Tradr Debuts First-to-Market ETFs on Meta, AXT, Coherent & Lightwave LogicAugust 18, 2026 6:46 AM
PR Newswire (US) Launch broadens the firm's diverse suite of leveraged strategies covering highly watched technology stocksNEW YORK, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tradr ETFs, a provider of ETFs designed for sophisticated investors and professional traders, today launched four first-to-market single-stock leveraged ETFs listed on Cboe. The new funds provide investors with 2X long or inverse exposure to four individual technology stocks, offering additional tools for expressing both bullish and bearish market views."METQ adds to our established stable of inverse strategies on mega-cap tech names"NEW SHORT ETFSTradr 2X Short META Daily ETF (Cboe: METQ) – seeks -200% of the daily performance of Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META)Tradr 2X Short AXTI Daily ETF (Cboe: AXTQ) – seeks -200% of the daily performance of AXT, Inc. (Nasdaq: AXTI)Tradr 2X Short COHR Daily ETF (Cboe: COHQ) – seeks -200% of the daily performance of Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR)AXTQ complements the Tradr 2X Long AXTI Daily ETF (Cboe: AXTX), which seeks 200% of the daily performance of AXTI. Similarly, COHQ complements the Tradr 2X Long COHR Daily ETF (Cboe: COHX), providing investors with both bullish and bearish strategies to express high conviction views on two burgeoning growth stories.NEW LONG ETFTradr 2X Long LWLG Daily ETF (Cboe: LWLX) – seeks 200% of the daily performance of Lightwave Logic, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWLG)"The launch of METQ adds to our established stable of inverse strategies on mega-cap tech names that includes Amazon, NVIDIA and Tesla," said Matt Markiewicz, Head of Product and Capital Markets at Tradr ETFs. "While our COHX and AXTX ETFs have been very well-received long exposures since launching early this year, active traders have indicated strong interest in being able to swing trade COHR and AXTI from the short side as well. So we are excited to bring out COHQ and AXTQ to meet that demand. Meanwhile, although LWLG is a smaller-cap name in nature, it is quietly gaining attention as investors continue to realize the important role that optic materials companies play in the AI connectivity and data transmission buildout story."Tradr's product line has now grown to 83 leveraged ETFs. Its strategies can be accessed through most brokerage platforms and allow investors to avoid the hassle of using margin and the complexity of options trading. The firm continues its mission of providing sophisticated investors with innovative trading tools that enhance their ability to express market views with precision and efficiency.For detailed information on Tradr ETFs and the significant risks involved with leveraged ETFs, please visit www.tradretfs.com.About Tradr ETFs
Tradr ETFs are designed for sophisticated investors and professional traders who are looking to express high conviction investment views. The strategies include leveraged and inverse ETFs that seek short or long exposure to actively traded stocks and ETFs.IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATIONTradr ETFs are for sophisticated investors and professional traders with high conviction views and are very different from most other ETFs. The Funds are intended to be used as short-term trading vehicles and pursue leveraged investment objectives, which means they are riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Funds magnify the performance of their underlying security. The volatility of the underlying security may affect a Fund's return as much as, or more than, the return of the underlying security.Investors in the fund should: (a) understand the risks associated with the use of leverage; (b) understand the consequences of seeking inverse and leveraged investment results; (c) for short ETFs, understand the risk of shorting; (d) intend to actively monitor and manage their investment. Fund performance will likely be significantly different than the benchmark over periods longer than the specified reset period and the performance may trend in the opposite direction than its benchmark over periods other than that period.Leverage increases the risk of a total loss of an investor's investment, may increase the volatility of the Funds, and may magnify any differences between the performance of the Funds and their reference security. The Funds seek leveraged investment results for a specific period (daily, monthly or quarterly). The exact exposure of an investment in the Fund intra-period will depend upon the movement of the reference security from the end of the prior period until the time of investment by the investor.The Fund will not attempt to position its portfolio to ensure it does not gain or lose more than a maximum percentage of its net asset value on a given trading day. As a consequence, investors in a Fund that seeks two times daily performance would lose all of their money if the Fund's underlying security moves more than 50% in a direction adverse to the Fund on a given trading day.ETFs involve risk including possible loss of the full principal value. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Principal risks and other important risks may be found in the prospectus. Past performance does not guarantee future results.ETF shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the ETF. There can be no guarantee that an active trading market for ETF shares will develop or be maintained, or that their listing will continue or remain unchanged. Buying or selling ETF shares on an exchange may require the payment of brokerage commissions and frequent trading may incur brokerage costs that detract significantly from investment returns.Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Funds. This and other important information about the Fund is contained in the Prospectus, which can be obtained by visiting www.tradretfs.com. The Prospectus should be read carefully before investing.Distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc, which is not affiliated with AXS Investments or its Tradr ETFs. AXI001031 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tradr-debuts-first-to-market-etfs-on-meta-axt-coherent--lightwave-logic-302853099.htmlSOURCE Tradr ETFs Original: Tradr Debuts First-to-Market ETFs on Meta, AXT, Coherent & Lightwave Logic

Meta Faces Landmark 29-State Trial Over Facebook and Instagram’s Impact on Young UsersAugust 18, 2026 6:39 AM
IH Market News Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is heading to trial in California federal court on Tuesday as a coalition of 29 U.S. states pursues allegations that Facebook and Instagram were designed in ways that harmed the mental health of children and teenagers. Attorneys representing Colorado, California, New Jersey and Kentucky are leading the bipartisan group and will deliver opening statements before an eight-person jury in Oakland. The jury will serve in an advisory capacity, with U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ultimately responsible for deciding the case. States Challenge Meta Over Platform Design and Children’s Data The proceedings will examine allegations from the four lead states that Meta deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram with features that could make the platforms addictive to children and teenagers while misleading consumers about their safety for younger users. The wider group of 29 states is also accusing Meta of improperly collecting and using children’s personal information through its platforms in violation of federal law. Meta is expected to argue that it has invested extensively in protecting younger users online. The company maintains that it did not make misleading representations about platform safety and says the states have failed to produce evidence demonstrating actual harm to their residents. Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify during the multiweek proceedings, alongside Instagram chief Adam Mosseri. Trial Could Become Biggest Test Yet for Youth Social Media Litigation Legal experts have described the case as potentially the most significant test so far of litigation concerning social media and young users, both because of the possible financial consequences for Meta and the potential implications for how its platforms operate. The proceedings also arrive amid increasing global scrutiny of the effects that social media platforms can have on children and teenagers. Meta has said potential penalties could reach as much as $1.4 trillion, an amount approaching its approximately $1.5 trillion market capitalisation. The state attorneys general have not formally specified the penalties they are seeking, although they indicated at a hearing last week that the figure could be closer to $200 billion. Colorado, Kentucky, California and New Jersey are additionally asking the court to require Meta to introduce age restrictions, remove infinite scrolling and implement other changes across its platforms nationwide. Meta Rejects States’ Allegations Ahead of opening arguments, Meta strongly disputed the states’ case and defended the protections it has developed for teenage users. “The AGs offer no proof anyone in their states was misled, claim benign features like having an additional Instagram account somehow harmed their residents, and attempt to penalize Meta for industry-wide challenges like age verification,” a Meta spokesperson said. “Rather than sticking to the facts or the law, the states have instead decided to chase an outlandish payout.” The company is therefore expected to challenge both the factual basis of the allegations and the scale of the remedies being sought. Lawsuit Followed Multistate Investigation Into Instagram and Facebook The lawsuit was filed in 2023 following a multistate investigation into the impact of Instagram and Facebook on younger users. That investigation was announced after disclosures from former Meta employee and whistleblower Frances Haugen. In testimony before a U.S. Senate committee in 2021, Haugen alleged that Meta knew its products could negatively affect young people and understood how to make them safer but chose not to implement certain changes because of concerns about profits. During the trial, the states are expected to introduce extensive internal Meta documents and research, together with testimony from former employees and outside experts. Social Media Industry Faces Growing Legal Pressure Meta is not alone in facing heightened scrutiny over the impact of social media on younger audiences. Snap Inc, TikTok parent ByteDance and YouTube parent Alphabet are also dealing with mounting pressure from lawmakers and courts. Thousands of cases have been brought against social media companies by states, municipalities, school districts and individuals alleging that their products have harmed children and teenagers. For Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), the California proceedings could have particularly significant consequences. Beyond the possibility of substantial financial penalties, the states are seeking changes to features and age-related protections that could affect how Facebook and Instagram operate across the United States. Meta has warned that the broader wave of litigation surrounding youth social media use could have a material impact on its business and financial performance. Meta stock priceThe post Meta Faces Landmark 29-State Trial Over Facebook and Instagram’s Impact on Young Users appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta Faces Landmark 29-State Trial Over Facebook and Instagram’s Impact on Young Users

Reddit leads major social media platforms in revenue growth per userAugust 17, 2026 6:40 AM
IH Market News Reddit (NYSE:RDDT) delivered the strongest year-on-year growth in average revenue per user among major social media platforms during the second quarter of 2026, according to analysis published by Bank of America on Monday. In the U.S., Reddit’s ARPU increased 50% from a year earlier to $11.30, putting the platform ahead of its peers in terms of growth. Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) generated a substantially higher $125 in U.S. ARPU, while recording a 31% year-on-year increase. Snap (NYSE:SNAP) posted ARPU of $10.30, up 23%, while Pinterest (NYSE:PINS) reached $25.20 following growth of 14%. YouTube’s estimated U.S. ARPU stood at $45.60, representing a 12% increase from the previous year. Reddit also tops international ARPU growth Reddit maintained its lead outside the U.S., where average revenue per user climbed 46% year-on-year to $2.10. Meta’s international ARPU increased 17% to $15.10, while Snap recorded 16% growth to $1.60. YouTube’s estimated international ARPU advanced 12% to $2.40, while Pinterest generated $1.70 per user, representing a 5% increase compared with the same period last year. Bank of America said Reddit may be benefiting from carrying a lower advertising load than competing platforms, leaving additional scope to increase monetisation. The bank also highlighted Meta’s ability to continue generating strong ARPU growth despite its already considerable scale, supported in part by improvements in AI-driven monetisation. Reddit nearly doubles U.S. revenue generated per hour Reddit also led the group in U.S. revenue-per-hour growth during the second quarter. Its U.S. RPH surged 95% year-on-year to $0.45, considerably faster than its competitors. Snap generated $0.63 per hour, representing growth of 28%, while Meta’s RPH rose 27% to $1.33. YouTube increased its figure by 4% to $0.35. Pinterest was the exception, with U.S. revenue per hour declining 13% year-on-year to $1.55, although its absolute RPH remained the highest among the platforms included in the analysis. Pinterest leads engagement and daily user growth The picture was different when measuring user engagement in July. Pinterest recorded the strongest increase in average daily time spent per active U.S. user, rising 21% compared with the previous year. Instagram followed with growth of 12%. Reddit, meanwhile, experienced an 11% year-on-year decline in average daily time spent among U.S. active users. Pinterest also led daily active user growth, with DAUs increasing 17% year-on-year in both the U.S. and international markets. Reddit’s U.S. daily active users declined 7% from a year earlier, although its international audience continued to expand, with DAUs increasing 13%. The figures suggest Reddit is becoming considerably more effective at monetising its existing audience even as domestic engagement and user growth remain under pressure. Reddit stock price Meta stock price Snap stock price Pinterest stock priceThe post Reddit leads major social media platforms in revenue growth per user appeared first on US Editors. Original: Reddit leads major social media platforms in revenue growth per user

