate reduction.

The S&P 500 rose to close at an all-time high of 5,973.10, while the Nasdaq Composite increased by to end at 19,269.46, marking its first finish above 19,000.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average remained virtually unchanged, dipping slightly by less than one point to 43,729.34. During the trading session, all three indices reached new intraday highs.

Following President Trump’s electoral victory, the stock market experienced a significant rally on Wednesday 6th November 2024, with the Dow soaring by 1,500 points. The S&P 500 surged recording its best post-election day performance ever.

Post-election, the bond market has seen considerable fluctuations, with Treasury yields declining on Thursday after a sharp increase the previous day.

The mystery surrounding the origin of Bitcoin

Origin of Bitcoin

Bitcoin’s origin is one of the most captivating mysteries of the digital age. The cryptocurrency was created in 2008 by an unknown individual or group under the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto.

Despite numerous investigations, the true identity of Nakamoto remains shrouded in secrecy.

Story

The story of Bitcoin begins with the release of a whitepaper titled “Bitcoin: A Peer-to-Peer Electronic Cash System.” This document outlined a new kind of decentralised digital currency, one that relied on cryptographic principles to ensure security and prevent double-spending.

Nakamoto’s revolutionary vision was to create a financial system free from the control of traditional banks and government interference.

Genesis block

In January 2009, Nakamoto mined the first block of the Bitcoin blockchain, known as the ‘genesis block,’ marking the birth of the cryptocurrency. Over the next couple of years, Nakamoto continued to work on the project, communicating with other developers via email and online forums.

The mystery surrounding the origin of Bitcoin

However, by 2011, Nakamoto had largely stepped away from active involvement in the project, leaving behind a legacy that would forever change the financial landscape.

Speculation

Speculation about Nakamoto’s true identity has been rampant. Some believe Nakamoto is a single, exceptionally talented individual, while others theorise that it could be a group of developers working under a collective pseudonym.

Over the years, various names have been proposed as possible candidates, including renowned cryptographers, developers, and even eccentric entrepreneurs. Yet, none of these theories have been definitively proven, and Nakamoto’s identity remains a closely guarded secret.

Intrigue

The intrigue surrounding Nakamoto is not just a matter of curiosity but also of financial significance. As the creator of Bitcoin, Nakamoto is estimated to own around one million Bitcoins. At current market values, this makes Nakamoto one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

Bitcoin chart from inception as of 7th November 2024 touching $75,000

Bitcoin chart from inception as of 7th November 2024 touching $75,000

However, these Bitcoins have never been moved or spent, adding to the enigma of Nakamoto’s motives and intentions.

Myth?

The myth of Satoshi Nakamoto has taken on a life of its own, becoming a symbol of the power and potential of decentralized technology. The anonymity of Nakamoto also serves as a reminder of the core principles behind Bitcoin: privacy, decentralisation, and freedom from traditional financial systems.

In a world increasingly dominated by surveillance and control, the mystery of Nakamoto provides a compelling counter-narrative, one that continues to inspire and intrigue both technologists and libertarians alike.

In the end, the true identity of Satoshi Nakamoto may never be revealed, and perhaps that is as it should be. The enduring mystery adds to the allure of Bitcoin, ensuring that its origins will forever be a topic of fascination and debate.

Dow hits new all-time high as Trump wins 2024 U.S. election

U.S. stocks at all time high

The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq all hit new highs!

Stocks rallied sharply on Wednesday 6th November 2024, with major indices hitting record highs, as Donald Trump won the 2024 presidential election.

It looks like the Trump rally has already begun.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,508.05 points to a record close of 43,729.93. The last time the Dow jumped more than 1,000 points in a single day was in November 2022.

The S&P 500 also hit an all-time high, soaring to 5,929.04. The Nasdaq Composite climbed to a record of its own too of 18,983.47.

Dow Jones one-year chart as of 6th November 2024

Dow Jones one-year chart as of 6th November 2024

S&P 500 one-year chart as of 6th November 2024

S&P 500 one-year chart as of 6th November 2024

Nasdaq Composite one-year chart as of 6th November 2024

Nasdaq Composite one-year chart as of 6th November 2024

Oops I did it again! Trump wins 2024 U.S. presidential election – emphatically defeating Harris

Trump wins 2024 U.S. election

After losing the re-election to President Joe Biden in 2020, Donald Trump, the 45th president, has now been elected as the 47th.

