Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:ARM) – SoftBank is collaborating with Arm to develop AI chips, aiming to start mass production in 2025. SoftBank is financially contributing, negotiating with manufacturers like TSMC (NYSE:TSM).
Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) – France secured new jobs and investments on Sunday before hosting a foreign investment summit. Macron led the ‘Choose France’ event, aiming to strengthen Paris as a business hub. Amazon announced a $1.3 billion investment in its French operations, creating 3,000 jobs. The investment is aimed at expanding cloud computing infrastructure, boosting the country’s AI industry.
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) – Microsoft announced a $4.3 billion investment in France during the ‘Choose France’ business summit. Vice President Brad Smith highlighted that a significant portion would be dedicated to artificial intelligence, including building a data center in Mulhouse. In Delaware, USA, a federal jury ordered Microsoft to pay $242 million to IPA Technologies for patent infringement, claiming its virtual assistant Cortana infringed an IPA patent. Microsoft plans to appeal.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) – Morgan Stanley plans to increase its Paris staff to 500 by 2025, adding 100 employees. The French Finance Minister, Bruno Le Maire, will hold meetings today with CEOs from JPMorgan (NYSE:JPM), Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Morgan Stanley, and Bank of America (NYSE:BAC).
Pfizer (NYSE:PFE), AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) – Pfizer and AstraZeneca announce investments of nearly $1 billion in France, targeting research and expansion. Pfizer plans to allocate $538.5 million to boost research and development in France, while AstraZeneca announces a $388 million investment in its facility in Dunkirk, France.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (NYSE:TSM) – The newly-elected governor of Kumamoto, southwestern Japan, seeks to attract TSMC to build its third chip factory in the region, addressing concerns about water shortages. In an interview, Takashi Kimura mentioned that concerns about underground water shortages when TSMC’s two factories begin operating in Kikuyo in the province have raised discussions about utilizing unused dam water. Committed to providing extensive support, he plans to visit TSMC’s headquarters in Taiwan to discuss the project.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) – Apple has reached an agreement with OpenAI to integrate the startup’s technology into the iPhone, as part of its strategy to enhance AI capabilities. OpenAI’s ChatGPT could be incorporated into iOS 18, with negotiations also underway with Google. These new features will be unveiled at the Worldwide Developers Conference in June, highlighting Apple’s edge in AI. Meanwhile, in Towson, Maryland, Apple store workers considered striking over concerns about work-life balance, unpredictable schedules, and wages. Apple stated it would treat the union respectfully. Additionally, British newspapers warned Apple about the financial risks of the “web eraser,” a tool that blocks ads in the iOS 18 Safari browser. The News Media Association expressed concerns about the impact on digital revenues and editorial accountability. Meanwhile, in the legal dispute with Epic Games, Apple launched external payment options for apps on its App Store, but no major developer joined due to high fees. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers criticized the lack of interest, indicating that Apple’s business model remains unchanged. The case continues in court.
OpenAI – OpenAI will reveal product updates via a live stream on Monday, dispelling speculations about a new search engine. Instead, the focus will be on enhancements to its ChatGPT and GPT-4 AI model. CEO Sam Altman hinted at promising new features.
Snap Inc (NYSE:SNAP) – At the Bloomberg Technology Summit, Snap Inc. CEO Evan Spiegel expressed the company’s commitment to prioritizing user safety, especially for children. Snapchat emphasizes connections with real friends, avoids public likes, and promotes personal interactions. Spiegel advocated for a comprehensive framework to address online safety issues.
Equinor ASA (NYSE:EQNR) – Equinor ASA, the Norwegian oil and gas giant, has gained prominence in Europe, supplying 30% of the continent’s gas. As reliance on Russian gas decreases, concerns arise about long-term reliability and environmental impact, even as the transition to cleaner energies occurs.
Hess Corp (NYSE:HES), Chevron (NYSE:CVX) – Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer urged the Federal Trade Commission to restrict the proposed acquisition of Hess Corp by Chevron, valued at $53 billion. He argued that the deal could lead to higher gas prices for consumers.