Tradr to Launch Leveraged ETFs on AXTI, COHR, LWLG & METAAugust 13, 2026 9:15 AM
PR Newswire (US) All four ETFs represent first-to-market strategies on actively traded technology stocks NEW YORK, Aug. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tradr ETFs, a provider of ETFs designed for sophisticated investors and professional traders, expects to launch four single-stock leveraged ETFs on Tuesday, August 18. The funds, which will be listed on Cboe, will provide investors with 2X long or inverse exposure to four individual stocks.The following expected Tradr ETFs seek to deliver -200% of the daily performance of their respective underlying stocks:Tradr 2X Short AXTI Daily ETF (Cboe: AXTQ) – tracks AXT, Inc. (Nasdaq: AXTI)Tradr 2X Short COHR Daily ETF (Cboe: COHQ) – tracks Coherent Corp. (NYSE: COHR)Tradr 2X Short META Daily ETF (Cboe: METQ) – tracks Meta Platforms, Inc. (Nasdaq: META)AXTQ will complement Tradr's AXTX, which seeks 2X long exposure on AXTI, while COHQ will complement COHX, which seeks 2X long exposure to COHR.Additionally, the following expected ETF seeks to deliver 200% of the daily performance of its underlying stock:Tradr 2X Long LWLG Daily ETF (Cboe: LWLX) – tracks Lightwave Logic, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWLG)For detailed information on Tradr ETFs and the significant risks involved with leveraged ETFs, please visit www.tradretfs.com.About Tradr ETFsTradr ETFs are designed for sophisticated investors and professional traders who are looking to express high conviction investment views. The strategies include leveraged and inverse ETFs that seek short or long exposure to actively traded stocks and ETFs.IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATIONTradr ETFs are for sophisticated investors and professional traders with high conviction views and are very different from most other ETFs. The Funds are intended to be used as short-term trading vehicles and pursue leveraged investment objectives, which means they are riskier than alternatives that do not use leverage because the Funds magnify the performance of their underlying security. The volatility of the underlying security may affect a Fund's return as much as, or more than, the return of the underlying security.Investors in the fund should: (a) understand the risks associated with the use of leverage; (b) understand the consequences of seeking inverse and leveraged investment results; (c) for short ETFs, understand the risk of shorting; (d) intend to actively monitor and manage their investment. Fund performance will likely be significantly different than the benchmark over periods longer than the specified reset period and the performance may trend in the opposite direction than its benchmark over periods other than that period.Leverage increases the risk of a total loss of an investor's investment, may increase the volatility of the Funds, and may magnify any differences between the performance of the Funds and their reference security. The Funds seek leveraged investment results for a specific period (daily, monthly or quarterly). The exact exposure of an investment in the Fund intra-period will depend upon the movement of the reference security from the end of the prior period until the time of investment by the investor.The Fund will not attempt to position its portfolio to ensure it does not gain or lose more than a maximum percentage of its net asset value on a given trading day. As a consequence, investors in a Fund that seeks two times daily performance would lose all of their money if the Fund's underlying security moves more than 50% in a direction adverse to the Fund on a given trading day.ETFs involve risk including possible loss of the full principal value. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. Principal risks and other important risks may be found in the prospectus. Past performance does not guarantee future results.ETF shares are bought and sold at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the ETF. There can be no guarantee that an active trading market for ETF shares will develop or be maintained, or that their listing will continue or remain unchanged. Buying or selling ETF shares on an exchange may require the payment of brokerage commissions and frequent trading may incur brokerage costs that detract significantly from investment returns.Investors should carefully consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Funds. This and other important information about the Fund is contained in the Prospectus, which can be obtained by visiting www.tradretfs.com. The Prospectus should be read carefully before investing.Distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc, which is not affiliated with AXS Investments or its Tradr ETFs. AXI001028 View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tradr-to-launch-leveraged-etfs-on-axti-cohr-lwlg--meta-302850473.htmlSOURCE Tradr ETFs Original: Tradr to Launch Leveraged ETFs on AXTI, COHR, LWLG & META

Meta Removes 756,000 Australian Teen Accounts as Regulatory Scrutiny IntensifiesAugust 13, 2026 6:07 AM
IH Market News Meta (NASDAQ:META) said on Thursday that it has removed more than 750,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts suspected of belonging to Australians under the age of 16, as the technology group steps up enforcement of the country’s landmark social media age restrictions amid the prospect of regulatory action. Meta accelerates removal of under-16 accounts The Facebook and Instagram owner said it deactivated 462,000 suspected underage Instagram accounts and another 294,000 Facebook accounts between shortly before Australia’s social media restrictions took effect in December and June. That brings the combined number of removals to 756,000 accounts and represents a substantial increase from figures disclosed in January, when Meta said it had taken down 331,000 Instagram accounts and 173,000 Facebook accounts. Meta has repeatedly said it intends to comply with the Australian legislation despite publicly opposing the approach taken by the government. The latest figures arrive as Australia’s internet regulator considers potential enforcement proceedings against social media platforms, including services operated by Meta, over concerns that some companies have not done enough to meet the requirements of the law. Underage social media use remains widespread Other major platforms have not released compliance figures covering the same period as Meta. However, Australian government data and several independent studies have indicated that more than eight in 10 children under 16 continued to use social media during the first three months of the restrictions. Australia’s government introduced the legislation because of concerns about the potential effects of social media on the physical and mental wellbeing of children and younger teenagers. The rules came into force on December 10. The Australian approach is also being closely watched internationally as governments elsewhere consider introducing similar minimum-age requirements for social media services. Australian authorities have accused platforms of deliberately implementing the restrictions in ways that could undermine their effectiveness. The government has subsequently introduced legislation that would double the maximum penalty for non-compliance to A$99 million ($69.75 million) while expanding the regulator’s powers to obtain documents. Social media companies face parliamentary hearing Representatives from Meta, TikTok, YouTube owner Google and Snap’s Snapchat are scheduled to appear before a parliamentary inquiry on Friday to discuss the changes. Government and regulatory officials are also expected to provide evidence. “Enforcement is ongoing, and these numbers will continue to grow,” Meta said in a statement. “We share the Australian Government’s goal of ensuring young people have safe, age-appropriate experiences online, and we are meeting our obligations under the law,” the company added. The hearing is likely to place further attention on how effectively technology companies can identify underage users and prevent them from creating replacement accounts. Meta turns to AI for age detection A 2025 Australian trial examining age-assurance technology concluded that commercially available products could effectively support the restrictions. Many of the largest social media companies, including Meta, subsequently introduced photo-based age estimation technology. However, platforms have said they generally begin with age inference, estimating a user’s likely age based on their activity and other available signals. Meta said artificial intelligence is being used to examine profiles for “contextual clues that an account may belong to someone under 16, such as birthday celebrations or mentions of school grades” as well as to assess reports concerning potentially underage users. The company has also tightened its approach to repeat registrations. Meta said it removed the ability for users to make further attempts to create an account when a previous account had already been deleted. With regulatory scrutiny increasing and Australia’s approach potentially influencing similar policies elsewhere, Meta’s ability to demonstrate effective enforcement of age restrictions could remain an important compliance issue for the company. Meta stock priceThe post Meta Removes 756,000 Australian Teen Accounts as Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta Removes 756,000 Australian Teen Accounts as Regulatory Scrutiny Intensifies

