Archimedes of Syracuse (c. 287 – c. 212 BC) was an extraordinary ancient Greek mathematician, physicist, engineer, inventor, and astronomer.
Coming from Syracuse, Sicily, he contributed immensely to various disciplines, including mathematics, physics, and engineering.
Some of his most renowned works include
Archimedes’ Principle
This principle asserts that a body submerged in a fluid is subjected to a buoyant force equivalent to the weight of the fluid it displaces. According to legend, he made this discovery during a bath and is said to have shouted “Eureka!” in excitement.
Archimedes’ Screw
A clever mechanism for lifting water, which remains in use even today.
Law of the Lever
He articulated the principle of the lever, forming the groundwork for classical mechanics.
Indivisibles
He foresaw the concepts of modern calculus by employing the notion of infinitely small quantities.
Archimedes’ contributions have profoundly influenced science and engineering, earning him recognition as one of history’s most eminent mathematicians and scientists.
In September 2024, China witnessed a decline in consumer inflation rates and an intensification of producer price deflation, despite efforts to implement additional stimulus measures aimed at reviving weak demand and stabilizing economic activity
The consumer price index (CPI) rose by 0.4% from the previous year, a slowdown from the 0.6% increase observed in August, as reported by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Sunday 13th October 2024. This increase was below the 0.6% rise economists had forecasted.
Month-on-month, the CPI remained unchanged, contrasting with the 0.4% increase in August and missing the expected 0.4% rise.
The producer price index (PPI) registered a year-on-year fall of 2.8% in September 2024, a sharper decline than the 1.8% decrease in the previous month and exceeding the 2.5% drop projected by analysts.
China’s exports increased by 2.4% in September 2024 compared to the previous year when measured in U.S. dollars, and imports saw a rise of 0.3%, customs data showed Monday 14th October 2024
The figures fell short of expectations. China’s exports were predicted to rise by 6% year-on-year in September 2024, measured in U.S. dollars, as per reported analysts’ data. This increase would be less than the 8.7% rise seen in August 2024.
Imports were also projected to grow by 0.9% in September from the previous year, based on analysts’ data, which would be a slight uptick from the 0.5% growth in August 2024.
Exports have been a highlight for China’s economy amidst subdued consumer spending and a downturn in real estate.
According to reported analysis of the official data, China’s exports to the U.S., its biggest trading partner, went up by 2.2% in September year-on-year, while imports from the U.S. saw a 6.7% increase.
Recent inflation data suggests that the Federal Reserve is fast approaching its goal, if not already there – following the central bank’s significant interest rate reduction of 0.50% a few weeks ago
Both consumer and producer price indexes for September 2024 aligned with forecasts, indicating a decline in inflation towards the central bank’s 2% target.
Economists believe the Fed may have already achieved that target.
Last Friday, it was predicted that the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for September 2024 would reveal an annual inflation rate of 2.04% upon its release later in the month.
Should economists’ estimates prove accurate, the figure would be rounded to 2%, aligning precisely with the Fed’s longstanding goal, marking a significant shift from the 40-year inflation peak over two years ago, which led to a series of substantial interest rate hikes.
The Fed favours the PCE as its measure of inflation, although it considers various factors in its decision-making process.
Inflation has significantly decreased over the past 18 months, and the job market has settled at a level that may represent full employment.
The U.S. economy several obstacles in reaching and sustaining the 2% inflation target
Supply chain disruptions
Persistent supply chain problems can escalate the costs of goods and services, potentially increasing inflation.
Labour market tightness
A constrained labour market may result in rising wages, which companies typically offset by raising prices for consumers.
Global economic factors
International events, like geopolitical conflicts or other countries’ economic statuses, can influence inflation via alterations in trade and commodity costs.
Consumer expectations
Anticipations of higher inflation might prompt consumers to increase spending now, which can elevate prices and lead to a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Monetary policy timing
The economy takes time to respond to monetary policy adjustments, leading to a lag between policy implementation and its effects on inflation.
These elements pose difficulties for the Federal Reserve in precisely managing inflation to meet its goal.
While managing inflation is challenging, recent data suggests that although prices haven’t fallen from their peak levels of a few years ago, the rate of increase is slowing down.