Lucid Group (NASDAQ:LCID), NIO (NYSE:NIO), Li Auto (NASDAQ:LI), Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:RIVN), Zeekr Intelligent Technology (NYSE:ZK) – President Joe Biden plans to increase tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles and other industries. Tariffs on Chinese EVs will jump to 102.5%, while others will double or triple. Biden and his team finalized the measures, targeting key sectors including electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum, to protect the US from Chinese competition.
Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC) – Honda will increase its research and development spending by nearly 25% this year, focusing on electric vehicles to boost its competitiveness. Additionally, it announced a share buyback of up to $1.93 billion after exceeding earnings estimates last quarter, driven by the US market.
Zeekr Intelligent Technology (NYSE:ZK) – Shares of the Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer rose 35% on Friday, surpassing its IPO price of $21, closing at $28.26. The company raised $441 million from the sale of 21 million shares, exceeding expectations. Despite impending tariffs on Chinese imports, the company seeks to stand out globally. Its delivery numbers surpassed competitors, with 49,148 vehicles delivered by April.
Ford Motor (NYSE:F) – John Lawler will step down as CFO of Ford for Sherry House in 2025. Lawler will take on new responsibilities within the company. House, with experience at Lucid, Waymo, and General Motors, will be the new Vice President of Finance at Ford, strengthening its electric vehicle strategy. Additionally, Ford plans to manufacture a new partially electric car at its factory in Valencia, Spain, starting in 2027, aiming to produce 300,000 units annually, according to Reuters. According to Bloomberg on Friday, Ford is cutting battery orders, adapting to growing losses in electric vehicles and adjusting its EV strategy to reduce expenses, delaying launches, and scaling down battery factory production.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) – Tesla announced a new financing rate of 0.99% per year for purchasing new Model Y vehicles, a significant reduction from the previous rate of 6.49%. This change may stimulate sales but suggests a price-cutting strategy amid a slowdown in electric vehicle demand. Additionally, protests continue at Tesla’s factory in Germany, where activists are fighting against expansion that threatens the surrounding forest. After 16 arrests for vehicle damage and road blockages, police reported several injuries, including 21 officers. The factory, employing 12,000 people, has faced resistance since 2019.
Blink Charging Company (NASDAQ:BLNK) – Blink Charging, a provider of electric vehicle charging equipment, suggested that news about Tesla’s Supercharger unit has not impacted its business. CEO Brendan Jones stated that the overall demand for EVs is not declining, especially outside Tesla. Blink reported first-quarter total revenue of $37.6 million, representing a 73.3% increase from the previous year. Product sales rose 68%, reaching $27.5 million, while service revenue increased 72%, hitting $8.2 million. Blink’s shares have fallen 16.8% this year.
Nike (NYSE:NKE) – Basketball star A’ja Wilson will have her own Nike sneakers, revealed at a game in South Carolina. After more than a year of collaboration, the collection will also include apparel. Wilson hopes to inspire other girls with the sneakers, developed with her style and game in mind.
McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) – McDonald’s plans to launch a $5 meal offer in the US, aiming to win back price-conscious customers. The promotion, which would include a McChicken or McDouble with fries and a drink, aims to reverse the decline in sales triggered by price concerns.
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE:LYV) – Live Nation is set to meet with the US Department of Justice to try to avoid an antitrust lawsuit that could lead to the company’s breakup. The antitrust division recommended action against Ticketmaster, but Live Nation argues against separation.
GameStop (NYSE:GME) – Keith Gill, known as Roaring Kitty, made his first post in three years on the platform X. Gill, famous for boosting the company’s shares in 2020, indicated his interest in GameStop’s shares, which rose approximately 70% in May. GameStop’s shares were up 18.3% in pre-market trading.
Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) – On Friday, Bristol Myers Squibb announced that a study of its combination cancer treatments did not meet the primary goal of prolonging progression-free survival. The company plans to review the data and collaborate with investigators to disclose the results to the scientific community. Its shares fell 1% in pre-market trading.