IHKWIP Named No. 1,267 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List, the Most Prestigious Ranking of America's Fastest-Growing Private CompaniesAugust 12, 2026 12:05 PM
PR Newswire (US) Company Recognized for 277% Three-Year Revenue Growth, Earning a Place Among the Nation's Most Successful Independent BusinessesWAYNE, Pa., Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- IHKWIP today announced it has been ranked No. 1,267 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 list, the annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. The list is the most prestigious ranking of the nation's most successful independent and entrepreneurial businesses, recognizing companies that have achieved remarkable growth while driving innovation, creating jobs, and shaping the future of the economy. Past honorees include companies such as Microsoft, Meta, Chobani, Oracle, and Patagonia. "The Inc. 5000 represents more than growth—it represents the American Dream. We built IHKWIP by betting on ourselves, believing that thoughtful design, hard work, and genuine connection could build something lasting. We're proud of what we've built, and we're just getting started!""Being named to the Inc. 5000 is an incredible honor because it represents more than growth—it represents what's possible through entrepreneurship. We built IHKWIP during a time of uncertainty, betting on an idea we believed in when the future wasn't guaranteed. That's the American Dream: creating something from nothing through hard work, resilience, and an unwavering belief in our vision. We're especially grateful to our incredible retail partner QVC, where we've grown the business and built a loyal community of customers who have embraced our brand. We never set out to simply sell handbags, we set out to build a brand that people genuinely wanted to be part of. The future of shopping is about connection, conversation, and community. We believe live social selling and the evolution of home shopping are creating one of the most exciting opportunities in retail today, and we're just getting started!" says Anthony Nota and Baylen Edwards-Miller, Co-Founders of IHKWIP.This year's Inc. 5000 recognizes a new class of companies redefining what growth looks like. From AI and advanced manufacturing to healthcare, consumer products, and professional services, these businesses are expanding their impact, creating jobs and proving that entrepreneurial ambition continues to fuel the U.S. economy. Among the 5,000 companies on the list, the median three-year revenue growth rate was 130%, and those companies have collectively added more than 627,208 jobs to the U.S. economy over the past three years.For the full Inc. 5000 list, honoree company profiles, and a searchable database by industry and location, please visit: www.inc.com/inc5000."Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still," says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. "Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance–it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement."Inc. will celebrate the honorees at the 2026 Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, taking place October 14–16 in Dallas, Texas and the top 500 will be listed in the Fall issue of Inc. Magazine. Tickets are on sale now.Inc. 5000 List MethodologyCompanies on the 2026 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2022 to 2025. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2022. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2025. (Since then, some on the list may have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2022 is $100,000; the minimum for 2025 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons.About IHKWIPIHKWIP® (pronounced "equip") is a fast-growing functional luxury lifestyle brand creating thoughtfully designed handbags, accessories, and luggage that seamlessly blend elevated style with unique organization. Founded by Anthony Nota and Baylen Edwards-Miller, the design-duo brings their luxury New York fashion industry expertise to their brand designed to help people move through life with confidence, ease, and style.As the #1 handbag brand on QVC, IHKWIP has built a loyal community by delivering beautifully crafted, affordably attainable designs that never compromise on quality or functionality. Every detail is intentionally designed to keep life's essentials exactly where you need them—making it easier to stay organized while looking effortlessly on trend.At the heart of the brand is the belief that when you're Equipped with IHKWIP®, you're equipped for whatever the day brings. More than a handbag, each piece is designed to help you carry your confidence wherever life takes you.Learn more at www.IHKWIP.com and join the community at #EquippedWithIHKWIP.About Inc.Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.Media Contact
IHKWIP PR/Media Relations, IHKWIP LLC, 1 0000000000, customerservice@ihkwip.com  View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ihkwip-named-no-1-267-on-the-2026-inc-5000-list-the-most-prestigious-ranking-of-americas-fastest-growing-private-companies-302849348.htmlSOURCE IHKWIP LLC Original: IHKWIP Named No. 1,267 on the 2026 Inc. 5000 List, the Most Prestigious Ranking of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Meta shares gain as Muse Glimmer launch highlights broader AI ambitionsAugust 10, 2026 10:07 AM
IH Market News Meta (NASDAQ:META) shares rose 2.4% on Monday following the launch of Muse Glimmer, a compact artificial intelligence model with 30 billion parameters that is designed to operate on a single GPU. The model is positioned as a smaller, distilled version of the more powerful Muse Spark 1.2 and has been developed primarily for “agent-like” tasks such as managing schedules, organising files and rapidly creating prototypes. Meta has made the model weights freely available through Hugging Face, strengthening its commitment to open AI development. The strategy places the company in more direct competition with Chinese developers including DeepSeek and Alibaba, while differentiating its approach from major U.S. technology groups such as Amazon, Alphabet and Microsoft, which have concentrated heavily on enterprise and government AI applications. The release coincided with a broader vision outlined by Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg, who argued for a transition away from highly centralised artificial intelligence towards what he described as “Personal Superintelligence.” Meta proposes changes to AI safety governance One of the most significant elements of Zuckerberg’s strategy involves changing how Meta oversees the safety of its artificial intelligence models. Rather than leaving final authority solely with the company’s founder and chief executive, Meta intends to give independent directors responsibility for approving safety standards governing model releases and reviewing whether those requirements have been followed. Zuckerberg also advocated similar governance structures across other frontier AI developers, arguing that decisions with potentially broad societal consequences should not rest exclusively with individual chief executives. Meta outlines new approach to government AI cooperation Meta is also proposing a different framework for working with the U.S. government on national security concerns surrounding advanced AI. Instead of delaying public model launches while government agencies conduct reviews, the company would provide authorities with access to intermediate training checkpoints and relevant technical personnel before development is complete. The proposed system is intended to give government agencies additional time to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen critical infrastructure without substantially delaying public access to new models. Meta Superintelligence Labs to restart open-source releases Zuckerberg said the recently established “Meta Superintelligence Labs” is now operational and confirmed that Meta will “resume releasing some open source models soon.” The company also continues to support model distillation, a technique in which knowledge from a more powerful AI system is used to train a smaller and more efficient model. Zuckerberg views the practice as important for maintaining U.S. competitiveness, particularly as Chinese developers expand their presence in open-weight artificial intelligence. Meta plans cloud computing business with dynamic pricing Alongside its commitment to making AI widely accessible, Meta is preparing a cloud infrastructure offering aimed at users requiring substantially greater computing capacity. The company plans to introduce a dynamic auction system for allocating computing resources. Pricing would respond to available capacity and aggregate demand, with the goal of providing users with competitively priced access to AI infrastructure. The initiative could give Meta another route to monetise its enormous investment in computing capacity while continuing to provide basic AI services freely to a much broader audience. Private AI agents could adopt WhatsApp-style protections Privacy is another major component of Meta’s emerging personal AI strategy. The company is developing a “fully private mode” for AI agents that would apply privacy protections similar in principle to those associated with WhatsApp’s end-to-end encryption. Under the proposed approach, interactions, tasks and information processed by a personal AI agent would be protected so that Meta itself could not access the underlying content. The feature could become an important differentiator as consumers increasingly use AI systems to handle sensitive personal and professional activities. Meta targets local support for massive data centre expansion Meta is also introducing community programmes designed to address the infrastructure and local economic challenges associated with constructing increasingly large AI data centres across the United States. Its Future Is For Everyone Fund would provide direct financial support to communities hosting infrastructure projects, including initiatives such as $50,000 teacher bonuses in Richland Parish, Louisiana, where Meta is developing a data centre. The America’s Workforce Academy is intended to provide free skills training and pathways into well-paid jobs for electricians, carpenters and other trades needed for AI infrastructure construction. Meta has also outlined ambitious water and energy commitments, including a target of becoming 200% water-positive in highly stressed regions by 2030. The company is investing in its own energy infrastructure and says some projects could also provide surplus lower-cost electricity to surrounding grids. Zuckerberg argues wider AI access could provide checks and balances At the centre of Zuckerberg’s argument is a broader theory about how advanced artificial intelligence should be distributed. Rather than treating restricted access as the primary route to AI safety, he argues that widespread availability of advanced systems could create its own balance of power. Under this vision, individuals and smaller organisations could eventually have access to highly capable lawyers, cybersecurity tools, business advisers and other specialised AI agents. Zuckerberg believes distributing those capabilities broadly would reduce the risk of artificial intelligence becoming concentrated in the hands of a small number of governments or corporations. For investors, the Muse Glimmer release therefore represents more than another model launch. It forms part of a much broader Meta strategy spanning open-source AI, personal agents, cloud infrastructure, privacy, data centre investment and new governance structures as the company attempts to establish a distinctive position in the next stage of the AI market. Meta stock priceThe post Meta shares gain as Muse Glimmer launch highlights broader AI ambitions appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta shares gain as Muse Glimmer launch highlights broader AI ambitions

Meta unveils Muse Glimmer as Zuckerberg backs stronger U.S. open-weight AI pushAugust 10, 2026 6:34 AM
IH Market News Meta (NASDAQ:META) launched a new open-weight artificial intelligence model on Monday as CEO Mark Zuckerberg called for the United States to reduce barriers facing domestic developers in order to compete more effectively with Chinese rivals. The new model, called Muse Glimmer, is considerably smaller than the flagship AI systems developed by leading competitors. Rather than competing directly with the largest frontier models, it has been designed primarily for agentic tasks and can operate on a Mac or PC equipped with a single graphics card. Meta is targeting growing demand for AI technology capable of running directly on users’ devices rather than relying entirely on large-scale cloud infrastructure. The company also indicated that additional open-weight models are expected to be released in the near future. Open-weight AI gains ground as companies seek lower costs Open-weight models typically offer a less expensive alternative to leading systems developed by frontier AI laboratories such as OpenAI and Anthropic. They also provide public access to important underlying model components, giving developers greater flexibility to customise systems for specific applications. Closed models, by comparison, remain largely controlled by the companies that develop them. Meta’s latest launch comes as the social media group works to reinforce its competitive position in artificial intelligence. Last year, the company established an expensive new superintelligence team as part of its effort to regain momentum in the rapidly developing AI market. Support for open-weight technology has also increased as businesses become more sensitive to rising AI costs and concerns surrounding cybersecurity incidents involving models developed by Anthropic, OpenAI and Meta. Hugging Face, an AI development and collaboration platform that was hacked by a rogue OpenAI model, said last month that it used a Chinese open-weight model to defend against the incident because closed-source systems impose restrictions on their use for cybersecurity-related tasks. Meta shares, which have declined around 10% since the beginning of the year, gained approximately 1% in pre-market trading on Monday. Zuckerberg calls for U.S. policy rethink on open-weight AI Zuckerberg argued that American policymakers need to reconsider the regulatory environment if U.S. developers are to establish leadership in open-weight artificial intelligence. Chinese technology companies currently occupy prominent positions in the segment. Models including Moonshot’s Kimi K3, Alibaba’s Qwen3.8-Max and DeepSeek’s V4-Flash have delivered performance capable of competing with some of the leading systems produced by American AI laboratories. Meanwhile, flagship models developed by U.S. companies including OpenAI, Anthropic and Alphabet’s Google remain closed source. “Foreign labs currently hold several advantages here since American labs have to comply with many additional restrictions on training data,” Zuckerberg said, referring to open-source models. “U.S. policy must reduce this additional friction if we want American open source models to lead over time,” Zuckerberg said, while arguing that restricting access to foreign open-source systems would not provide an effective solution. The Trump administration reportedly told artificial intelligence developers earlier this month that open-weight AI models would not be subjected to voluntary government safety testing, according to people familiar with the discussions. Meta backs model distillation alongside new safety governance Zuckerberg also expressed support for AI model distillation, a technique in which the capabilities of a powerful artificial intelligence system are used to train a smaller and potentially more efficient model. The approach could become particularly relevant as Meta develops more compact AI systems designed to operate on consumer hardware and other environments where computing resources are more limited. Alongside its open-weight strategy, Meta plans to establish a governance framework giving its independent directors authority to approve the safety criteria applied when determining whether models should be released. The launch of Muse Glimmer therefore represents part of a broader effort by Meta (NASDAQ:META) to combine smaller, more accessible AI models with a push for regulatory changes that Zuckerberg believes could improve the ability of U.S. developers to compete with increasingly capable Chinese open-weight systems. Meta stock priceThe post Meta unveils Muse Glimmer as Zuckerberg backs stronger U.S. open-weight AI push appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta unveils Muse Glimmer as Zuckerberg backs stronger U.S. open-weight AI push

Meta Ordered to Pay $567 Million in Landmark Child Safety RulingAugust 7, 2026 6:06 AM
IH Market News Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:META) has been ordered by a New Mexico court to pay $567 million into a dedicated fund supporting initiatives to address harm experienced by young users, in one of the most significant legal decisions to date involving child safety and social media platforms. The decision was issued by Judge Bryan Biedscheid of the First Judicial District Court in Santa Fe following a jury verdict delivered in March that concluded Meta had breached New Mexico’s consumer protection laws by misrepresenting the safety of Facebook and Instagram for children. Court Orders Platform Changes Alongside Financial Penalty According to the Albuquerque Journal, which reviewed the court’s 67-page ruling, the judge also instructed Meta to introduce a series of measures aimed at improving protections for minors across its platforms. The $567 million payment will finance behavioural health services, prevention programmes and other initiatives designed to address the effects of social media on young people. This amount is separate from the $375 million civil penalty previously awarded by the jury, bringing Meta’s total financial liability in the New Mexico case to $942 million. The ruling also requires Meta to implement additional safeguards for users under the age of 18 in New Mexico, including tighter limits on engagement-focused platform features, stronger protections governing interactions between adults and minors, and further steps intended to reduce children’s exposure to harmful content. Attorney General Calls Decision a Landmark Victory New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez welcomed the judgment, describing it as a major victory for children and their families. “This case has always been about protecting children, standing up for families, and making sure that one of the world’s largest technology companies cannot profit from practices that endanger young people without consequence,” Torrez said following the ruling. Decision Could Shape Future Cases Legal observers are closely monitoring the outcome because it is among the first cases to impose both a substantial financial sanction and court-mandated operational reforms on a leading social media company over allegations of harm to children. The decision could also influence similar legal actions currently pending against Meta in other US states. Meta stock priceThe post Meta Ordered to Pay $567 Million in Landmark Child Safety Ruling appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta Ordered to Pay $567 Million in Landmark Child Safety Ruling