The 12-month consumer price index for all items stood at 2.4% in September, while the producer price index, indicative of wholesale inflation and a precursor to pipeline pressures, was at an annual rate of 1.8%.
Ripple has announced the launch of a range of features designed to assist banks and fintech’s with the storage of digital tokens, marking a significant expansion into the realm of crypto custody.
Crypto custody services, which support clients in managing their crypto assets, represent a new venture for Ripple, now unified under the brand Ripple Custody.
The company is best known for its XRPcryptocurrency and RippleNet, a distributed ledger platform facilitating fast interbank payments.
October has historically been a month of significant stock market volatility, with notable crashes occurring in 1929 and 1987
Now we are already part way through October 2024, investors are understandably cautious, wondering if history might repeat itself.
1929
The Wall Street Crash of 1929, also known as the Great Crash, began on 24th October 1929, with Black Thursday, followed by Black Tuesday on 29th October 1929. The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) plummeted nearly 13% on Black Monday and an additional 12% on Black Tuesday.
This crash marked the beginning of the Great Depression, a period of severe economic downturn that lasted for over a decade. The 1929 crash was precipitated by a combination of speculative investments, excessive leverage, and a lack of regulatory oversight, leading to a massive sell-off as panic spread among investors.
The 1929 crash marked the beginning of the Great Depression, a period of severe economic downturn that lasted for over a decade
1987
In contrast, the stock market crash of 1987, known as Black Monday, occurred on 19th October 1987, when the DJIA dropped by 22.6% in a single day. Unlike the 1929 crash, the 1987 crash did not lead to a prolonged economic depression. Instead, it was a sharp correction in an otherwise strong bull market. The causes of the 1987 crash included program trading, overvaluation, and market psychology.
The rapid recovery following the crash was aided by swift intervention from the Federal Reserve, which provided liquidity to stabilize the markets.
Comparing these historical crashes to today’s stock market, several differences and similarities emerge. The current market environment is characterized by high valuations, geopolitical tensions, and concerns about inflation and interest rates.
However, today’s markets are also more resilient due to advanced technology, better regulatory frameworks, and more sophisticated risk management practices.
The likelihood of a significant stock market crash in October 2024 is difficult to predict. While some analysts argue that the market is due for a correction, others believe that the underlying economic fundamentals remain strong.
The lessons from 1929 and 1987 highlight the importance of investor psychology and the impact of external shocks on market stability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while October has a notorious reputation for stock market crashes, the probability of a crash in October 2024 is uncertain. Investors should remain vigilant, diversify their portfolios, and avoid speculative investments to mitigate potential risks.
By learning from past crashes, we can better navigate the uncertainties of the current market environment and prepare for any potential downturns.
Electric car sales to private buyers are 6.3% lower so far in 2024 despite £2 billion of manufacturers discounts
Electric car sales in the UK are facing challenges despite the growth in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the roads. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has indicated that the proportion of EV sales has not surpassed 18%, with the market mainly propelled by fleet operators, not private consumers.
It has been suggested that the industry will struggle to meet the government target of 22% of new car sale in 2024 being ‘zero-emission vehicles’.
Contributing factors to this slowdown include the high costs, a limited public charging infrastructure, and range anxiety.
Nonetheless, September 2024 saw a record number of new electric car registrations, exceeding 56,000. Yet, the long-term viability of these figures is uncertain, as they were bolstered by substantial discounts.
And yet the electric car still remains an equally expensive option by direct comparison.
In August 2024, the U.K. economy experienced a 0.2% growth on a month-on-month basis, according to preliminary figures released by the Office for National Statistics on Friday 11th October 2024.
But there is a warning of a potential UK slowdown despite the August pick-up.
Over the three months leading to August, Britain’s economic growth also registered a 0.2% increase, which was marginally below the expectations of economists.
A rebound in construction and a robust month for accountancy, manufacturing, and retail sectors contributed to a 0.2% boost in the economy, following a stagnation in growth over the prior two months.
However, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) noted that economic growth has been weaker relative to the first half of the year and of a potential slowdown.
Over the past year, the rate of U.S. price increases accelerated unexpectedly in September 2024, as policymakers considered their decision on interest rates, as indicated in a U.S. Labor Department report on Thursday 10th October 2024.
