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Xbox Players Have Been Warned, Sony’s Apology Won’t Hide What Might Happen Next to Microsoft Xbox Players Have Been Warned, Sony’s Apology Won’t Hide What Might Happen Next to Microsoft PlayStation Network (PSN) was down for over 24 hours yesterday and the whole world went into a frenzy as they were forced to touch the proverbial grass. Millions of PlayStation users were unable to access their games, online services, or even make purchases. And the worst part was that Sony’s response was slow, with vague statements and little transparency. Did anyone else get really worried? Image Credit: Sony However, PlayStation users weren’t the ones directly affected by this outage. With Microsoft’s ongoing transition away from hardware dependence, Xbox was also affected by this. How? You may ask. The answer is that 64% of consumer spending on Microsoft games in December 2024 was on PlayStation. So PSN going down affects a lot more people like that. The PSN outage is a big deal for Microsoft and Xbox too A lot of Xbox games are on PS after all. | Image Credit: Microsoft The PlayStation Network outage was sudden and it affected all major services, including online gameplay, digital purchases, and even media streaming. The initial response from Sony was vague as the company stated that only “some users” were affected when, in reality, the entire network was down. The community on the other hand immediately drew comparison to the infamous 2011 PSN breach that lasted 23 days. After the outage, Windows Central’s Jez Corden shared an opinion on X/Twitter, warning that this should serve as a wake-up call for Microsoft. With Xbox’s shift from a traditional console model to a publisher-focused approach, revenue is now tied to PlayStation sales. In December 2024, Microsoft was the world’s largest game publisher, with $465 million in revenue. If you look closely though, 64% of that came from PlayStation. PSN being down should probably be a wake up call for Microsoft / Xbox about how much money you can potentially lose if you rely on others’ ecosystems to provide your access to customers… — Jez (@JezCorden) February 8, 2025 Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has been vocal about Xbox’s transition to a multiplatform strategy. We’ve already seen the new direction the company is steering towards with plans for an open ecosystem where Xbox games are playable across various devices, including PlayStation and Nintendo. It’s great because it gives the company more market reach, but it also means Microsoft is more reliant on others’ infrastructure. So wait… For $10 a month you can get Xbox Game Pass and It now includes Xbox Live Gold, every Xbox exclusive, Every EA Access title, AND every Bethesda title?!?! Plus a rotating list of 3rd party titles! And for $20/month you get all that plus a console…. pic.twitter.com/Azd4ZjWmnV — Pyro Gaming (@PyroGaming) September 21, 2020 Hardware and console wars aren’t the only frontiers anymore for Spencer and Microsoft. Selling consoles is no longer the key to success in gaming, and Microsoft seems to be focused on being the best software provider. We’ve already seen this with the recent “This is an Xbox” ad campaign and there’s a lot more coming. We need to stop relying on online only things How will Microsoft go forward? | Image Credit: Sony Something else we can see from the PSN outage is the importance of offline functionality. When PSN went down, even single-player games that required online verification became unplayable. And of course, people started talking again about the necessity of always online gaming. We really do need offline modes. And with Microsoft experimenting with cloud-based gaming and Game Pass accessibility, the outage affects more than just PlayStation users. It may very well be a factor that impacts Xbox’s future. The company must consider how much control it’s willing to give up. Then there’s the debate over whether Microsoft should continue making Xbox consoles. We know that Xbox hardware has become secondary to services like Game Pass and cloud gaming. But the outage also showed that if Xbox hardware isn’t a reliable alternative, then this will continue happening every time. Source link #Xbox #Players #Warned #Sonys #Apology #Wont #Hide #Happen #Microsoft Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

S&P 500 E-Mini Futures: Bulls Eye New Highs After Pullback to 20-Week EMA S&P 500 E-Mini Futures: Bulls Eye New Highs After Pullback to 20-Week EMA S&P 500 E-Mini Futures: Bulls Eye New Highs After Pullback to 20-Week EMA Source link #SampP #EMini #Futures #Bulls #Eye #Highs #Pullback #20Week #EMA Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NSW government launches app to help young people quit vaping NSW government launches app to help young people quit vaping A 21-year-old university student is hoping other young people will learn the dangers of vaping after her declining health and the rising cost of the habit led her to help launch a new app aimed at helping people quit using vapes. Camera IconThe NSW government is trying to help young people quit vaping. NewsWire / Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia Simran Prasad started vaping in her final year of high school because the alternative to smoking cigarettes became “popular and easily accessible” for a bit of cash. “It became the norm, it was quite an experimental thing,” Ms Prasad told NewsWire. “Sadly, it became an addiction especially with the flavour, and that went on through to university. “I found it would calm me down with the stress associated with studying.” However, when Ms Prasad’s started noticing she was always coughing and had light-headedness, she realised she had to stop vaping. “You don’t want to damage your health and I was getting all most smoker symptoms, I was petrified,” she said. The rising costs were also a factor in Ms Prasada deciding to stop vaping. “It seems the quicker you get through a vape, the more you need, the more expensive it is,” she said. Now, Ms Prasad has proudly quit the ****** habit. Camera IconSimran Prasad has quit vaping after getting addicted to the product in high school. Supplied Credit: News Corp AustraliaCamera IconShe found she started to become reliant upon vaping as a way to deal with stress. NewsWire / Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia She’s one of 240 young people who has helped the NSW government develop its new evidence based app, Pave, which is aimed at helping more young people quit vaping. The app is the next part of the government’s effort in changing young people’s health behaviour when it comes to vaping. In the wake of its latest ‘Every vape is a hit to your health’ campaign, research found 24,000 young people in NSW had been motivated to quit vaping, with a further 15,000 considering quitting since the January 2024 launch. The new app, released on Tuesday, will provide users with helpful tips, motivation, tracking tools, distractions for when cravings hit, as well as activities and information to navigate common barriers to quitting vaping. Ms Prasada said having an app that is personalised to a person’s lifestyle would have greatly helped her quit. “If I were to have used this at the time, it wouldn’t have just helped quit vaping, it would have allowed me create a healthier lifestyle,” she said. “It’s got plans (that help you go from) one end of the spectrum of your health to actually creating a healthier lifestyle. “What young people really seek is a form of personalised support, they want to know something is there for them.” Camera IconVape products can cause health issues in various forms. NewsWire /Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the uptake in vaping among young people was very concerning for the government. “I am very concerned about the prevalence of ******** vapes in our community,” Mr Park said. “In particular, I’m worried about the impacts it will have on the community’s health, and ultimately, our health system, long into the future. “This is a once-in-a-generation moment to prevent a ticking time bomb in public health. “Our efforts against vaping cannot be solely about enforcement – we’ve got to persuade young people to take ownership of their health, as well as clean our streets of ******** products. “I am encouraged by our efforts to create awareness among young people of the dangers of vaping, as well as to instil in them a desire to say no, or to quit. “What I’m determined to see as minister is the requisite supports to help them do it.” Mr Park said he hoped the app would be a great resource for young people wanting to take control of their health again. “This app is crucial tool for young people to use to help them quit vapes,” he said. “The evidence is emerging that vaping will have significant effects our community’s health, and ultimately, our health system, long into the future if we leave it unchecked. “It took us three quarters of a century to reduce smoking rates to what they are today – I don’t want that for our young people when it comes to vaping. We’ve got to act now. “What is really special about this app is that its development and its content have been informed by young people who have grappled with vaping. “Working with young people who’ve been affected by vaping is crucial for developing something that works. “It’s been informed by the very people it seeks to help. “What’s more is that it offers young people very practical solutions that suit their generational dynamics. “I don’t want a situation where we only lean on enforcement. “We’ve got to instil a desire in young people to want to quit and to provide them with the resources to succeed.” Camera IconNSW Health Minister Ryan Park says the app will help young people quit vaping. NewsWire / Nikki Short Credit: News Corp Australia The app has been co-designed with the ******* Institute, and will be available for download on iOS and Android devices. ******* Institute chief executive of NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien said there was a lot of hope young people will continue to turn away from vaping in favour of protecting their health in the long run. “It’s encouraging to see that tens of thousands of young people are trying to quit vaping or thinking about doing so,” Ms O’Brien said. “But vaping remains a significant public health issue and the new Pave app is another option we can provide to encourage young people to seek help and stay on track on their quit journey. “Vaping can cause significant health harms and can be highly addictive. “Like cigarettes, vapes are also full of harmful chemicals that have been known to cause ******* and there is growing evidence that young people who vape are more likely to take up smoking, which can significantly increase their ******* risk.” “It’s important that people avoid taking up vaping or seek help to quit. While quitting can be hard, with support, taking that first step can be life changing.” Source link #NSW #government #launches #app #young #people #quit #vaping Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

India private banks see higher levels of small loan defaults until mid-2025 India private banks see higher levels of small loan defaults until mid-2025 By Siddhi Nayak MUMBAI (Reuters) – Indian private banks say they expect increases in defaults on small and personal loans due to slower economic growth to continue till the middle of this year. But the short nature of micro credit and personal loans, typically 12-18 months long, and tighter lending rules unveiled in November 2023 means pressure on their asset quality is unlikely to last beyond that, they add. The gross bad loan ratios of private banks rose between 1 and 14 basis points in the October-December ******* from the preceding quarter to range between 1.42% and 4.7% of total loans. India expects to log economic growth of 6.4% in the year ending in March, its slowest pace in four years. The resulting rise in sour loans and tighter lending rules have made banks cautious about micro, personal and credit card loans in particular. That’s led to a slower pace of bank credit growth in December for a sixth consecutive month. Ashok Vaswani, CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank, told an analysts’ call last month that delinquency trends in personal loans improved in the December quarter, while those for credit cards plateaued and will decline in the next few quarters. Kotak, the No.4 private lender by assets, remains watchful of micro credit loans given to borrowers in rural areas for small business needs, where stress could take “at least another quarter” to normalise, he added. India’s rural economy