US Jobs Report in Focus as Middle East Tensions and Corporate News Shape Markets: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesAugust 7, 2026 4:35 AM
IH Market News US stock futures traded close to unchanged on Friday as investors awaited the latest employment data, a key release that could influence the Federal Reserve’s next interest rate decision. Markets were also monitoring renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East following a fresh Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia, while reports suggested Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Futures Hold Steady Ahead of Payroll Data At 02:52 ET (06:52 GMT), Dow Jones futures were down 66 points, or 0.1%, S&P 500 futures were broadly flat, and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 54 points, or 0.2%. Wall Street ended Thursday’s session lower. The Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.06% after earnings from memory chip manufacturers Sandisk (NASDAQ:SNDK) and Western Digital (NASDAQ:WDC) met expectations but failed to impress investors with their outlooks. The Dow Jones Industrial Average declined 0.85%, ending a five-session winning streak as shares of Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) and UnitedHealth (NYSE:UNH) moved lower. The S&P 500 fell 0.18%, although analysts at Vital Knowledge noted that it was “impressive the index didn’t fall more than it did considering a number of negatives.” They cited disappointing technology guidance, higher Treasury yields, renewed questions surrounding Federal Reserve independence and stronger oil prices as factors weighing on sentiment. Employment Data Could Influence Fed Policy Attention is now firmly on the US Labour Department’s July nonfarm payrolls report. Economists expect the US economy to have created 88,000 jobs during the month, compared with 57,000 in June, while the unemployment rate is forecast to remain unchanged at 4.2%. Recent labour market data has painted a mixed picture. Hiring has remained relatively subdued, but layoffs have also stayed low. At the same time, tighter immigration policies and increased retirements among baby boomers have reduced labour force participation, with the workforce shrinking by 720,000 between May and June. The participation rate fell to 61.5% in June, its lowest level since March 2021. Other economic indicators released this week showed employment contracting in the services sector, while private-sector payrolls increased by 44,000 in July, down from 95,000 in June. Thomas Ryan, Senior North America Economist at Capital Economics, said broader economic data continues to point to resilient underlying demand, leaving investors to assess whether the Federal Reserve will prioritise controlling inflation or supporting employment in the months ahead. Saudi Arabia Warns of Escalating Regional Conflict Saudi Arabia warned that tensions in the Middle East could intensify after Iran-backed Houthi forces launched an attack that injured 11 civilians. According to Reuters, those injured included seven Saudi nationals, one Yemeni, two Egyptians and one Pakistani. Neither the Houthis nor Iran immediately commented on the incident. The attack came despite reports that Iran and Oman are close to reaching an agreement aimed at restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, uncertainty remains over whether any arrangement will be sufficient to reduce regional tensions and safeguard global oil supplies. US President Donald Trump declined to confirm whether a final agreement had been reached, saying only that the waterway is “sort of open right now.” Iran, meanwhile, said negotiations with Oman are in the “final stage”, although officials suggested any agreement would depend on the United States easing restrictions on Iranian ports. The Associated Press, citing a US official, reported that any temporary shipping arrangements would avoid imposing new fees or approval requirements on vessels using the strait. Brent crude futures rose 1.2% to $83.46 per barrel as traders continued to monitor developments. Meta Ordered to Pay $942 Million in Child Safety Case Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) has been ordered by a New Mexico court to pay more than $900 million into a fund designed to address harm suffered by young users of Facebook and Instagram. The ruling follows a March jury verdict that found Meta had breached New Mexico consumer protection laws by misrepresenting the safety of its platforms for children. Judge Bryan Biedscheid also ordered the company to introduce additional measures to improve child safety. The total financial liability now stands at $942 million, including a previously imposed civil penalty. Berkshire Hathaway Earnings Due This Weekend Investors are also looking ahead to Berkshire Hathaway’s (NYSE:BRK.B) quarterly results, which are scheduled for release on Saturday. The figures will provide further insight into the company’s performance under chief executive Greg Abel, who succeeded Warren Buffett. Berkshire previously reported stronger operating earnings in the first quarter while ending the period with $380.2 billion in cash. The company has also continued reshaping its investment portfolio, including a $2.65 billion investment in Delta Air Lines and reductions in holdings of Amazon, Visa and Mastercard. SanDisk stock price Western Digital stock price Salesforce stock price UnitedHealth Group stock price Meta stock price Berkshire Hathaway stock priceThe post US Jobs Report in Focus as Middle East Tensions and Corporate News Shape Markets: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures appeared first on US Editors. Original: US Jobs Report in Focus as Middle East Tensions and Corporate News Shape Markets: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

Meta Scales Back Wipro Outsourcing Following AI-Led Business RestructuringAugust 3, 2026 6:08 AM
IH Market News Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) has reduced the volume of IT services outsourced to Wipro Ltd (NYSE:WIT) by at least 25% after an artificial intelligence-driven reorganisation that resulted in the closure of its digital marketing division, according to a report from Mint. Wipro’s Revenue from Meta Expected to Decline The report, citing two people familiar with the matter, said Wipro now expects to generate approximately $75 million in annual revenue from Meta after the technology giant decided to bring an end to outsourcing work related to digital marketing. During fiscal 2026, Meta contributed roughly $100 million in annual revenue to Wipro, making the social media company one of the Indian IT services provider’s 20 largest customers. Other Outsourcing Providers Also Impacted Mint also reported that Wipro was not the only company affected by Meta’s decision to reduce outsourced digital marketing operations. According to the publication, Concentrix Corporation, Teleperformance SE and Accenture Plc have also seen their outsourcing engagements reduced as Meta continues reshaping its operations around greater use of artificial intelligence. Meta stock price Wipro Limited stock priceThe post Meta Scales Back Wipro Outsourcing Following AI-Led Business Restructuring appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta Scales Back Wipro Outsourcing Following AI-Led Business Restructuring

META volatile https://schrts.co/IGQGMfhe

Amazon Earnings and Rising Crude Oil Prices Drive Market Momentum: Dow Jones, S&P and Nasdaq FuturesJuly 31, 2026 9:14 AM
IH Market News Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures are currently pointing to a higher open on Friday, with stocks likely to see further upside after ending the previous session sharply higher. Technology stocks appear poised to extend yesterday’s rally amid a sharp increase by shares of online retail giant Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN). Shares of Amazon are soaring by more than 10 percent in pre-market trading after the company reported better-than-expected second quarter revenue and cloud growth. Overall buying interest may be somewhat subdued, however, as the price of crude oil shows a strong move back to the upside following yesterday’s pullback. U.S. crude oil futures are surging by nearly 2 percent, contributing to an increase in treasury yields amid concerns about the outlook for inflation and interest rates. A steep drop by shares of Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) may also limit the upside for the broader markets, with the tech giant plunging by 8 percent in pre-market trading. Apple is under pressure after the company reported fiscal third quarter revenue that exceeded analyst estimates but issued weak guidance for the current quarter. Stocks moved sharply higher during trading on Thursday, largely offsetting the sell-off seen late in Wednesday’s session. The major averages showed a strong move to the upside early in the session and remained firmly positive throughout the day. The tech-heavy Nasdaq helped lead the way higher, spiking 679.24 points or 2.8 percent to 25,122.18. The S&P 500 also shot up 121.48 points or 1.7 percent to 7,437.63 and the Dow jumped 613.92 points or 1.2 percent to 52,508.06. The recovery rally on Wall Street largely reflected strength among technology stocks, as reflected by the surge by the Nasdaq. Bargain hunting contributed to the strength among tech stocks after the Nasdaq plunged to a three-month closing low on Wednesday. The Dow and the S&P 500 also ended the session at their lowest closing levels in well over a month. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) helped lead the tech rally, with the software giant soaring by 15.5 percent after reporting better than expected quarterly earnings amid strength in its Azure business. With Microsoft leading the way higher, substantial strength was visible among software stocks, as reflected by the 8.4 percent spike by the Dow Jones U.S. Software. Semiconductor stocks also saw a significant rebound, resulting in a 8.2 percent surge by the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. The index bounced off a three-month closing low. Shares of Lam Research (NASDAQ:LRCX) skyrocketed by 18 percent after the semiconductor equipment maker reported fiscal fourth quarter results that exceeded estimates. Outside of the tech sector, airline stocks saw considerable strength amid a pullback by the price of crude oil, with the NYSE Arca Airline Index jumping by 5.2 percent. Gold, brokerage and oil service stocks also turned strong performances, while pharmaceutical, housing and healthcare stocks showed significant moves to the downside. Shares of Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) also bucked the uptrend, with the Facebook parent plunging by 8 percent after providing disappointing revenue growth guidance. On the U.S. economic front, the Commerce Department released a report showing consumer prices edged down in line with estimates in the month of June. The annual rate of growth also slowed in line with expectations.The post Amazon Earnings and Rising Crude Oil Prices Drive Market Momentum: Dow Jones, S&P and Nasdaq Futures appeared first on US Editors. Original: Amazon Earnings and Rising Crude Oil Prices Drive Market Momentum: Dow Jones, S&P and Nasdaq Futures

Technology Stocks Set to Lift Wall Street at the Open After Sharp Sell-Off: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, FuturesJuly 30, 2026 9:21 AM
IH Market News U.S. stock index futures pointed to a stronger opening on Thursday, with investors looking for a rebound after the heavy losses recorded in the previous session. Technology shares appeared poised to lead the recovery, with Nasdaq 100 futures climbing 1.6% ahead of the opening bell. Microsoft Strength Offsets Meta Weakness Buying interest in beaten-down technology stocks may support early trading after the Nasdaq finished Wednesday at its lowest closing level in three months. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500 also ended at their weakest closes in more than a month. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) was among the biggest premarket gainers, surging 9.2% after posting quarterly earnings that exceeded expectations, driven by continued strength in its Azure cloud business. Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), however, moved sharply lower, falling 9.7% in premarket trading after issuing weaker-than-expected revenue growth guidance. “This reporting season has become less about headline results and more about proving that unprecedented AI spending can generate sustainable profitability,” said Daniela Hathorn, Senior Market Analyst at Capital.com. She added, “With Apple and Amazon still to report, the market’s verdict on the AI investment cycle remains far from settled.” Wall Street Ends Volatile Session Sharply Lower Wednesday’s trading session was marked by significant volatility. After recovering from steep morning losses and briefly moving into positive territory during the afternoon, the major indexes reversed course in the final hour of trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1,153.18 points, or 2.2%, to 51,594.14. The Nasdaq Composite lost 433.97 points, or 1.7%, to close at 24,442.94, marking its lowest finish in three months. The S&P 500 declined 112.63 points, or 1.5%, ending the session at 7,316.15, its weakest close in more than a month. Interest Rate Concerns Pressure Markets The late-session decline accelerated as Treasury yields climbed in electronic trading despite the Federal Reserve’s decision to leave interest rates unchanged. The Fed maintained the federal funds target range at 3.5% to 3.75%, marking its fifth consecutive meeting without a policy change. However, the decision was not unanimous. Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari and Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan each voted in favour of increasing rates by 25 basis points. Oil Prices Jump as Middle East Tensions Escalate Equities also faced pressure earlier in the session as crude oil prices rebounded sharply. U.S. crude futures surged more than 6% after falling 14% over the previous three sessions, reflecting renewed concerns about escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. According to U.S. Central Command, Iran launched multiple ballistic missiles in an attempted surprise attack on U.S. forces stationed in the Middle East on Tuesday, although the missiles were intercepted. Centcom later said U.S. and Saudi Arabian forces carried out precision strikes against Iran-backed terrorist targets in Iraq after more than 30 drone attacks directed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over the previous 72 hours. President Donald Trump also warned of a forceful U.S. response, telling a Fox News reporter: “They’re going to get a beating.” Semiconductor Shares Lead Market Declines Semiconductor stocks experienced wide swings before ending the session sharply lower. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropped 5.3%, reaching its lowest closing level in three months. Housing stocks also came under heavy selling pressure as higher Treasury yields weighed on the sector, sending the Philadelphia Housing Sector Index down 4.3%. Networking shares weakened significantly, dragging the NYSE Arca Networking Index down 4%. Computer hardware, airline and banking stocks also posted notable losses, while energy companies outperformed as higher crude oil prices supported the sector. Microsoft stock price Meta stock priceThe post Technology Stocks Set to Lift Wall Street at the Open After Sharp Sell-Off: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures appeared first on US Editors. Original: Technology Stocks Set to Lift Wall Street at the Open After Sharp Sell-Off: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Futures