Sticky U.S. inflation
The consumer price index (CPI), which measures the cost of goods and services throughout the U.S. economy, rose by 0.2% for the month, resulting in an annual inflation rate of 2.4%. Both figures were 0.1% than ‘forecast’.
When food and energy are excluded, the core prices saw a 0.3% increase for the month, leading to an annual rate of 3.3%. These core figures were also 0.1% above the ‘forecast’.
The report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics noted that the majority of the inflation rise – over three quarters of the increase was due to a 0.4% surge in food prices and a 0.2% rise in shelter costs.
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
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.
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
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…
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.
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.
New Zealand’s central bank has reduced its benchmark interest rate by 0.50% points following its monetary policy meeting, resulting in a consecutive interest rate reduction
This decrease sets the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s interest rate at 4.75%, down from 5.25%. Economists surveyed by Reuters had anticipated this move.
Previously in August, the RBNZ made an ‘unexpected’ interest rate cut of 25 basis points. The central bank indicated that the extent of future reductions would hinge on its confidence in maintaining a low inflation environment.
In a statement, the central bank stated that it ‘assesses that annual consumer price inflation is within its 1% to 3% inflation target range and converging on the 2 percent midpoint.“
New Zealand’s annual inflation rate reached 7.3% in the June quarter 2022, its highest level in over some 30 years. NZ inflation has since dropped to 3.3% as of June 2024, but still remains above the central banks medium term target range of between 1% and 3%.
Analysts are expecting a further cut in November 2024.
The U.S. economy, often considered the largest globally, is characterised by a dynamic mix of sectors. It is propelled by strong industrial production and a vibrant service sector, offering a varied economic environment
The United States possesses a highly developed mixed economy. It stands as the world’s largest economy by nominal GDP and the second largest by purchasing power parity (PPP), following China. As of 2024, it holds the sixth highest per capita GDP (nominal) and the eighth highest per capita GDP (PPP) globally.
In 2023, the U.S. constituted 26% of the world’s economy in nominal terms and approximately 15.5% in PPP terms.
The U.S. dollar, the most utilised currency in international transactions, serves as the global reserve currency, supported by the extensive U.S. treasuries market, its pivotal role in the petrodollar system, and its connection to the eurodollar.
It is the official currency of several countries and the de facto currency in many others. Following World War II, the U.S. economy has seen consistent growth, maintained low unemployment and inflation rates, and experienced rapid technological advancements.
Manufacture
Manufacturing, traditionally fundamental, has transformed with technological advancements. While the automotive and aerospace industries continue to be important, there has been a significant shift toward advanced manufacturing, such as semiconductors and renewable technologies. This change mirrors the wider trend of innovation, which is synonymous with the U.S. economy.
Service
The service sector, which includes finance, healthcare, and information technology, is critical. The financial markets, with New York City at their core, are vital to global finance. Silicon Valley remains the hub of tech innovation, pushing the boundaries in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and financial technology.
Nonetheless, the U.S. economy faces challenges. Income disparity persists, a situation worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed weaknesses in healthcare and social support systems. The pandemic hastened the shift to digital, underscoring the necessity for investments in digital infrastructure and education to close the digital gap.
Policy
Fiscal and monetary policies are key to navigating the economy. The Federal Reserve aims to manage inflation and unemployment through interest rate adjustments and quantitative easing. Government spending and tax policies are also instrumental in ensuring economic stability and expansion.
Future
Looking to the future, the emphasis on sustainability is increasing. Investment in green energy and eco-friendly practices are not only environmental mandates but also avenues for economic growth. As international competition grows, the U.S. economy’s capacity for innovation and adaptation will be vital.
Fundamentally, the U.S. economy is a multifaceted and dynamic system. Its robustness stems from its ability to innovate and adapt, despite facing systemic obstacles and shifts in the global landscape.
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.
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.
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.
In September 2024, the U.S. economy saw a significant increase in job additions, substantially surpassing expectations and contributing to a robust employment landscape as the unemployment rate declined, according to the U.S. Labor Department’s report issues Friday 4th October 2024.
U.S. Non-farm payroll numbers rose by 254,000 in September 2024, a jump from the revised figure of 159,000 in August and exceeding the forecast of 150,000.