Trump’s victory sets several historic records. At the age of 78, he becomes the oldest individual to win a U.S. presidential election. He is the first president to serve two nonconsecutive terms since Grover Cleveland 132 years ago, and his win comes from what is likely the costliest presidential race in history.

Also, he is reportedly the first president, whether in office or former, to have been convicted of crimes. He is also the first president to be impeached twice and then reclaim the presidency. Additionally, he is the first to assume office while actively facing criminal charges in both federal and state courts.

This victory for Trump prevents Vice President Harris from achieving what would have been a historic feat: becoming the first female president of the United States.

As Trump secures win stock markets react positively as Dow and S&P 500 futures rise to touch new all-time highs!

Nvidia promoted to Dow Jones Industrial Average at the expense of Intel

AI power

Nvidia is set to replace its rival chipmaker Intel in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, signifying a significant change in the blue-chip index that highlights the surge in artificial intelligence and a substantial shift within the semiconductor industry.

Intel’s shares fell by 1% in extended trading on Friday 1st November 2024, while Nvidia’s shares increased by 1%. Intel has now lost over half its value.

The update will take place on 8th November 2024. Also, Sherwin Williams will replace Dow Inc. in the index, the S&P and Dow Jones said in a statement.

Nvidia‘s shares have surged over 170% in 2024, following a roughly 240% increase last year, as investors flock to the AI chipmaker. Nvidia’s market capitalisation has expanded to $3.3 trillion, ranking it second only to Apple among publicly traded companies.

Nvidia one-year share price chart

Nvidia one-year share price chart

Major companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Amazon are acquiring Nvidia’s graphics processing units (GPUs), like the H100, in large quantities to create computer clusters for AI projects. Nvidia’s revenue has more than doubled for five consecutive quarters, with at least a threefold increase in three of those quarters. The company has indicated that the demand for its forthcoming AI GPU, Blackwell, is ‘insane’.

With Nvidia‘s inclusion, four of the six tech companies valued at over a trillion dollars are now part of the index, leaving Alphabet and Meta as the two not listed in the Dow.

Apple, Amazon and Intel all post positive results 31st October 2024

Apple

Apple’s fourth-quarter results surpassed Wall Street forecasts for revenue and earnings per share. However, net income declined due to a one-time charge related to a tax settlement in Europe.

iPhone sales and overall sales both rose by 6%.

Apple one year stock chart

Amazon

Amazon’s shares soared in after-hours trading following the announcement of earnings and revenue that exceeded expectations. The firm’s cloud services and advertising divisions demonstrated significant expansion.

Amazon one year stock chart

Intel

Intel has reported earnings that surpassed expectations and provided improved guidance. The company is currently undergoing a significant restructuring initiative.

Intel one year stock chart

However, Intel has now lost over half its market value.

Super Micro Computer drops 33% after disclosing ‘auditor’ resignation – 30th October 2024

Stock chart down

Super Micro Computer’s shares dropped 33% in premarket trading 30th October 2024, following the announcement in a regulatory filing that Ernst & Young had stepped down as its accounting firm.

The filing revealed that EY had expressed doubts about the AI server company’s “commitment to integrity and ethical values” during accounting reviews.

Super Micro had been included in the S&P 500 index in March 2004.

Super Micro one month chart snapshot 30th October 2024

Further update – 1st November 2024

Super Micro’s sell-off persisted on Friday, November 1, 2024, with the stock falling an additional 10%, culminating in a 44% loss for the week.

The most significant drop occurred on Wednesday 30th October 2024, following the company’s announcement of losing its second auditor in under two years.

Super Micro, currently behind schedule in submitting its latest annual report, has announced it will deliver a ‘business update’ for the most recent quarter on Tuesday 5th November 2024, coinciding with Election Day in the U.S.

Volkswagen profit plunges 42% in third quarter

Car manufacture

Volkswagen’s operating profit fell to 2.86 billion euros ($3.1 billion), with third-quarter sales revenue experiencing a 0.5% year-on-year decrease to roughly 78.5 billion euros.

These figures come after Volkswagen lowered its annual outlook for 2024 last month, which was the second adjustment within a few months.

The company has recently encountered several challenges, including potential plant closures in Germany and the cancellation of many labour contracts with local workers in September 2024.

According to Volkswagen, vehicle sales reportedly dropped by 8.3% in the third quarter of 2024, compared to the same period the previous year.

Reports indicate that the Volkswagen Group’s net liquidity was negative 160.6 billion euros at the end of September 2024. At the end of 2023, the company’s net liquidity was negative 147.4 billion euros.