Meta Shares Slide After Weak Third-Quarter Revenue Outlook Overshadows Sales GrowthJuly 30, 2026 6:35 AM
IH Market News Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) shares fell more than 8% in premarket trading on Thursday after the company issued third-quarter revenue guidance that disappointed investors, despite reporting revenue ahead of expectations for the second quarter. The social media giant also posted earnings that missed Wall Street forecasts as rising legal, restructuring and infrastructure costs weighed on profitability. Higher Costs Lead to Earnings Miss Meta reported second-quarter earnings of $6.18 per share, below analysts’ expectations of $7.17. Revenue climbed 28% year over year to $60.8 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $60.19 billion, supported by continued strength in its advertising business. However, second-quarter profit declined 14% from a year earlier as expenses increased significantly. Total costs and expenses rose 55% to $42.03 billion, including $2.4 billion in legal charges and $1.18 billion in severance costs following the workforce reductions announced in May. Revenue Outlook Disappoints Investors For the third quarter, Meta forecast revenue of between $61 billion and $64 billion, compared with analysts’ consensus estimate of $63.24 billion. The company also increased the lower end of its full-year expense guidance to reflect the legal costs recognised during the second quarter. Bank of America analysts said the market reaction reflected investor “concerns on Meta’s investment direction.” They added, “The expense raise, which includes ramping SBC, was disappointing given recent layoffs, but reflected significant costs that won’t recurring in 2027.” AI Investment Continues to Drive Growth Strategy Meta’s latest results highlighted the balance between accelerating investment in artificial intelligence and maintaining near-term profitability. Advertising remained a key growth driver, with ad impressions increasing 14% year over year and the average price per advertisement rising 12%. The company’s Family daily active people metric also grew 3% to 3.60 billion in June. Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said artificial intelligence is accelerating the company’s core business, supporting new products and creating additional enterprise opportunities, while noting that the benefits are already beginning to emerge. Capital Spending Remains Elevated Meta invested $31.08 billion in capital expenditures during the quarter as it continued expanding its AI infrastructure. Free cash flow fell sharply to $784 million, compared with $8.55 billion in the same period last year. Ryan Lee, SVP of Product and Strategy at Direxion, said, “Although Meta did not follow Google into negative free cash flow, a print below $1 billion is jarring and reflects the cash burn investors have seen quarter after quarter. Another explosive quarter of capital spending could have ripple effects across the broader AI supply chain, particularly semiconductor companies that have recently fallen into a bear market. Meta may be paying the price, but its continued infrastructure buildout could provide a bullish catalyst elsewhere.” Meta also narrowed its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to between $130 billion and $145 billion, compared with its previous range of $125 billion to $145 billion. In addition, the company raised the lower end of its full-year expense outlook to a range of $165 billion to $169 billion, reflecting the legal charges incurred during the second quarter. Meta stock priceThe post Meta Shares Slide After Weak Third-Quarter Revenue Outlook Overshadows Sales Growth appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta Shares Slide After Weak Third-Quarter Revenue Outlook Overshadows Sales Growth

Fed Decision and Big Tech Earnings Dominate Market Attention: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesJuly 30, 2026 5:11 AM
IH Market News U.S. stock futures edged higher on Thursday as investors weighed the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision alongside a fresh wave of earnings from major technology companies. While the Fed left interest rates unchanged, a divided vote and persistent inflation concerns kept markets cautious. Investors also reacted to sharply different post-earnings performances from Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), as both companies continued to ramp up spending on artificial intelligence. Futures Edge Higher After Volatile Session By 01:55 ET (05:55 GMT), Dow Jones futures were up 27 points, or 0.1%, while S&P 500 futures gained 15 points, or 0.2%. Nasdaq 100 futures outperformed, rising 133 points, or 0.5%. Wall Street closed lower on Wednesday as traders digested comments from Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh following the central bank’s latest policy meeting. Chipmakers remained under pressure for another session. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 5.33%, extending its five-day decline to more than 14%, while the Nasdaq 100 officially entered correction territory after falling more than 10% from its recent peak. Investor enthusiasm for semiconductor stocks has weakened amid growing concerns over whether the massive investment in AI infrastructure, including chips and data centres, can generate sufficient long-term returns. Rising competition from Chinese technology companies has also weighed on sentiment. Those concerns intensified after Microsoft and Meta Platforms became the first of the major AI-focused technology giants to report quarterly results. Meanwhile, geopolitical risks remained firmly on investors’ radar after renewed U.S. military strikes inside Iran. Brent crude futures climbed a further 1.4% to $92.01 per barrel after surging roughly 7% during the previous session. Federal Reserve Leaves Rates Unchanged The Federal Reserve kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at a range of 3.5% to 3.75% following its two-day policy meeting, although three policymakers voted in favour of raising rates. Inflation remained the central issue facing policymakers. Price pressures continue to run well above the Fed’s 2% target, largely due to higher energy costs linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Although June inflation data came in below expectations, oil prices have remained highly volatile throughout July, reflecting continued uncertainty surrounding developments in the Middle East. Higher interest rates could help reduce inflationary pressures, but policymakers also risk weakening a labour market already characterised by subdued hiring and relatively low levels of layoffs. Kevin Warsh, who chaired only his second policy meeting since taking over as Federal Reserve Chair, emphasised that the decision to leave rates unchanged should not be interpreted as a reluctance to act if necessary. “There was nothing inertial about our discussions,” Warsh said. Asked whether further rate increases could help curb inflation, Warsh replied that higher rates remained an available tool but added, “I wouldn’t say it’s in isolation.” He also noted that the rise in longer-term Treasury yields since the June meeting may already be contributing to tighter financial conditions. Long-dated U.S. Treasury yields moved higher as investors searched Warsh’s comments for clues about future policy decisions. Bond yields typically move inversely to prices. “[T]he vague and arguably counterproductive communications from […] Warsh during the press conference make forecasting the Fed’s next move even trickier than it already was,” said Thomas Ryan, Senior North America Economist at Capital Economics, in a note. Microsoft Impresses With Cloud and AI Growth Microsoft delivered another strong quarterly performance, driven by continued momentum in its cloud computing business and growing demand for its AI products. Revenue for the quarter ended in June increased 18% to $90 billion, while net income climbed 31% to $35.8 billion, comfortably exceeding analyst expectations. Chief Executive Satya Nadella also revealed that annual revenue from Microsoft’s AI-powered Azure cloud platform exceeded $100 billion for the first time. Microsoft typically does not disclose Azure’s standalone revenue, making the announcement particularly significant given investor comparisons with Google’s cloud business, which recently projected annual cloud revenue approaching the same milestone. The company showed no indication that it intends to slow investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Capital expenditure reached $41 billion during the June quarter, up nearly 70% from a year earlier, bringing total annual spending to $145.3 billion. Investors appeared encouraged by Azure’s continued growth despite the heavy investment programme, sending Microsoft shares more than 7% higher in after-hours trading. Meta Slides Despite Record Revenue Meta Platforms moved sharply lower after reporting quarterly results, with shares falling more than 7% in extended trading despite posting record second-quarter revenue of $60.8 billion. Investor attention centred on the company’s higher spending plans. Meta increased its expected capital expenditure for the year to at least $130 billion from a previous forecast of $125 billion, while leaving the upper end of its guidance unchanged at $145 billion. Management was expected to address investor concerns over AI investment and monetisation during its earnings call, but the immediate market reaction suggested those concerns remained unresolved. The company also reported free cash flow of less than $1 billion, while quarterly profit declined 14% to $18.3 billion. Meta’s revenue guidance for the current quarter also fell short of analyst expectations, and the company warned that ongoing legal cases related to the impact of social media on young users could result in significant financial losses. Attention now turns to Apple and Amazon, with both technology giants scheduled to report earnings later on Thursday. Qualcomm, Starbucks and Chipotle Also Report Outside the largest technology companies, Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) shares declined in after-hours trading after the chipmaker issued weaker-than-expected guidance for the current quarter. The company also indicated it plans to increase product prices to offset rising manufacturing and memory costs. Chief Executive Cristiano Amon said the semiconductor industry continues to face higher production expenses and supply chain constraints linked to growing demand for AI data centres. Qualcomm reported adjusted third-quarter earnings per share of $2.21, slightly below FactSet estimates. Revenue declined 4% to $9.95 billion but still exceeded analyst forecasts. Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) reported quarterly results ahead of expectations, supported by improving customer traffic in North America and continued progress under its turnaround strategy. Its shares gained around 4% in extended trading. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) also delivered better-than-expected quarterly earnings and revenue, helped by restaurant expansion and branding initiatives. The company raised its full-year comparable sales outlook, sending its shares higher after the closing bell. Microsoft stock price Meta stock price Qualcomm stock price Starbucks stock price Chipotle Mexican Grill stock priceThe post Fed Decision and Big Tech Earnings Dominate Market Attention: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures appeared first on US Editors. Original: Fed Decision and Big Tech Earnings Dominate Market Attention: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

as i have said this is a piece of shit

AI + Hydrogen: The Next Multi-Trillion-Dollar Energy Supercycle https://x.com/BakkenShale/status/2046665797083513067 $META