has suffered from aggressive lending practices and disruptions brought on by national and provincial elections, leading to a rise in defaults, according to analysts. But rural demand has revived over the last few quarters after a good monsoon season, while the financial health of large corporates and demand for mortgages – two key engines for credit growth – remain largely intact. IndusInd Bank, the country’s No. 5 private sector lender, has been one of the most affected by defaults with its gross bad loan ratio climbing 14 basis points to 2.25% in the December quarter over the preceding *******. Even so, it expects asset quality in its micro credit portfolio to start stabilising from the April-June quarter, CEO Sumant Kathpalia told an analysts’ call. The Reserve Bank of India also does not expect a dramatic climb for the sector’s bad loan ratio, predicting it will rise to 3% by March 2026 from a 12-year low of 2.6% in September 2024. India’s bank sector index is down 1.4% this year, underperforming the broader market’s 0.4% loss. Mirae Asset Investment Managers (India) has a positive view on the sector over 18-24 months due to attractive valuations, said its Mumbai-based fund manager Gaurav Kochar. Story Continues “The peak of the stress in the unsecured and microfinance segment is largely behind us,” he said. “Private lenders are trading at a discount in terms of last 5 years mean on price-to-book value, which is a trigger to buy.” (Reporting by Siddhi Nayak; Editing by Sumeet Chatterjee and Edwina Gibbs) Source link #India #private #banks #higher #levels #small #loan #defaults #mid2025 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

McDonald's is about to report earnings. Here's what to expect – CNBC McDonald's is about to report earnings. Here's what to expect – CNBC McDonald’s is about to report earnings. Here’s what to expect CNBCWhat Analysts Think of McDonald’s Stock Ahead of Earnings InvestopediaMcDonald’s Earnings: What To Look For From MCD Yahoo FinanceWedbush Has Pessimistic Outlook of McDonald’s Q2 Earnings MarketBeat Source link #McDonald039s #report #earnings #Here039s #expect #CNBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Youth Parliament seeks next generation of leaders for 2025 program Youth Parliament seeks next generation of leaders for 2025 program Young political enthusiasts in WA’s North West can gain exclusive insights into *********** Parliament, with registrations open for the 2025 Youth Parliament program. Source link #Youth #Parliament #seeks #generation #leaders #program Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Google Pixel 9a Display Bezels Spotted in Leaked Design Render Google Pixel 9a Display Bezels Spotted in Leaked Design Render Google Pixel 9a has been spotted in a leaked design render that shows off the front of the company’s upcoming smartphone, giving us a glimpse at its display and bezels. While Google has yet to announce plans to launch a new midrange smartphone, recent reports suggest that the successor to the Pixel 8a will arrive earlier than usual this year. The upcoming Pixel 9a is expected to arrive with a Tensor G4 chip from Google, along with support for the company’s Gemini AI features. Google Pixel 9a Design (Leaked) Tipster Evan Blass (@evleaks) leaked the design of the purported Pixel 9a (via 9to5Google) and the somewhat blurry image of the handset reveals a very familiar design. We can see that the curved corners of the Pixel 9a closely resemble the ones on the Pixel 9 that was introduced last year. The image also shows the centre-aligned front selfie camera located in a hole punch cutout at the top of the display. The image of the Pixel 9a suggests that it will feature somewhat thick, but uniform bezels around the display. The contents of the display seen in the post also indicate that there are no planned upgrades to the user interface compared with the Pixel 9 series. Pixel 9a display and bezels (tap to expand) Photo Credit: Evan Blass (via 9to5Google) Google Pixel 9a Specifications (Expected) Just like the other smartphones in Pixel 9 lineup, Google is expected to equip the upcoming Pixel 9a with a 6.3-inch Actua display, along with Gorilla Glass 3 protection. It is said to be powered by a Tensor G4 chip, along with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The phone is expected to arrive with Android 15 out-of-the-box. The Pixel 9a is also expected to sport 48-megapixel (primary) and 13-megapixel (ultrawide) cameras. There’s currently no word on the selfie camera spotted in the new render that leaked online. It is tipped to feature a 5,100mAh battery (a considerable upgrade over the Pixel 8a, which has a 4,500mAh battery) with 23W charging support and 7.5W wireless charging. We can expect to learn more about this handset in the coming weeks. Source link #Google #Pixel #Display #Bezels #Spotted #Leaked #Design #Render Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What would happen if Musk tries to defy court orders? – ABC News What would happen if Musk tries to defy court orders? – ABC News What would happen if Musk tries to defy court orders? ABC NewsVance Says ‘Judges Aren’t Allowed to Control’ Trump’s ‘Legitimate Power’ The New York TimesLive updates: Trump leaves Super Bowl, rebukes judge blocking DOGE access at Treasury The HillMusk calls to impeach judge whose order blocks DOGE from Treasury systems access CNBC Source link #happen #Musk #defy #court #orders #ABC #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Kimberley matriarchs urge investment in women Kimberley matriarchs urge investment in women The federal government must invest in Aboriginal women’s leadership to make a difference in communities, one Western *********** organisation says. Source link #Kimberley #matriarchs #urge #investment #women Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Musk charges on with new targets in sight and Trump’s blessing – CNN Musk charges on with new targets in sight and Trump’s blessing – CNN Musk charges on with new targets in sight and Trump’s blessing CNN36 Hours After Russell Vought Took Over Consumer Bureau, He Shut Its Operations The New York TimesConsumer Financial Protection Bureau staff told to work remotely as headquarters is shuttered CNBC Source link #Musk #charges #targets #sight #Trumps #blessing #CNN Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tassie