Microsoft and Meta both indicate future AI spending will cut into next quarter profits

Microsoft and AI

Microsoft’s significant investment in OpenAI is impacting its earnings – 30th October 2024

The company reportedly indicated, following the quarterly earnings report, that Microsoft anticipates a $1.5 billion reduction in income for the current period, primarily due to projected losses from OpenAI.

Microsoft’s nearly $14 billion investment in OpenAI, the creator of the widely popular ChatGPT assistant, has catalysed the emergence of the generative artificial intelligence industry, leading to billions in new revenue for Microsoft.

Despite this, OpenAI is experiencing substantial financial losses. It is projected to incur $5 billion in losses this year, excluding stock-based compensation, against $4 billion in revenue, according to reports from earlier this month.

Microsoft’s stock declined following weaker-than-expected revenue guidance, despite exceeding earnings expectations.

The company’s revenue reportedly increased by 16% in the fiscal first quarter, outpacing analyst predictions.

Earnings from Azure and other cloud services reportedly rose by 33%, exceeding forecasts.

Nevertheless, the projected revenue growth did not meet analyst expectations.

Meta

Meta’s third-quarter earnings report, released on Wednesday 30th October 2024, disclosed user numbers that fell short of expectations.

The company reported $3.29 billion daily active users for the quarter, marking a 5% increase from the previous year but still below the anticipated $3.31 billion by analysts.

Meta also projected a substantial increase in capital expenditures for 2025.

Additionally, Meta indicated a significant rise in AI spending for 2025.

Markets heat up as the weather cools down!

Markets warm up

As the autumn chill of November sets in, the market seems to defy the temperature drop with a notable heated uptick in activity.

This phenomenon, often referred to as the ‘November Effect’, is a period where investors start to position themselves for end-of-year strategies, leading to increased market volatility and opportunity.

Historically

Historically, November has been a month where markets tend to show positive returns. Several factors contribute to this trend. Firstly, the anticipation of the holiday season boosts consumer spending, leading to higher revenues for retail companies. This optimism often spills over into the stock market, driving up share prices.

Secondly, institutional investors begin to adjust their portfolios to lock in gains for the year, a process known as ‘window dressing’. This activity can lead to increased buying, particularly in stocks that have performed well throughout the year, further driving market momentum.

Additionally, the release of third-quarter earnings reports in October sets the stage for November. Companies that have posted strong earnings results often see continued investor interest, propelling their stocks higher. Conversely, companies with weaker results might face selloffs, adding to market dynamism.

Tech resilience

Tech stocks, in particular, have shown resilience and growth potential, even amidst economic uncertainties. With advancements in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, tech continues to be a focal point for investors. November often sees a renewed interest in these sectors, with investors looking to capitalise on year-end growth opportunities.

However, it’s essential to approach this period with a balanced perspective. While the ‘November Effect’ can present lucrative opportunities, it’s also a time of heightened market volatility. Investors should stay informed, diversify their portfolios, and consider both the potential rewards and risks.

As the weather gets colder, the markets heat up, creating a dynamic environment ripe with possibilities for those who navigate it wisely. The key lies in staying informed and alert, ready to adapt to the ever-changing market landscape.

Take informed financial advice from a professional qualified financial adviser.

And remember…

RESEARCH! RESEARCH! RESEARCH!

Apple smartphones return to top 5 rank in China following iPhone 16 release

Apple smartphones

Apple has returned to the top five smartphone vendors in China’s market during the third quarter, lifted by the release of the iPhone 16, according to data.

Apple’s shipment growth remained steady year-on-year in the Q2, securing the company a second-place rank by market share in Q3.

Following Apple, Huawei held the third position with a 15.3% market share, as per reported data. Despite this, Huawei’s smartphone shipments in China saw a significant increase of 42% year-on-year.

Nasdaq hits new all-time high – Tesla enjoys another great day

Nasdaq index at new high!

The Nasdaq Composite climbed to an all-time high on Friday 25th October 2024, boosted by BIG tech stocks.

The tech-heavy index rose 0.56% to 18,518.61

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite index rose 0.56% to 18,518.61

Tech stocks boosted the market ahead of their upcoming earnings. Nvidia added 0.8%, and shares of Meta Platforms, Amazon and Microsoft were also higher.

Some analysts are suggesting it may be time to short Amazon and Apple as they head into earnings season? Let’s see.

Tesla helped boost the Nasdaq as its stock climbed to close at a 13-month high, sustaining its rally post-earnings.