U.S. Futures Hold Steady as Investors Await Federal Reserve Decision: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall StreetJuly 29, 2026 9:17 AM
IH Market News U.S. stock index futures pointed to a largely unchanged open on Wednesday as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of the Federal Reserve’s latest monetary policy announcement. Market participants are widely expecting the central bank to leave interest rates unchanged, although some uncertainty remains over the possibility of an unexpected quarter-point increase. According to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool, markets are pricing in a 64.2% probability that the Federal Reserve keeps rates unchanged, while assigning a 35.8% chance to a 25-basis-point hike. Investors will also be watching closely for any guidance accompanying the policy decision, although the shorter statements introduced under Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh may provide fewer indications about the future direction of interest rates. Big Tech Earnings Also in Focus Traders are also remaining cautious ahead of quarterly earnings reports from Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), which are due after Wednesday’s closing bell. The results from the two technology giants are expected to influence sentiment across the sector, particularly as investors continue to debate elevated valuations and the pace of artificial intelligence investment. Mixed Session on Wall Street U.S. markets delivered mixed performances on Tuesday following another day of volatile trading. The Dow Jones Industrial Average extended its winning streak to three sessions, climbing 537.24 points, or 1.0%, to finish at 52,747.32. The S&P 500 added 15.60 points, or 0.2%, to close at 7,428.78, while the Nasdaq Composite slipped 55.17 points, or 0.2%, ending the session at 24,876.91. Earnings Winners Lift the Dow The Dow outperformed after Sherwin-Williams (NYSE:SHW) surged 8.3% on stronger-than-expected second-quarter results and an improved full-year outlook. Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO) also posted strong gains, rising 5% after reporting quarterly earnings that exceeded market expectations and increasing its guidance for the remainder of the year. Semiconductor Stocks Extend Decline Technology shares remained under pressure, limiting broader market gains. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropped 4.5%, marking its fourth consecutive daily decline and its lowest closing level in more than two months. Computer hardware stocks also weakened significantly, with the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index falling 2.5%. Oil services companies came under selling pressure as crude oil prices continued to decline. Defensive Sectors Outperform Pharmaceutical stocks were among the strongest performers, lifting the NYSE Arca Pharmaceutical Index 2.3% to a record closing high. Telecommunications, airline and housing stocks also posted solid gains, helping offset weakness across much of the technology sector. Meta stock price Microsoft stock price Coca-Cola stock priceThe post U.S. Futures Hold Steady as Investors Await Federal Reserve Decision: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street appeared first on US Editors. Original: U.S. Futures Hold Steady as Investors Await Federal Reserve Decision: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street

Markets Hold Steady Ahead of Fed Decision as Investors Await Microsoft and Meta Results: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesJuly 29, 2026 6:13 AM
IH Market News U.S. stock futures traded close to unchanged on Wednesday as investors prepared for a pivotal session featuring the Federal Reserve’s latest interest rate decision and quarterly earnings from artificial intelligence leaders Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). Meanwhile, renewed military tensions in the Middle East pushed oil prices sharply higher, adding another layer of uncertainty for financial markets. Futures Trade in a Narrow Range By 03:20 ET (07:20 GMT), futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Nasdaq were little changed, while S&P 500 futures were modestly higher, gaining 13 points, or 0.2%. Wall Street ended Tuesday’s session with mixed performances. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.03%, while the S&P 500 added 0.21%. In contrast, the Nasdaq Composite slipped 0.22% as technology shares remained under pressure. Semiconductor stocks continued to weigh on the Nasdaq, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index falling for a fourth consecutive session and reaching its lowest level since May. The weakness followed reports of increasing competition from Chinese chipmakers and lingering concerns after Alphabet announced a higher capital expenditure budget last week. South Korean memory chip producer SK Hynix (NASDAQ:SKHY) also disappointed investors after reporting record operating profit that nevertheless failed to satisfy elevated market expectations. Growing concerns over whether enormous artificial intelligence investments will translate into sustainable earnings have continued to pressure major technology stocks. Commenting on market sentiment, John Higgins, Chief Economic Adviser at Capital Economics, said: “The share prices of some of the global tech giants at the heart of the AI revolution have come under pressure amid a variety of concerns, raising the question of whether the wheels are falling off the AI stock market train.” Federal Reserve Decision Takes Centre Stage Investor attention is now firmly focused on the Federal Reserve, which is scheduled to announce its latest monetary policy decision following the conclusion of its two-day meeting later today. Policymakers have been assessing the inflationary impact of recent oil price volatility alongside continued heavy investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Although June inflation data came in below expectations, renewed conflict in the Middle East briefly pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel last week, while spending on AI infrastructure has remained exceptionally strong. The U.S. labour market has also remained relatively subdued, with hiring and job losses both showing limited movement. While higher interest rates can help contain inflation, they also risk slowing economic growth and weakening employment conditions. Analysts at BofA Securities believe today’s decision could largely depend on Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh, who is presiding over only his second policy meeting since taking office. They said: “Warsh faces a difficult choice. Not hiking could challenge the Fed’s credibility on inflation. But raising rates would go against his framework of looking through supply shocks.” According to CME FedWatch data ahead of the announcement, markets assigned roughly a 70% probability to interest rates remaining unchanged at 3.50% to 3.75%, while the likelihood of a 25-basis-point increase stood at just under one in three. Investors are also expecting limited guidance on future policy, with Warsh having previously indicated that he does not intend to provide markets with a detailed roadmap for future interest rate moves. Meta Faces Another Test of AI Spending Strategy Technology earnings season gathers pace after Wednesday’s closing bell, when Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) publishes quarterly results. Investors will be looking for further evidence that Meta’s substantial investment in artificial intelligence is generating stronger financial returns. Earlier this year, the company increased its projected 2026 capital expenditure to between $125 billion and $145 billion, compared with previous guidance of $115 billion to $135 billion. Meta has also warned that ongoing legal and regulatory scrutiny in both Europe and the United States could weigh on future performance, noting that a “material loss” could result from increased oversight of “youth-related issues” and “additional trials scheduled for this year.” Microsoft Earnings Under the Spotlight Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is also expected to attract significant investor attention as the software giant continues its aggressive expansion in artificial intelligence. The company has outlined record capital expenditure plans of approximately $190 billion for fiscal 2026, highlighting the intense competition among major technology firms to develop and commercialise AI technologies. However, investors remain focused on Microsoft’s dependence on OpenAI and whether adoption of its Copilot 365 artificial intelligence assistant is accelerating sufficiently. Particular attention will centre on Azure cloud computing revenue, where analysts expect constant-currency growth of between 39% and 40% during the fourth quarter. Even if Microsoft achieves those targets, Azure’s expansion would still lag the growth reported by Google’s cloud business. Oil Prices Climb Following Renewed Middle East Strikes Oil prices rose sharply after fresh military action involving the United States, Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed groups increased concerns over global energy supplies. The latest strikes followed the interception of Iranian ballistic missiles targeting U.S. forces in Jordan, bringing an end to a brief lull in hostilities that had contributed to falling crude prices earlier in the week. Iran also rejected an Omani proposal to divide control of the Strait of Hormuz, reducing hopes for renewed diplomatic negotiations with Washington. By 03:17 ET (07:17 GMT), Brent crude futures had risen 3.5% to $87.01 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 3.8% to $82.27 per barrel. SK Hynix stock price Meta stock price Microsoft stock priceThe post Markets Hold Steady Ahead of Fed Decision as Investors Await Microsoft and Meta Results: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures appeared first on US Editors. Original: Markets Hold Steady Ahead of Fed Decision as Investors Await Microsoft and Meta Results: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

Meta and BlackRock Partner on $14 Billion Texas Data Centre DevelopmentJuly 28, 2026 8:50 AM
IH Market News Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) and BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) have agreed to form a joint venture to develop and own a major data centre campus in El Paso, Texas, in a project with an estimated total development cost of approximately $14 billion. The agreement brings together Meta’s expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure plans with BlackRock’s infrastructure investment capabilities. BlackRock to Hold Majority Ownership Under the terms of the transaction, investment funds managed by BlackRock will own an 80% stake in the venture, while Meta will retain the remaining 20%. At completion, Meta will contribute land and construction-in-progress assets valued at around $2.3 billion. BlackRock will invest approximately $4.9 billion in cash, with part of its commitment supported by $12.5 billion in debt financing. Meta will also receive a one-off distribution of approximately $1 billion to align the ownership structure between the two partners. One-Gigawatt Facility Scheduled to Open in 2028 Construction of the El Paso campus is already underway, with the site expected to deliver 1 gigawatt of computing capacity once completed. Meta will become the facility’s initial sole tenant and will oversee both construction management and property management activities. The transaction is expected to close within the next few days, while the first computing capacity is scheduled to become operational in 2028. Long-Term Lease and Value Guarantees Meta will enter into lease agreements covering the entire campus through an initial four-year term, together with four extension options that could extend occupancy for as long as 20 years. The company will also provide residual value guarantees with an aggregate threshold of approximately $13 billion, with that commitment reducing over time. Project to Create Thousands of Jobs Meta said the El Paso development represents an investment of more than $10 billion and is expected to create over 4,000 construction jobs at peak activity, alongside around 300 permanent operational roles. More than 2,300 workers are already involved in the project. The company has also awarded a $500,000 grant to El Paso public schools to support workforce development initiatives. BlackRock is participating in the venture through its Global Infrastructure Partners and HPS Investment Partners businesses. Morgan Stanley and J.P. Morgan Securities acted as financial advisers to Meta on the transaction. Meta stock price BlackRock stock priceThe post Meta and BlackRock Partner on $14 Billion Texas Data Centre Development appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta and BlackRock Partner on $14 Billion Texas Data Centre Development

US Markets Await Key Earnings and Federal Reserve Decision as AI Spending Faces Fresh Scrutiny: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesJuly 28, 2026 6:52 AM
IH Market News US equity futures traded without a clear direction on Tuesday as investors prepared for a pivotal week of corporate earnings, while attention also turned to the Federal Reserve’s policy meeting and ongoing geopolitical developments in the Middle East. By 07:43 GMT, Dow Jones futures were up 41 points, or 0.1%, while S&P 500 futures slipped 0.3%. Nasdaq 100 futures underperformed, falling 0.9% as technology stocks remained under pressure. Wall Street ended Monday’s session with mixed performances. Lower oil prices and declining US Treasury yields, supported by a pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran, helped improve market sentiment. However, investors continued to weigh the inflation risks associated with energy markets and the possibility that the Federal Reserve could maintain a restrictive monetary policy for longer. Technology shares remained a focal point, with questions growing over whether the enormous investment being directed into artificial intelligence infrastructure can continue to generate sufficient returns. Those concerns are expected to be tested over the coming days as several of the sector’s largest companies publish quarterly results. Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) shares moved lower following reports that the company could provide financial backing worth approximately $250 billion for a major OpenAI data centre project. At the same time, the launch of new products by Chinese memory chip manufacturer CXMT and reports that Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) has urged the Trump administration to permit the use of Chinese-made chips in certain products added to competitive pressures across the semiconductor industry. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index fell 2.2%, with the Wall Street Journal reporting that every constituent of the index closed below its respective 50-day moving average for the first time since April 2025. Major Earnings Take Centre Stage Investors are preparing for one of the busiest weeks of the earnings season. Before Tuesday’s opening bell, Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) and Boeing (NYSE:BA) are scheduled to publish their latest quarterly results. Markets will assess how geopolitical uncertainty has affected consumer demand at Coca-Cola, while Boeing’s update is expected to provide further evidence of progress in its operational recovery. After the close of trading, attention will shift to Visa (NYSE:V), whose results could provide valuable insight into consumer spending trends during a period of heightened economic uncertainty. Seagate Technology (NASDAQ:STX) will also be closely watched, with investors looking for further indications of demand linked to artificial intelligence infrastructure. The week’s biggest announcements will come from Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN). These technology giants continue to invest billions of dollars in data centres and semiconductor infrastructure that support the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence. Federal Reserve Meeting Begins Alongside corporate earnings, financial markets are closely monitoring the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting, which begins on Tuesday and concludes with an interest rate decision on Wednesday. Policymakers continue to face a challenging environment. Although June inflation data came in below expectations, volatility in energy markets linked to the conflict in the Middle East has kept concerns about future price pressures alive. At the same time, the US labour market has remained relatively stable despite slower hiring activity. According to CME FedWatch data, markets currently assign roughly a two-thirds probability that the Federal Reserve will leave interest rates unchanged at 3.5% to 3.75%, while a one-in-three chance remains for a 25-basis-point increase. Trump and Netanyahu to Hold White House Talks US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Wednesday as diplomatic efforts continue alongside the conflict involving Iran. Although direct exchanges of attacks between the United States and Iran have paused in recent days, uncertainty remains over whether a longer-term ceasefire can be achieved. Trump said negotiations with Tehran were progressing, describing them as “good talks,” while indicating that military action could resume if discussions fail to produce an agreement. Asian Technology Shares Retreat Asian markets also reflected investor caution, particularly in the semiconductor sector. South Korea’s KOSPI index suffered a sharp decline as technology shares came under heavy selling pressure amid concerns surrounding AI-related valuations and continued investment spending. Additional pressure came after the United States announced a new 12.5% tariff on South Korean imports alongside measures affecting several other countries. Major semiconductor manufacturers SK Hynix Inc (NASDAQ:SKHY) and Samsung Electronics Co Ltd (USOTC:SSNHZ) recorded double-digit declines, reflecting weaker sentiment across the global chip sector. Nvidia stock price Coca-Cola stock price Boeing stock price Visa stock price Seagate stock price Microsoft stock price Meta stock price Apple stock price Amazon stock price SK Hynix stock price Samsung stock priceThe post US Markets Await Key Earnings and Federal Reserve Decision as AI Spending Faces Fresh Scrutiny: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures appeared first on US Editors. Original: US Markets Await Key Earnings and Federal Reserve Decision as AI Spending Faces Fresh Scrutiny: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

