BHP (NYSE:BHP), Anglo American (LSE:AAL) – BHP announced a $38.8 billion bid for Anglo American, boosting the latter’s shares by 12.4%. The proposal, aiming to create the world’s largest copper miner, offers a 31% premium to Anglo’s shareholders, who are reviewing the offer. The deal could trigger a wave of consolidation in the industry, with BHP aiming to strengthen its position in the copper sector, crucial for the global energy transition.
Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) – U.S. President Joe Biden will unveil in Syracuse, New York, a preliminary deal with Micron Technology for up to $6.14 billion in chip plant subsidies, boosting national manufacturing and reducing foreign dependence. The historic investment promises to create over 70,000 jobs. Biden will highlight his administration’s role in revitalizing the industry and national security during his visit. Micron’s shares rose 0.6% in pre-market trading.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) – Investors are expressing growing unease with the massive investments in artificial intelligence by tech giants, especially after Meta announced plans for more robust spending. Significant drops in the stocks of Meta, Microsoft, and Alphabet reflect concerns about the rising costs of generative AI while the industry seeks to monetize these technological advances.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) – An adviser to the Court of Justice of the EU recommended that Meta Platforms’ Facebook not use public information about users’ sexual orientation for personalized advertising, according to EU data protection rules. The non-binding opinion arises from a case involving privacy activist Max Schrems and highlights the need to preserve user privacy. The final decision is expected in the coming months.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) – The senior leader of product marketing for Apple’s new Vision Pro headset, Frank Casanova, retired after the launch. With 36 years at the company, Casanova had key roles, including driving the iPhone’s expansion. The Vision Pro, priced at $3,499, points to Apple’s vision for the future of computing but faces challenges after a promising start.
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) – Nvidia announced the acquisition of Israeli startup Run:ai, specializing in AI resource management software. The deal, whose value was not disclosed, strengthens the collaboration that began in 2020. Nvidia also plans to acquire Deci AI, according to sources. Israel is a key market for Nvidia, which has already made several acquisitions in the country, including Mellanox Technologies Ltd. for $7 billion in 2020.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:TSM) – TSMC unveiled that its new “A16” chip technology will be in production in the second half of 2026, challenging Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) in speed. TSMC believes AI chip companies will be the first to adopt the technology, without needing new expensive machine tools.
ASML (NASDAQ:ASML) – Christophe Fouquet, 50, takes over as the new CEO of ASML, Europe’s largest technology company. Without the need for a vote, his appointment was approved at the annual meeting in Veldhoven, Netherlands. Fouquet, a 15-year veteran at the company, replaces Peter Wennink, who retires after leading ASML since 2014.
Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO) – Cisco Systems revealed that hackers compromised some of its digital security devices, exploiting unknown vulnerabilities in the Adaptive Security Appliances. The group, identified as “UAT4356”, was described as sophisticated and state-sponsored, targeting global government networks. The vulnerabilities have been fixed, but immediate software updates by customers are required.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) – The total compensation of General Motors CEO Mary Barra in 2023 fell to $27.8 million, while that of President Mark Reuss rose to nearly $18 million. The Chief Financial Officer Paul Jacobson received $11.1 million, and the General Counsel Craig Glidden, $11.5 million.
Toyota (NYSE:TM) – Toyota Motor announced on Thursday that it reached global sales and production records for the year ending March 31, driven by strong demand and a lack of semiconductor supply constraints. However, it plans to delay the production of electric vehicles in the U.S. to ensure quality. Additionally, Toyota will partner with China’s Tencent, while Nissan will join forces with Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU), highlighting the importance of artificial intelligence for automakers. The partnerships reflect the need for Japanese automakers to adapt to technological changes in China. Moreover, Toyota launched a public transport pilot with nine fully electric Hilux Revo pickups in Thailand, where Chinese brands challenge Japanese dominance. The pickups were adapted for public transport. This move occurs as China invests billions in the region.
XPeng (NYSE:XPEV) – The Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer revealed that the European Commission’s investigation into Chinese EVs and regulatory changes may require investments in overseas factories or suppliers. The company aims to increase its global presence, with the U.S. being a target market, despite current challenges.
VinFast (NASDAQ:VFS) – Vietnamese billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong plans to inject another $1 billion of his personal fortune into VinFast, also considering listings of other companies he controls. Vuong, chairman of Vingroup, highlighted his commitment to VinFast despite the losses.
Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) – Southwest Airlines flight attendants approved a new contract with an immediate 22% wage increase, in a collective bargaining agreement voted by nearly 20,000 employees. The contract includes annual raises of 3% until May 2028, after two previous negotiation attempts.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) – Morgan Stanley Private Equity Asia (PEA) is restructuring its teams in the region due to the retirement of the current CEO for Asia, Chin Chou, according to an internal memo. The team will focus on investments in China, with Jun Xu leading private equity investments in the country.
Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) – Shareholders of Goldman Sachs and Bank of America rejected proposals to separate the roles of CEO and chairman, defying proxy advisor recommendations. Most investors appear satisfied with the performance and do not want to risk corporate stability, despite increased support for separating the roles. Additionally, Goldman Sachs hired two senior bankers in India to capitalize on the growing investor interest in the country. Sunil Khaitan will lead financing, while Kamna Sahni will handle Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) in Mumbai. Both come from Bank of America and will join Goldman in the coming months.
UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) – A recent lawsuit by Appaloosa LP accuses the former Credit Suisse of misleading investors about its stability before $17 billion in bonds were wiped out in a rescue led by UBS. Credit Suisse, its CEO, and former chairman are accused of lying about its liquidity.
Jefferies (NYSE:JEF) – Jefferies Financial Group CEO Rich Handler sold $65 million in company shares to buy a personal yacht. He sold 1.5 million shares at $43.50 each to finance the purchase. He plans to buy a Westport 164 yacht from billionaire Tilman Fertitta, remaining optimistic about Jefferies. Handler, in office for 23 years, now owns 19.25 million shares valued at over $850 million. The sale represents 7% of his holdings.
Blackstone (NYSE:BX) – Blackstone agreed to acquire Tropical Smoothie Cafe, valued at $2 billion. The chain, started on a Florida beach, now operates over 1,400 locations in 44 states, offering smoothies, wraps, and sandwiches. The transaction marks Blackstone’s latest investment in franchises.
Walgreens Boots Alliance (NASDAQ:WBA) – Walgreens is establishing a new center focused on cell and gene therapies for patients with complex chronic diseases, such as cancer and cystic fibrosis, in Pittsburgh. This service, which will conduct necessary checks and verifications, is part of Walgreens’ strategy to expand its pharmacy and health business.
Rubrik – Rubrik priced its initial public offering at $32 per share, exceeding its target range of $28 to $31. With 23.5 million shares, it plans to raise $752 million. Its revenues reached $627.9 million in the most recent fiscal year, with an increase in the number of customers.