opener continues hot run, Vics set testing chase Tassie opener continues hot run, Vics set testing chase Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield pacesetter Jake Weatherald has blazed another big century to put the heat on Victoria ahead of a final-day run chase in Hobart. The hosts began their second innings 22 runs behind Victoria, but the former South *********** opener turned the tables with a blazing 155 off 212 ****** on Monday as the Tigers made 291. Victoria, second on the Shield ladder with three rounds remaining, were 2-55 at stumps on day three at Bellerive Oval. They need a further 215 to deny the last-placed Tigers just their second win in the seventh match of the season. Weatherald found some support from Jake Doran (33) and debutant No.9 Raf MacMillan (47 off 42), whose bright innings came to an unfortunate end when he miscued a juicy Harry Dixon full toss. Weatherald clattered 20 boundaries in his innings, lathering drives through point and cover, and latching on to anything short with sweetly timed pull shots that sounded like cannons echoing around the Bellerive stands. He was the last man out, his crisp knock following 185 against Queensland in November to put him on top of the Shield run-scoring list this season. Fergus O’Neill and Peter Siddle both finished with 3-63 and Will Sutherland picked up 2-63. Opener Marcus Harris (1) was an early casualty in the chase, trapped in front by Gabe Bell. Bell (2-22) then dismissed Campbell Kellaway (31) in similar fashion, Jon Merlo and Sam Elliott the unbeaten pair at stumps. Source link #Tassie #opener #continues #hot #run #Vics #set #testing #chase Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This Is What Big Tech Was Trying to Do to Us at the Super Bowl – Hollywood Reporter This Is What Big Tech Was Trying to Do to Us at the Super Bowl – Hollywood Reporter This Is What Big Tech Was Trying to Do to Us at the Super Bowl Hollywood ReporterA Super Bowl ad featuring Google’s Gemini AI contained a whopper of a mistake about cheese FortuneGoogle’s AI Super Bowl 2025 commercial is the ad every father will love during game USA TODAYWest Virginia small business featured in Super Bowl commercial WCHS Source link #Big #Tech #Super #Bowl #Hollywood #Reporter Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Alan Tribe’s PYC Therapeutics gets kidney drug approved for human trials Alan Tribe’s PYC Therapeutics gets kidney drug approved for human trials Alan Tribe-chaired PYC Therapeutics has received regulatory approval to commence human trials for its drug aimed at addressing polycystic kidney disease. The clinical-stage biotech will now commence a single ascending dose study for its drug PYC-003 in healthy volunteers and patients with polycystic kidney disease. The study will be conducted across four sites in Australia, with participants aged between 18 and 60. Polycystic kidney disease is characterised by multiple cysts forming throughout a patient’s kidney that increase in size over time. The growth of cysts destroys the function of the kidney, eventually leading to end-stage renal failure and the need for organ transplant in the majority of patients by the age of 55. About 95 per cent of patients with polycystic kidney disease currently have no treatment options available to them. PYC is also developing drug candidates for two blinding eye disease and Phelan-McDermid syndrome, a severe neurodevelopmental disorder that affects development, speech and behaviour. The listed company is chaired by Mr Tribe, who is best known as the former owner of Perth and Adelaide’s Ikea franchises before it was sold to the Swedish furniture giant’s parent company in 2017. Speaking to The West early this year, PYC chief executive Rohan Hockings said he expected the business to be revenue-generating by 2028 and could have US Food and Drug Administration for three of its drugs by 2029. Source link #Alan #Tribes #PYC #Therapeutics #kidney #drug #approved #human #trials Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tesla: Volume Price Analysis Shows Bullish Setup on the 5-Minutes Chart Tesla: Volume Price Analysis Shows Bullish Setup on the 5-Minutes Chart Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks. Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed. Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website. It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website. Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers. © 2007-2025 – Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved. Source link #Tesla #Volume #Price #Analysis #Shows #Bullish #Setup #5Minutes #Chart Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nokia picks Intel’s AI and data center leader Hotard as new CEO Nokia picks Intel’s AI and data center leader Hotard as new CEO COPENHAGEN (Reuters) – Finland’s Nokia on Monday said Pekka Lundmark would step down as CEO, and that it has appointed Justin Hotard to take over his role. Hotard, who will take up the position on April 1, is currently the executive vice president and general manager of Data Center & AI Group at Intel, according to the chipmaker’s website. Telecom gear makers, struggling with lower sales of 5G equipment, have been looking for ways to diversify their markets and break into growing areas such as artificial intelligence. “He has a strong track record of accelerating growth in technology companies along with vast expertise in AI and data center markets, which are critical areas for Nokia’s future growth,” Nokia’s Chair Sari Baldauf said in a statement. Lundmark, who was appointed as Nokia’s CEO in 2020, will stay on as an advisor to Hotard until the end of the year, the company said. In September, Nokia declined media reports saying the company was looking for a new chief executive. “The planning for this leadership transition was initiated when Pekka indicated to the Board that he would like to consider moving on from executive roles when the repositioning of the business was in a more advanced stage, and when the right successor had been identified,” Baldauf said. (Reporting by Stine Jacobsen, editing by Louise Breusch Rasmussen and Varun H K) Source link #Nokia #picks #Intels #data #center #leader #Hotard #CEO Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What’s Changed in the Stock Market in 2025? What’s Changed