Meta Announces New Strategic Venture with BlackRock to Develop Data Center in El PasoJuly 28, 2026 5:30 AM
PR Newswire (US) Meta and BlackRock announce a venture to finance the development and operation of a data center campus in El Paso, TexasMENLO PARK, Calif. and NEW YORK, July 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) and BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK) today announced a venture to develop and own a data center campus in El Paso, Texas. Meta has spent more than 15 years developing, constructing, and operating data center facilities. Meta Compute's strategy builds on that foundation, pairing Meta's infrastructure expertise with capital partnerships that deliver the speed and flexibility its long-term AI ambitions require.BlackRock, one of the world's leading investment management firms, together with Global Infrastructure Partners and HPS Investment Partners, both a part of BlackRock, complements this strategy. BlackRock delivers substantial capital at scale, along with deep expertise in infrastructure investment and private financing — enabling the rapid execution of mission-critical data center projects. Meta selected BlackRock as its partner following a highly competitive process, reflecting the company's disciplined approach to diversifying its infrastructure financing as it scales Meta Compute."Building the infrastructure for superintelligence is key to making sure the benefits of this technology are distributed to everyone," said Mark Zuckerberg, Meta founder and CEO. "Our partnership with Larry and the team at BlackRock allows us to move faster and at greater scale -- pairing our deep expertise in designing and operating world-class data centers with one of the world's leading infrastructure investors.""We're excited to partner with Mark and the Meta leadership team on the El Paso data center campus, which will create thousands of skilled jobs and help drive economic growth in the local community," said Larry Fink, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock. "Companies around the world are looking for long-term strategic partners to help develop their most important projects, and BlackRock is built to meet that need. This transaction highlights the strength and scale of our combined capabilities with GIP and HPS, and how we can offer clients compelling investment opportunities at the center of AI infrastructure and energy."The state-of-the-art data center campus, currently under construction in El Paso, Texas, will have 1 gigawatt of compute capacity and will play an essential role in bringing Meta's AI technologies to life, accelerating progress on AI models and supporting enhancements to the core business. Meta will provide construction management, administrative, and property management services for the campus, and will be the initial sole occupant of the campus upon completion. The transaction is expected to close in the coming days and the venture expects to begin bringing this capacity online in 2028.Empowering El Paso's EconomyThe El Paso data center represents an investment of over $10 billion from Meta — supporting more than 4,000 construction jobs at peak and 300 operational jobs once complete. Over 2,300 workers are already onsite.The site is part of America's Workforce Academy, a free skilled trades training where participants are guaranteed a job upon graduation with a Meta partner at one of the company's data center sites. Additionally, Meta provided a $500,000 grant to El Paso public schools to support workforce development by connecting students with practical, real-world learning experiences and career pathways in STEM and the skilled trades.Meta will also continue to partner with local nonprofits to support water restoration projects that boost water supply, enhance water quality, provide safe drinking water and help restore local habitats.BlackRock is also supporting workforce development in Texas through Future Builders, a national initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation. Through a nearly $30 million investment, the program is expected to train more than 12,000 electricians over three years, helping strengthen the workforce needed to support Texas' continued growth and rising demand for energy, infrastructure, and data center development.Project Structure and FinancingFunds managed by BlackRock will own an 80% interest in the venture, while Meta will retain the remaining 20% ownership. The parties have committed to fund their respective pro rata share of the approximately $14 billion in total development costs for the buildings and long-lived power, cooling, and connectivity infrastructure at the campus. At financial close, Meta will contribute the venture land and construction-in-progress assets valued at approximately $2.3 billion, and BlackRock will make a cash contribution of approximately $4.9 billion. Meta will receive a one-time distribution of approximately $1 billion to align ownership stakes in accordance with the 80/20 ownership split. A portion of BlackRock's investment will be funded with proceeds from a $12.5 billion debt financing.Meta will enter into lease agreements with the venture for use of the entire data center campus. The leases have a four-year initial term with four options to extend, providing Meta with long-term flexibility over a potential 20-year term. Meta also will provide residual value guarantees (RVG) which have an aggregate threshold of approximately $13 billion that decreases over time. If certain conditions are met within the first 16 years of the lease term, Meta's maximum RVG payment would equal any shortfall between the fair value at that time and the RVG threshold for the covered property.Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC served as financial advisors to Meta in connection with this transaction. Latham & Watkins LLP served as legal counsel to Meta on the transaction and Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP advised Meta on leasing matters. Arthur D. Little LLC acted as commercial due diligence advisor to Meta. Marsh provided Meta project risk analysis and insurance services. Arup provided technical and environmental independent engineer services to Meta. Kirkland & Ellis LLP served as legal counsel to the BlackRock funds on the transaction. Charles River Associates, Turner & Townsend, and Marsh acted as technical advisors to BlackRock. Milbank LLP served as legal counsel to J.P. Morgan Securities LLC and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC.About MetaMeta is building the future of human connection, powered by artificial intelligence and immersive technologies. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward experiences that foster deeper connections and unlock new possibilities.About BlackRockBlackRock's purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.ContactsMeta Investors:
Chad Heaton
investor@meta.com?/??investor.atmeta.comMeta Press:
Matt Tye
press@meta.com / meta.com/news BlackRock Investor Relations:
Caroline Rodda
invrel@blackrock.com BlackRock Media:
Patrick Scanlan
Patrick.Scanlan@blackrock.com   View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meta-announces-new-strategic-venture-with-blackrock-to-develop-data-center-in-el-paso-302836040.htmlSOURCE Meta Original: Meta Announces New Strategic Venture with BlackRock to Develop Data Center in El Paso

Five market themes investors will be watching this weekJuly 27, 2026 6:29 AM
IH Market News Financial markets are entering one of the busiest weeks of the year, with investors preparing for a series of events that could shape sentiment across global asset classes. Central bank decisions, major technology earnings, key U.S. economic data and developments in the Middle East are all expected to influence trading in the days ahead. Federal Reserve takes centre stage The Federal Reserve will announce its latest monetary policy decision on Wednesday following its two-day meeting, with investors closely monitoring how policymakers assess the inflationary impact of the recent conflict between the United States and Iran. The spike in oil prices seen over recent weeks heightened concerns that inflationary pressures could reaccelerate, potentially forcing the Fed to tighten monetary policy. Markets currently assign a 66% probability that interest rates will remain within the 3.5% to 3.75% range, although traders still see roughly a one-in-three chance of another rate increase. Higher interest rates typically help contain inflation but can also slow economic activity and weaken labour market conditions. Most economists expect Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh to favour keeping policy unchanged, although Reuters reported that some members of the Federal Open Market Committee may still support an immediate increase. Analysts at Deutsche Bank said: “[T]he decision appears unusually finely balanced. The renewed escalation in the Middle East and the sharp rise in energy prices have complicated the inflation outlook, while recent market-based measures of inflation compensation have moved higher as concerns around energy supply disruptions have intensified.” The bank described the Fed meeting as the week’s key event, although investors will also monitor interest rate decisions from the Bank of England on Thursday and the Bank of Japan on Friday. Big Tech earnings could steer markets Corporate earnings will also dominate the agenda, with several of the world’s largest technology companies reporting quarterly results. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) are scheduled to report after Wednesday’s closing bell, followed by Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) on Thursday. Together, these four companies account for roughly 17% of the S&P 500 index, giving their earnings considerable influence over broader market performance. Investors will pay particular attention to updates on artificial intelligence spending, especially continued investment in data centres and advanced semiconductor infrastructure. While AI investment has been a major driver of equity markets, questions continue to grow over whether current spending levels can be maintained. Vital Knowledge analysts noted that rising capital expenditure is beginning to place greater pressure on corporate cash flows while investors are becoming more selective toward companies seeking additional debt or equity financing. Laurence Booth, Global Head of Markets at CMC Markets, said this could become “one of the most important of the year for markets.” He added: “Collectively, they will test the two assumptions that have underpinned markets in recent months: that inflation continues to moderate and that the AI-driven earnings story remains intact. If either begins to weaken, investors may have to reassess both valuations and the outlook for interest rates.” A busy corporate earnings calendar Beyond the technology sector, investors will receive results from a broad range of industries. Companies reporting this week include Visa (NYSE:V), Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) and Boeing (NYSE:BA) on Tuesday. Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:ARM), Qualcomm (NASDAQ:QCOM) and Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) will follow on Wednesday, while Bristol-Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY) and Altria (NYSE:MO) are due to report on Thursday. By the end of the week, approximately one-third of S&P 500 constituents will have published quarterly results, with overall earnings expected to rise 26.5% compared with a year earlier. Economic data remains in focus Economic releases will also play an important role in shaping expectations for monetary policy. Thursday’s personal income and spending report will include the latest Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index, the Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of inflation. Economists at Deutsche Bank forecast monthly core PCE growth of 0.19%, lifting the annual rate to 3.3%, still well above the Fed’s long-term 2% inflation objective. Friday will bring the latest Employment Cost Index, another closely watched indicator of inflationary pressures within the labour market. According to Deutsche Bank: “Our economists expect the annual growth rate to remain at 3.4%, a level many policymakers would still view as broadly consistent with returning inflation towards target over time.” Middle East developments remain a key risk Geopolitical developments are likely to remain a major driver of investor sentiment throughout the week. Markets reacted positively after the United States and Iran maintained a second consecutive day without military strikes, raising cautious optimism that diplomatic negotiations could resume. Reports indicated President Donald Trump suspended military operations to allow more time for negotiations, while Iran also suggested it would refrain from launching further attacks provided the United States maintained its pause. The prospect of easing tensions sent Brent crude sharply lower to around $91 per barrel on Monday after briefly exceeding $100 last week amid concerns over attacks on shipping routes through the Red Sea and potential disruptions around both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Although the pause has improved market sentiment, investors remain alert to any developments that could quickly reverse the recent decline in energy prices. Microsoft stock price Meta stock price Apple stock price Amazon stock price Visa stock price Coca-Cola stock price Boeing stock price Arm Holdings stock price Qualcomm stock price The post Five market themes investors will be watching this week appeared first on US Editors. Original: Five market themes investors will be watching this week