The unemployment rate dropped to 4.1%, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point, while the household employment survey reported a substantial increase of 430,000 jobs.
Average hourly earnings grew by 0.4% for the month and saw a 4% rise compared to the previous year, outpacing the projected estimates.
Increase in VAT: Adjusting the Value Added Tax (VAT) rate could generate substantial revenue.
Pension Tax Relief: Limiting pension tax relief to the basic rate of income tax could raise around £15 billion per year. Pension tax relief raid.
Windfall Tax: Increasing the windfall tax on the profits of oil and gas companies could also contribute significantly.
General Tax Increases: N.I., Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax, Inheritance Tax,
Public Sector Efficiency
Improving Productivity: Enhancing public sector productivity by just 5% could deliver up to £20 billion in benefits annually.
New Taxes or Levies
Green Taxes: Introducing or increasing taxes on carbon emissions and other environmental levies could help raise funds while promoting sustainability.
Digital Services Tax: Expanding the scope of the digital services tax to cover more online businesses could also be a potential revenue source.
Electric vehicle tax: new tax bands for electric cars
Spending Cuts
Reducing Public Expenditure: Identifying and cutting down on non-essential public spending could help balance the budget.
Economic Growth
Stimulating Growth: Policies aimed at boosting economic growth, such as investing in infrastructure and innovation, could increase tax revenues indirectly by expanding the tax base. But this will take time to fully materialise.
Each of these measures comes with its own set of challenges and implications, so the government would need to carefully consider the economic and social impacts before implementation.
Black hole?
The Chancellor has recently pointed to a ‘black hole’ in the public finances, referencing the recent uncovering of an ‘unbudgeted’ £22bn overspend in the current tax year following her tenure commencement at No. 11 Downing Street in July.
The reality of this newfound deficit is subject to debate. However, given that the Chancellor has ruled out the possibility of borrowing for day-to-day expenses, it seems she very likely she might be compelled to raise taxes to offset these expenditures.
N.I. and Pension raid?
In its last year, the Conservative government cut taxes by £20 billion by reducing the National Insurance rate. Reversing this cut would be a direct way to increase revenue, taking us back to the financial situation before last November.
Currently, many people receive a 40% tax relief on pension contributions but are taxed at 20% when they withdraw. This ‘inconsistency’ could easily become a target for the Chancellor.
Additionally, employers’ National Insurance contributions are not applied to pension contributions or withdrawals, and individuals can even take a tax-free lump sum from their pension after having received tax relief on their contributions.
Understanding the complexities is not necessary to see that a chancellor in search of extra tax revenue may consider pension contributions as a significant source of additional income.
The UK budget is due on: 30th October 2024 – let’s see just by how much UK taxes are increased – because they will be.
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 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.
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.
Total deliveries Q3 2024: 462,890 – Total production Q3 2024: 469,796
Analysts had projected Tesla would deliver 463,310 vehicles by the end of September 2024. However, other sources indicated a larger shortfall; the average analyst predictions were at 469,828 vehicles, while an independent researcher known as ‘Troy Teslike,‘ popular among Tesla enthusiasts, estimated 472,000 deliveries for the quarter.
Comparatively, Tesla reported 435,059 deliveries and 430,488 EVs produced in the same period last year. In the previous quarter, the company achieved 443,956 deliveries and produced 410,831 vehicles.
In the U.S., competitors such as Rivian are advancing, and traditional automakers like Ford and General Motors are increasing their electric vehicle sales, albeit scaling back earlier electrification targets.
Ford announced a 12% increase in EV sales for the third quarter, totaling 23,509 vehicles on Wednesday 2nd October 2024.
General Motors reported a 60% rise in EV sales for the same quarter compared to the previous year, with 32,100 units sold, which represents 4.9% of its total sales volume.
Tesla’s reputation in the U.S. has faced challenges, partly due to CEO Elon Musk’s controversial actions, including endorsing former President Donald Trump and disseminating what has reportedly been described by the White House as ‘racist hate“, along with alleged misinformation about immigration and election fraud on X, his social media platform.
Despite these issues, Tesla remains the leading seller of battery electric vehicles in the U.S., with Hyundai trailing significantly behind.
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
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.