in the Stock Market in 2025? Being 5 weeks into calendar 2025, what’s changed in the US and other stock markets this year: Top 10 SP stocks (market cap weight) – YTD return: Apple (NASDAQ:): -9.10% Nvidia (NASDAQ:): -3.31% Microsoft: (NASDAQ:): -2.79% Amazon (NASDAQ:): +4.45% Meta (NASDAQ:): +22% Alphabet (NASDAQ:): -2.09% Broadcom (NASDAQ:): -3.01% Tesla (NASDAQ:): -10.45% Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:) (BRK.B): +4.29% Chart source: @garysmorrow on X This is the chart I was looking for last weekend, before the Bespoke chart was on the sudden emergence of the European stock market. Gary Morrow does great technical analysis work. While there is a rightward tilt occurring in European politics, the ECB has also reduced it’s funding rate 5 times since 2023. The most recent ECB rate reduction was January ’25. That green bar area should be a significant source of support for any pullback in the . Expect President Trump to give us that opportunity via a tariff announcement. Mike Zaccardi on X posts frequently, and this “S&P 500 earnings revision ratio” from Wisdom Tree is another good update. The flip side or antidote to this is that the S&P 500 “upside surprise” or beat rate is at +8.1% as of Friday, February 7th, the highest upside surprise since (probably) 2021, although I don’t have data going back that far. The big tech companies are starting to be a drag on the S&P 500 as I tried to detail in this post last week. Microsoft has a pretty big “earnings weight” in the S&P 500, but I believe Apple’s is the largest earnings weight. Conclusion: Equal-weight vs market-cap weight is starting to get more attention, and one compare that I found to be interesting as of Friday, February 7th’s close, was that the (equal-weight Nasdaq 100 ETF) was +5.64% YTD in ’25, versus the QQQ’s +2.29% YTD return and the SPY’s +2.51% YTD return. The (S&P 500 equal-weight) has a YTD return of +2.85%, also greater than the , but not by a material amount. Is this alarming? Hardly. Does it bear watching – absolutely. When this blog update was posted in mid-January ’25, it received from snarky comments given it was just 2 weeks into the new calendar year, but rotation begins to happen slowly and then suddenly. Nvidia hit an all-time-high at $153 in early Jan ’25, and has now backed off. Microsoft’s all-time-high was $468 in early July ’24 and hasn’t traded back there since. If Microsoft trades below the April and August ’24 lows of $385 – $388, it will be the first megacap to break (so to speak). It’s only an opinion and not a forecast, but how Nvidia reports, and trades and guides when it report fiscal Q4 ’25 earnings on February 26th, 2025, will likely have a big impact on the mega-cap 7 and mega-cap 10 trade of the last few years. Disclaimer: None of this is advice or a recommendation, but only an opinion. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing can and does involve the loss of principal, even for short periods of time. All earnings data found on this blog is typically sourced from LSEG. Thanks for reading. Source link #Whats #Changed #Stock #Market Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Investors appear less enthusiastic over Trump and AI Investors appear less enthusiastic over Trump and AI The ArcelorMittal steel production plant in Ghent, Belgium, on July 27, 2024. Jonathan Raa | Nurphoto | Getty Images The excitement over artificial intelligence and U.S. President Donald Trump’s perceived friendliness to the stock market buoyed investor sentiment as recently as December. In 2025, it seems those animal spirits have somewhat evaporated. Any time Trump brings up tariffs, investors have been reacting badly (for good reason). His threat of reciprocal tariffs on Friday — that is, imposing on other countries the same degree of duties that they place on the U.S. — sent stocks tumbling. New tariffs on steel and aluminum, which Trump says he will announce on Monday, are likely to sink stocks further. Likewise, AI, the engine that drove stocks higher in 2024, seems to present investors with more uncertainty than opportunities this year. DeepSeek’s claim that its training required just a fraction of the billions of dollars that U.S. AI models ***** up have thrown Big Tech’s investments — which will amount to more than $300 billion in 2025 — as well as their stock valuation into question. While the main characters of the stock market remain the same as they were in December, they are steering markets in a different direction. What you need to know today New steel and aluminum tariffsTrump will announce on Monday additional 25% tariffs on all aluminum and steel imports into the U.S., according to comments to reporters on Sunday. Those will come on top of already existing levies. In a separate steel-related development, Trump said on Friday at a news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba that Nippon Steel will invest in U.S. Steel, giving up its attempt to buy it. EV price cuts in China amid mixed price signalsConsumer prices in China spiked 0.5% in January on an annual basis, according to the country’s National Bureau of Statistics on Sunday. The figure is higher than the previous month’s 0.1% increase and the 0.4% expected in a Reuters poll. However, producer prices dropped 2.3% in January year on year — the same degree as December and steeper than the 2.1% estimate — for their 28th straight month of declines. Meanwhile, electric car companies in China are offering discounts and interest-free loans to boost sales amid a hotly contested industry and sluggish consumer sentiment in the country. Uneven report for U.S. labor marketThe U.S. economy added 143,000 jobs in January, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday. Nonfarm payrolls for the month dropped from an upwardly revised 307,000 in December was and below the Dow Jones 169,000 estimate. However, the unemployment rate edged down to 4% from 4.1% the prior month. Average hourly earnings in January were stronger than expected, coming in at 0.5% for the month compared with the 0.3% forecast. Asian markets rise as U.S. slumpsAll major U.S. indexes ended last week lower after a losing day on Friday, when the S&P 500 lost 0.95%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average slid 0.99% and the Nasdaq Composite fell 1.36%. Stocks retreated after Trump mentioned the possibility of reciprocal tariffs on trade partners. By contrast, Asia-Pacific markets started the week higher. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index added around 1.8%. Singapore’s Straits Times Index hit an all-time high, lifted by shares of Singapore’s largest bank DBS Group Holdings, which jumped 2.6% and touched a new record. Spending billions on artificial intelligenceSoftBank is close to finalizing a $40 billion primary investment in OpenAI at a $260 billion pre-money valuation, sources told CNBC’s David Faber. The cost efficiency of DeepSeek doesn’t seem to deter Big Tech: Meta, Amazon, Alphabet and Microsoft have announced plans to spend a combined $320 billion on AI and data centers. Demis Hassabis, the CEO of Google DeepMind, said on Friday that while DeepSeek is “the best work” he’s seen from China, “there’s no actual new scientific advance.” [PRO] Inflation in focus this weekThe consumer and producer price indexes for January, out Wednesday and Thursday respectively, will be especially important to investors. January’s jobs report showed a higher-than-anticipated wage growth and the University of Michigan consumer survey revealed that respondents increased their expectations of the inflation rate a year to 4.3%, a one percentage point jump from January. And finally… Piles of coal waiting to be transported at Guoyuan Port container terminal in Chongqing, China. Cfoto | Future Publishing | Getty Images The world isn’t close to breaking free from coal — in some countries, demand for it is surging “Nothing can destroy coal,” U.S. President Donald Trump said at the recent World Economic Forum. Statistics seem to prove him right. U.S. exports of coal have been rising steadily to satisfy growing global demand — which is expected to have breached another high of 8.77 billion tonnes in 2024 and will remain at similar levels until 2027, the International Energy Agency predicted. “The global shift away from coal remains challenging, largely driven by rising demand in Asia, even as Europe and the U.S. see significant declines in coal consumption,” said Dorothy Mei, project manager for Global Energy Monitor’s Global Coal Mine Tracker. Source link #Investors #enthusiastic #Trump Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

JWST Unveils HH 30’s Protoplanetary Disk, Showing Dust Grains and Jets JWST Unveils HH 30’s Protoplanetary Disk, Showing Dust Grains and Jets A striking image of a young star surrounded by a dense disk of dust and gas has been captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The image showcases Herbig Haro 30 (HH 30), a celestial formation located in the Taurus constellation. Bright jets of material are seen extending from the disk as light interacts with the surrounding gas and dust. The star at the center remains hidden due to the dense disk encircling it. The interaction of powerful stellar winds with surrounding matter creates shockwaves, illuminating the region. These illuminated areas provide valuable insights into how dust grains move within protoplanetary disks, a crucial step in planetary formation. Dust Grains Crucial for Planetary Formation Identified According to research published in The Astrophysical Journal, microscopic dust grains, measuring only one-millionth of a meter, were identified within HH 30’s protoplanetary disk. These grains play a key role in planet formation by gradually clumping together to form larger particles. The European Space Agency (ESA) stated that this dense dust layer serves as an essential foundation for the development of planetary bodies. The accumulation of dust into a concentrated layer allows for the gradual formation of pebbles, which eventually coalesce into planets. Distinct Structures and Jet Activity Observed As reported by space.com, observations conducted by a team led by Ryo Tazaki of the University of Tokyo combined JWST data with findings from the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and the Hubble Space Telescope. The analysis revealed intricate structures within the disk, including a high-speed jet emerging perpendicular to the disk’s plane. This jet is surrounded by a wider cone-shaped outflow, suggesting significant ongoing activity. A spiral-like feature and a tidal tail were detected, with researchers suggesting that these patterns could be caused by a jet’s oscillation, a stellar companion, or a nearby star that passed through the region approximately 1,000 years ago. Significance of the Discovery These findings highlight the dynamic nature of protoplanetary disks, where both microscopic dust particles and large-scale jets influence the formation of planetary systems. The captured image of HH 30 provides crucial data on the role of dust migration and accumulation in star-forming regions. Scientists continue to analyse these observations to refine models of planetary development and improve understanding of the early stages of solar system formation. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Qualcomm Says Arm Has Withdrawn License Breach Notice iOS 18.3.1 Update for iPhone With Minor Changes Reportedly in Development Ahead of Release Source link #JWST #Unveils #30s #Protoplanetary #Disk #Showing #Dust #Grains #Jets Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Donald Trump Exults as Taylor Swift Booed at Super Bowl: ‘MAGA Is Very Unforgiving’ – Variety Donald Trump Exults as Taylor Swift Booed at Super Bowl: ‘MAGA Is Very Unforgiving’ – Variety Donald Trump Exults as Taylor Swift Booed at Super Bowl: ‘MAGA Is Very Unforgiving’ VarietySuper Bowl 59: President Trump, Taylor Swift watch Philadelphia Eagles beat Kansas City Chiefs BBC.comBoos for Taylor Swift at Super Bowl from Philadelphia Eagles fans Sky NewsSuper Bowl 2025: Taylor Swift gets booed, Kendrick Lamar disses Drake — and what was up with that scoreboard? Here are the most viral moments of the night. Yahoo EntertainmentTrump mocks Taylor Swift, Chiefs after she was booed during Super Bowl LIX Fox News Source link #Donald #Trump #Exults #Taylor #Swift #Booed #Super #Bowl #MAGA #Unforgiving #Variety Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What’s On: Your guide to events around Albany and the Great Southern, February 13-19 What’s On: Your guide to events around Albany and the Great Southern, February 13-19 From , here’s your guide to the week ahead in