Tesla enjoyed its best market day since 2013, the stock rose more than 3% on Friday 25th October 2024, closing at its highest since September 2023.

Tesla 5-day stock chart as of 25th October 2024

Tesla 5-day stock chart as of 25th October 2024

Barclays third quarter profit jumps 23% as shares hit nine-year high!

On Thursday 24th October 2024, Barclays Bank announced a net profit of £1.6 billion ($2 billion) for the third quarter, surpassing expectations

This figure exceeded the anticipated £1.17 billion net profit from analysts and marked a 23% increase from the same quarter in 2023.

The revenue for the quarter was reported at £6.5 billion, just over the predicted £6.39 billion.

Shares of Barclays rose by 3.5% as of 08:45 BST – hitting their highest point since October 2015 according to reports.

Barclays Bank One year share chart

Barclays Bank One year share chart

The bank’s return on tangible equity improved to 12.3% from the previous quarter’s 9.9%, while its CET1 ratio, a key solvency metric, increased to 13.8% from 13.6%.

Barclays had earlier this year unveiled a strategic revamp aimed at reducing expenses (cost cutting), enhancing returns for shareholders, and securing long-term financial stability.

This shift has emphasized domestic lending and scaled back the investment banking division’s costs. Part of this new strategy involved acquiring the retail banking operations of Tesco Bank in the UK.

Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1)?

Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) is a key element of Tier 1 capital, consisting mainly of common stock held by banks or other financial institutions. Introduced in 2014, CET1 serves as a capital measure designed to safeguard the economy from financial crises. Banks must adhere to the minimum CET1 ratio requirements relative to their risk-weighted assets (RWAs), as specified by their financial regulators.

History lesson

Barclays Bank was formally established on November 17, 1690. It traces back to goldsmith bankers John Freame and Thomas Gould in London.


The name ‘Barclays’ came into the business in 1736 when James Barclay, who married John Freame’s daughter, joined the partnership.

Tesla beats earnings forecast in third quarter 2024

Tesla


Tesla shares climbed 12% in extended trading after the company’s third-quarter earnings beat Wall Street estimates, following a long slump.

However, Tesla’s revenue for that period, up 8% year on year, marginally missed expectations. “Vehicle growth” will hit up to 20%-30% next year, said CEO Elon Musk, thanks to “lower cost vehicles” and the “advent of autonomy.” Apparently, this was presented as a ‘best guess’.

Profit margins reportedly received a boost from $739 million in automotive regulatory credit revenue during the quarter. Automakers must acquire a certain number of regulatory credits annually. Those unable to meet the requirement can buy credits from companies like Tesla, which has a surplus due to its exclusive production of electric vehicles.

Automotive revenue reportedly rose 2% to $20 billion, up from $19.63 billion in the same quarter the previous year, and has remained roughly stable since late 2022. Energy generation and storage revenue reportedly surged 52% to $2.38 billion, while services and other revenue, which includes income from non-warranty Tesla vehicle repairs, increased by 29% to $2.79 billion.

Tesla quarterly revenues by business section

Tesla quarterly revenues by business section

Tesla share price and close and ‘after hours’ trading 23rd October 2024 (09:15 BST)

Tesla share price and close and ‘after hours’ trading 23rd October 2024 (09:15 BST)

World’s largest sovereign wealth fund posts $76 billion profit in latest quarter

Investment data

Norway‘s massive world record breaking sovereign wealth fund reported a third-quarter profit of 835 billion Norwegian kroner ($76.3 billion) on Tuesday 22nd October 2024.

The fund’s performance was attributed to a stock market surge due to the decline interest rates.

The overall return for the quarter stood at 4.4%, which was 0.1 percentage points below the return of its benchmark index.

China stocks drop after trade data disappoints Hang Seng falling 4%

China stocks drop

Chinese stocks declined on Tuesday 15th October 2024, contrasting with the broader gains in other Asia markets, which followed record highs reached by the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 on Wall Street

The CSI 300 index in Mainland China fell to close at 3,855.99, and the Hang Seng index in Hong Kong decreased by 3.67% to finish at 20,318.79.

After the markets closed on Monday 14th October 2024, China reported disappointing trade figures for September 2024, with exports increasing by only 2.4% from the previous year and imports rising a mere 0.3%, both significantly below expectations.

China CSI 300 index one-day chart

China CSI 300 index one-day chart as of 15th October 2024

Nvidia hits new record high with new $3.4 trillion market cap

AI chips

Nvidia’s shares have reached a record peak as the company continues to benefit from the surging demand for its AI chips

Tech giants such as Microsoft, Meta, Google, and Amazon are acquiring Nvidia’s GPUs in large volumes to create extensive AI computing clusters.