the Great Southern. THURSDAY Punk n’ the Preacher, Wilson’s Brewery Bar, 5pm Art After Dark, Albany Town Hall, 5pm Ross Noble: Cranium of Curiosities, Albany Entertainment Centre, 8pm FRIDAY Lincolns Rural Tour: Sowing the Seeds of Innovation, Lincolns Albany, 10am Overboard, Eve, 9pm SATURDAY Radiothon, Great Southern FM, 6am Albany Antique, Vintage and Collectables Fair, The Stirling Club, 9am Let’s Go Sr Trivia Night, Premier Hotel, 7pm Dig the Dust, Six Degrees, 8.30pm SUNDAY Albany Antique, Vintage and Collectables Fair, The Stirling Club, 9am Albany Mountain Bikes Social Members Ride, Poikies, 2pm Sound Healing, The Dome, 7pm MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY Graeme Connors: My Lyrical Life, Albany Entertainment Centre, 7.30pm Planning something? Let us know! Send details of your event to *****@*****.tld Source link #Whats #guide #events #Albany #Great #Southern #February Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

******** marriages slid by a fifth in 2024, fanning birthrate concerns – Reuters ******** marriages slid by a fifth in 2024, fanning birthrate concerns – Reuters ******** marriages slid by a fifth in 2024, fanning birthrate concerns ReutersNew marriages in China ****** to record low, while divorces on the rise CNNChina Marriages Fall to Record Low as Demographic Crisis Deepens BloombergChina’s birth crisis deepens as marriage registrations plunge to 40-year low South China Morning PostChina: Upgrading population quality Population Matters Source link #******** #marriages #slid #fanning #birthrate #concerns #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Porsche profits to slump over EV woes Porsche profits to slump over EV woes Porsche profits are plummeting due to the costs of pivoting away from a rapid electric transition and declining sales in China. Source link #Porsche #profits #slump #woes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

S&P 500 Earnings: Corporate Profitability Solid but 2025 Negative Revisions Loom S&P 500 Earnings: Corporate Profitability Solid but 2025 Negative Revisions Loom Part of the negative revisions for 2025 EPS growth estimates are undoubtedly from the cautious guidance from Microsoft (NASDAQ:) (lowered revenue guidance for the 2nd quarter in a row), from Alphabet (NASDAQ:) Tuesday night, where cloud growth slowed and then Amazon (NASDAQ:) on Thursday night this past week, where the midpoint of Q1 ’25 revenue guidance was roughly $153 billion versus the $156 billion consensus estimate. Revenue upside surprise: Microsoft: +1% Alphabet: 0% Amazon: 0% EPS Upside surprise: Microsoft: 0% Alphabet: 16% Amazon: 25% It needs a few days to settle and get recorded, but this blog should do a post showing readers EPS and revenue estimate revisions for these companies, to see what damage is done. Apple’s numbers haven’t been updated yet, and neither has Meta (NASDAQ:) while Nvidia (NASDAQ:) doesn’t report for another 2 – 3 weeks. So here’s how the S&P 500 EPS estimates have changed (per the LSEG data) since last week: The forward 4-quarter S&P 500 EPS estimate fell to $271.24 this week, after last week’s $273.33 and the prior week’s $273.17. This week’s drop in the forward estimate, doesn’t look like much at a $2.09 decline, but that will get some attention. The S&P 500 PE ratio is 22.2x which hasn’t changed much YTD; The S&P 500 earnings yield is at 4.50%, still too low in my opinion, and needs to trade up to 5%, which would put the S&P 500 earnings yield equivalent to a 20x PE for the benchmark, not out of line with expected ’25 S&P 500 EPS growth of 10% – 11% per year; Click to expand on the spreadsheet. Note the jump in 2024’s expected S&P 500 EPS growth for ’24 as Q4 earnings have gotten reported, bit also note how 2025 expected S&P 500 EPS growth has been trimmed, somewhat materially. It was disappointing to see the sharp drop in expected industrial EPS growth, probably somewhat due to Honeywell (NASDAQ:). 2025 was expected to see a sharp rebound in industrial sector earnings, per the above tables. Note how the technology sector expected S&P EPS growth for full-year 2025, has declined sequentially every week in 2025. Finally, expand the above spreadsheet and note how Q4 ’24 EPS and revenue growth have grown smartly since Q4 ’24 results started getting released in early January ’25, and then note how the quarterly EPS and revenue expected growth rates have been revised for 2025. Conclusion: The tough aspect to writing this blog since 2008 and watching S&P 500 EPS and revenue data is that the quarterly, annual patterns tend to look the same, until they don’t and the “actual” EPS and revenue data converge from “expected”. Expected 2025 S&P 500 EPS growth is still pretty healthy at 11%, as of this weekend. The tariff convulsions and the other headlines only make the sector and company analysis more complex. There is no question there is more uncertainty to the market landscape in 2025, and that should – all other things being equal – result in some PE compression, particularly for the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq. The peaked at 20,204 on December 16th, ’24 and has not made a new high and ended below it’s 50-day moving average this week; The peaked at 539.15 also on December 16th and also has not made a new high since, but has not slipped under it’s 50-day moving average; The S&P 500 didn’t peak until 6,128.18 on 1/24/25 and hasn’t made a new high since, and also remains above it’s 50-day moving average; Looking at the 2025 calendar year sector growth rates, the tech sector is still expected to grow almost 2x the S&P 500’s expected growth. from November ’24 articulated how I was thinking about 2025, but the Fed reducing the fed funds rate further (not that that’s in the cards in the next few months), could change that whole ’25 thought process. The sentiment in this bull market which is almost 16 years old is nothing like we saw in late ’99, early 2000. Disclaimer: None of this is advice or a recommendation, but only an opinion. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Investing can and does involve the loss of principal, even for short periods of time. All data sourced above is from LSEG. Thanks for reading. Source link #Earnings #Corporate #Profitability #Solid #Negative #Revisions #Loom Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

What’s happening in the Gaza Strip and Sudan that sparked a protest at the Super Bowl halftime show? What’s happening in the Gaza Strip and Sudan that sparked a protest at the Super Bowl halftime show? DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — A performer at Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show unfurled a flag referencing both Sudan and the Gaza Strip, providing a brief protest referencing two wars shaking the Middle East. Security at the stadium detained the performer shortly after waving the flag atop a car used as a prop in the performance. It’s unclear if the performer, as of yet unnamed by authorities, would face any charges. The NFL said the person would be banned for life from NFL stadiums and events, while the company behind the halftime show said it was not part of the planned performance. But what’s happening in Gaza and Sudan? And how does it affect the wider world? Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. The Associated Press explains what’s going on. What’s happening in the Gaza Strip? The Gaza Strip is an enclave along the Mediterranean Sea bordered by both Egypt and Israel. It’s some 360 square kilometers (140 square miles) — about the twice the size of Washington and 3½ times the size of Paris. But it’s incredibly densely populated and was home to 2.3 million Palestinians before the start of the 2023 Israel-****** war. That war began when ******, a militant group that’s ruled Gaza since 2007, stormed across the border into Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 250 hostage. Israel responded with a devastating ground and air campaign striking across Gaza, killing more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to local health authorities, who do not differentiate between fighters and noncombatants in their count. Much of the territory has been obliterated. A ceasefire in the war began Jan. 19 and is still holding. ************ militants have freed hostages while Israel has released Palestinians held in prisons there. However, worries remains over whether the peace will hold. Comments by President Donald Trump, who was on hand Sunday night for the Super Bowl, suggesting the U.S. was “committed to buying and owning Gaza,” also have upended discussions about the enclave’s future. The Palestinians want the Gaza Strip and the West Bank for a future state of their own, with east Jerusalem as its capital. That long-sought, two-state solution for the decadeslong conflict is backed by ******** nations and much of the international community. Israel has expressed openness to the idea of resettling Gaza’s population, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Sunday calling it ”a revolutionary, creative vision.” ******, the Palestinians and much of the world have rejected it. What’s happening in Sudan? Sudan, a nation in East Africa, has been unstable since a popular uprising forced the removal of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019. A short-lived transition to democracy was derailed when army chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces led a military coup in 2021. The RSF and Sudan’s military began fighting each other in 2023. Their conflict has killed more than 28,000 people, forced millions to flee their homes and left some families eating grass in a desperate attempt to survive as famine sweeps parts of the country. Other estimates suggest a far higher death toll in the civil war. In recent weeks, Burhan’s forces including Sudan’s military and allied militias have advanced against the RSF. They retook a key refinery north of Khartoum, Sudan’s capital. They’ve also pushed in on RSF positions around Khartoum itself. That fighting has led to an increase in civilian casualties. From Jan. 31 until Feb. 5, the U.N.s’ Human Rights Office documented at least 275 civilian deaths from artillery, airstrikes and drone assaults. “Indiscriminate attacks, as well as threats and attacks directed against civilians must cease immediately,” said Seif Magango, a spokesperson for the Human Rights Office. “The Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces — and their allied movements and militias — must respect their international law obligations and take concrete steps to protect civilians from harm, including humanitarian workers and human rights defenders.” Have these wars come up in popular culture before? Online, activists have sought to draw attention to both the Gaza Strip and Sudan, though the conflicts have different roots and participants. However, the idea of the two conflicts being linked by their devastation has been made by celebrities. In August, American rapper Macklemore said he canceled a concert in Dubai over the United Arab Emirates’ role “in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis” in Sudan through its reported support of the paramilitary force that’s been fighting government troops there. While the UAE repeatedly has denied arming the RSF, U.N. experts reported “credible” evidence last year showed that the Emirates sent weapons to the RSF several times a week from northern Chad. Macklemore at the time said he reconsidered the show in part over his recent, public support of Palestinians over the Israel-****** war. He has been performing a song called “Hind’s Hall,” in honor of a young girl named Hind Rajab killed in Gaza in a shooting Palestinians have blamed on Israeli forces opening fire on a civilian car. Source link #Whats #happening #Gaza #Strip #Sudan #sparked #protest #Super #Bowl #halftime #show Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Review: Kendrick Lamar brings America and 'Not Like Us' into history-making Super Bowl halftime show – The Associated Press Review: Kendrick Lamar brings America and 'Not Like Us' into history-making Super Bowl halftime show – The Associated Press Review: Kendrick Lamar brings America and ‘Not Like Us’ into history-making Super Bowl halftime show The Associated PressSuper Bowl Halftime Show Review: Kendrick Lamar Performance Hollywood ReporterKendrick Lamar Brings Out Drake’s Ex Serena Williams for 2025 Super Bowl Halftime PEOPLENFL, FOX Decision on Kendrick Lamar, ‘Not Like Us’ Lyrics Looms for Super Bowl TMZ Source link #Review #Kendrick #Lamar #brings #America #039Not #Us039 #historymaking #Super #Bowl #halftime #show #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]