Nvidia, with a market capitalisation of around $3.4 trillion, ranks as the second most valuable publicly traded company in the U.S., trailing behind Apple, which has a market cap of approximately $3.55 trillion.

And to think… just 6 weeks ago Nvidia hit the news with this headline: Nvidia $279 billion market cap wipeout — the biggest in U.S. history for just ONE company.

Oh, the volatility of tech stocks, don’t you just love it?

The company’s stock rose by 2.4% to close at $138.07, exceeding the previous high of $135.58 set on 18th June 2023. The shares have increased by nearly 180% this year and have experienced a more than ninefold increase since early 2023.

Regarded as the leading supplier in the AI revolution, Nvidia has gained significantly from the generative AI surge initiated by OpenAI’s ChatGPT release in November 2022. Nvidia’s GPUs are instrumental in developing and running sophisticated AI models, including those that operate ChatGPT and related platforms.

You can’t go far wrong when big players such as Microsoft, Meta, Google and Amazon are buying your stuff.

New records for Dow Jones and S&P 500

Record highs!

On Monday, 14th October 2024, the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 both reached new record highs

The S&P 500 climbed to 5,859.85, and the Dow Jones, composed of 30 stocks, increased by 201.36 points to 43,065.22.

Both indices achieved all-time highs and closed at record levels, with the Dow Jones surpassing 43,000 for the first time at the close of the session.

Dow Jones Industrial Average one-year chart

Dow Jones Industrial Average one-year chart

S&P 500 one-year chart

S&P 500 one-year chart

Tesla shares dropped 9% on Friday 11th October 2024 after Cybercab Robotaxi event disappointed investors

Elon Musk's Sci-Fi vision

Tesla’s stock declined on Friday 11th October 2024 following the electric vehicle maker’s highly anticipated robotaxi event, which left investors unimpressed

£60 billion was wiped off Tesla market cap

CEO Elon Musk showcased the Cybercab concept vehicle, announcing that it would be available for purchase at a price below $30,000.

Analysts reportedly commented that the event did not emphasise any immediate opportunities for Tesla, focusing instead on Musk’s long-term vision for fully autonomous driving.

At the ‘We, Robot’ event on Thursday 10th October 2024, CEO Elon Musk presented the Cybercab, a sleek, silver two-seater without steering wheels or pedals, underscoring his company’s goal to develop a fleet of self-driving vehicles and robots.

Musk expressed his hope for Tesla to start producing the Cybercab by 2027, though he did not specify the manufacturing locations. He reiterated that the Tesla Cybercab would be sold for less than $30,000.

Furthermore, he anticipated that Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles would feature ‘unsupervised FSD’ operational in Texas and California by next year. FSD, standing for Full Self-Driving, is Tesla’s advanced driver assistance system, currently available in a supervised format.

Investors and analysts were underwhelmed by the event. Tesla shares fell.

Tesla one year chart as of 11th October 2024

Tesla one year chart as of 11th October 2024

Elon Musk’s wealth

Elon Musk is projected to become the world’s first trillionaire by 2027, as per a recent report by Informa Connect Academy. Among global billionaires, Musk is nearest to reaching the 13-figure threshold, with his wealth continuing to increase.

Bloomberg Billionaire Index

S&P 500 and Dow hit new all-time

All time high

Stocks broadly climbed for a second consecutive session on 9th October 2024 with Dow & S&P 500 reaching new record highs

The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average both closing at record highs, buoyed by a surge in technology stocks and a dismissal of geopolitical worries.

The S&P 500 increased to 5792, marking a new all-time high, while the Nasdaq Composite rose to end at 18291. The Dow Jones Industrial Average jumped 431 points to close at a record 42512.

Leading the rally were technology stocks, with Amazon and Apple each gaining over 1%. Super Micro Computer saw a significant 4% increase. The gains helped offset a rocky start to October, propelling the major indices into positive territory for the month.

Following the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s September meeting, which showed a 0.50% interest rate cut, stocks held onto their gains. The minutes indicated that a ‘substantial majority of participants‘ were in favour of the more significant rate reduction.

Record high reached for the S&P 500 on 9th October 2024

Record high reached for the S&P 500 on 9th October 2024

Record high reached for the Dow Jones on 9th October 2024

Record high reached for the Dow Jones on 9th October 2024

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

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.