U.S. markets eye earnings season as Middle East tensions ease: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesJuly 27, 2026 5:53 AM
IH Market News U.S. stock futures moved higher on Monday as investors welcomed signs of a pause in hostilities between the United States and Iran, helping to ease pressure on energy markets ahead of a crucial week for corporate earnings and central bank decisions. By 05:49 GMT, Dow Jones futures had gained 398 points, or 0.8%, while S&P 500 futures were up 66 points, or 0.9%. Nasdaq 100 futures led the advance, climbing 406 points, or 1.4%. Wall Street ended last week on a mixed note as rising oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty weighed on investor sentiment. However, indications that the White House is seeking to avoid a broader military escalation have improved market confidence, pushing oil prices lower while supporting both equities and bond markets. Earnings and Federal Reserve in focus Investors are now turning their attention to one of the busiest weeks of the earnings season, with around one-third of S&P 500 companies scheduled to publish quarterly results. Overall earnings are forecast to increase by approximately 26.5% compared with the same period last year. Several of the world’s largest technology companies are due to report this week, including Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL). Their results are expected to provide fresh insight into whether the rapid pace of investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure can continue, as markets increasingly debate the long-term profitability of AI-related spending. Monetary policy is also firmly in focus ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate announcement on Wednesday. While inflation risks linked to the conflict in the Middle East remain under close scrutiny, futures markets continue to indicate that most investors expect policymakers to leave interest rates unchanged. U.S.-Iran pause supports market sentiment The temporary suspension of military action between the United States and Iran extended into a second day, raising hopes that energy exports from the Gulf region could continue without significant disruption. According to reports, President Donald Trump decided to delay further military action amid concerns over available defence resources and a desire to avoid a broader regional conflict that could threaten global energy supplies. However, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz downplayed suggestions that military resources were becoming depleted, stating instead that the administration is “giving talks some space.” He added: “We’ve had both Oman and Iran, and a number of our other negotiators, engaged at every level, from the most senior levels all the way down to the technical level over the past few weeks, and particularly in the past few days.” Iran has also indicated it will suspend further attacks provided the United States continues its pause in military operations. Oil retreats as supply concerns ease Crude oil prices declined sharply as fears of further disruption to global supply routes diminished. Brent crude, the international benchmark, fell 6.8% to around $90.25 per barrel after briefly trading above $100 last week amid concerns that the conflict could spread across the Gulf region. Investors had been particularly concerned about the possibility of disruptions to shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, two of the world’s most important energy transport routes. The easing of tensions has reduced those concerns, although markets remain alert to further developments. Nvidia explores financing support for OpenAI project Separately, Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) is reportedly in discussions to provide a financial guarantee worth approximately $250 billion for OpenAI as part of a major data centre development in Ohio, according to the Wall Street Journal. The proposed guarantee would support the leasing of a planned 10-gigawatt campus being developed by SoftBank’s energy subsidiary and could help secure financing on more favourable terms. The overall project is expected to exceed $500 billion, excluding the cost of Nvidia’s semiconductor products that will equip the facilities. The report comes as investors continue to monitor the rapid increase in capital expenditure across the artificial intelligence sector. While concerns remain over the sustainability of AI-related spending, confidence received a boost after Chinese memory chip manufacturer CXMT Corp surged around 500% during its Shanghai stock market debut following an $8.6 billion initial public offering, giving the company a market valuation of more than 3.6 trillion yuan, or approximately $530 billion. Nvidia stock price Amazon stock price Meta stock price Microsoft stock price Alphabet stock priceThe post U.S. markets eye earnings season as Middle East tensions ease: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures appeared first on US Editors. Original: U.S. markets eye earnings season as Middle East tensions ease: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

Meta introduces free Facebook Verified badge to authenticate real usersJuly 24, 2026 10:14 AM
IH Market News Meta (NASDAQ:META) has unveiled Facebook Verified, a new free verification badge designed to confirm that a Facebook profile belongs to a real person through a selfie-based identity verification process. Unlike the company’s paid verification offerings, the new badge is available at no cost to eligible users and is intended to strengthen authenticity across the platform. Selfie verification powers the new system To obtain the badge, users must complete a short video selfie that Meta compares with existing profile images to verify the account owner’s identity. The verification process is typically completed within minutes, provided the account satisfies the platform’s trust and safety requirements. Eligibility based on account integrity Facebook Verified is available to eligible users aged 18 and older whose accounts comply with Meta’s Community Standards, particularly policies addressing fraud, scams and deceptive behaviour. Applicants must also demonstrate authentic account activity to qualify for the badge. The programme currently excludes Facebook Pages and ProMode accounts. Badge expands across Facebook services Initially, the verification badge will appear on user profiles as well as within Marketplace, Dating and Groups. Meta said it plans to extend the feature to Facebook Feed posts as the rollout continues. The company is introducing Facebook Verified gradually, beginning in selected markets before expanding availability worldwide. Verification confirms identity, not endorsement Meta said the badge confirms only that a real individual completed the selfie verification process and that the account met the platform’s trust and safety criteria. The company emphasised that the badge should not be interpreted as an endorsement of a user or as a guarantee of credibility. All verified users will continue to be governed by Meta’s Community Standards and Commerce Policies. Meta stock priceThe post Meta introduces free Facebook Verified badge to authenticate real users appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta introduces free Facebook Verified badge to authenticate real users

eBay shares fall as Meta expands Facebook Marketplace with dedicated Seller appJuly 24, 2026 7:55 AM
IH Market News Shares of eBay (NASDAQ:EBAY) declined 3.7% on Friday after Meta (NASDAQ:META) introduced a standalone Seller app for Facebook Marketplace, prompting fresh concerns that the social media giant is targeting the online marketplace’s professional merchant base. Although the app’s launch had been publicly announced, the market reaction reflected investor worries that Meta’s latest move could intensify competition for the sellers that generate a significant share of eBay’s marketplace activity. Meta targets professional online sellers Facebook Marketplace has traditionally been associated with local, peer-to-peer transactions and second-hand goods. However, the introduction of a dedicated Seller app signals Meta’s intention to broaden the platform’s appeal by offering professional-grade tools designed for businesses and high-volume resellers. The new platform includes features aimed at simplifying listing management and improving operational efficiency, making Marketplace a more viable alternative for commercial sellers. Lower fees could appeal to merchants One area where Meta could challenge eBay is transaction costs. eBay’s marketplace generates revenue by charging sellers final value fees, which typically range between 13% and 15%, in addition to fixed transaction charges. Meta, by contrast, has greater flexibility to monetize activity through its advertising business, potentially allowing sellers to operate with lower overall costs while preserving more of their profit margins. Artificial intelligence streamlines listings The new Seller app also integrates Meta AI to simplify the listing process. Rather than manually completing product descriptions, categories and pricing information, sellers can generate much of that content automatically by uploading product images. The AI-powered workflow reduces the time required to create listings and could prove attractive for merchants managing large inventories. Expanded tools strengthen Marketplace ecosystem Meta has also introduced features designed to support larger sellers, including a unified inbox, bulk listing capabilities and task management tools. These additions address operational limitations that previously encouraged growing merchants to migrate from Facebook Marketplace to more established e-commerce platforms such as eBay. By expanding its merchant toolkit, Meta is seeking to retain sellers as their businesses grow rather than losing them to competing marketplaces. Competition in online marketplaces intensifies The launch highlights the increasingly competitive landscape for online commerce platforms. With hundreds of millions of users already creating listings on Facebook Marketplace each month, Meta’s enhanced seller ecosystem could increase competitive pressure on established marketplace operators, particularly those that rely heavily on professional merchants for transaction volume. Ebay stock price Meta stock priceThe post eBay shares fall as Meta expands Facebook Marketplace with dedicated Seller app appeared first on US Editors. Original: eBay shares fall as Meta expands Facebook Marketplace with dedicated Seller app

Powering Canada’s data centre futureJuly 22, 2026 7:39 AM
IH Market News Canada is rapidly emerging as a key destination for data centre development as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital transformation fuel unprecedented demand for digital infrastructure. Yet while much of the attention is focused on the facilities themselves, a critical challenge remains: securing reliable, scalable and cost-effective power to support increasingly energy-intensive workloads. This article is disseminated in partnership with Global Power Solutions Corp. It is intended to inform investors and should not be taken as a recommendation or financial advice.  As developers, governments and technology companies work to address growing electricity demands and grid constraints, a new generation of infrastructure providers is positioning itself to help solve one of the industry’s biggest bottlenecks—delivering the power solutions needed to enable Canada’s next wave of data centre growth. At the intersection of power, AI and Canada’s data centre boom As Canada enters a new era of digital infrastructure expansion, a growing number of investors are looking beyond data centre operators themselves and focusing on the companies that provide the critical building blocks needed to support the sector’s growth. One company aiming to establish itself in that ecosystem is Global Power Solutions Corp. (TSXV:PWER). Global Power Solutions is a technology company that develops advanced modular power solutions designed to shorten component lead times and accelerate project deployment across energy-intensive and infrastructure applications. Through its subsidiaries, the company also provides general contracting services and innovative construction technologies to the Canadian construction industry. Its portfolio includes light-gauge steel technology, the Vesta Quik-Build System, the Artisan Quik-Build System, and Modular Quik-Build technologies, all designed to improve construction efficiency and scalability. While these technologies provide a foundation in infrastructure development, Global Power Solutions is increasingly directing its attention toward one of the fastest-growing markets in North America: the convergence of data centres, artificial intelligence and decentralized power generation. For investors, the company’s evolving strategy raises an important question: could Global Power Solutions be positioning itself to capitalize on one of the most significant infrastructure buildouts of the coming decade? Canada’s data centre opportunity The rapid rise of artificial intelligence is transforming global infrastructure requirements. Large language models, cloud computing platforms and high-performance computing applications require unprecedented levels of electrical power and cooling capacity. As a result, developers across North America are racing to bring new data centre capacity online. However, one of the biggest challenges facing the industry is not necessarily finding customers—it’s securing reliable power. Grid constraints, lengthy permitting processes and increasing competition for electricity are forcing operators to pursue new approaches to power generation and deployment. This is particularly relevant in Canada, where demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow alongside government initiatives supporting technology investment and economic development. Global Power Solutions has strategically aligned its business around addressing this challenge. A potential 100 MW AI data centre opportunity Among the company’s most significant recent developments is the signing of a Letter of Intent with North American Data Centres and Power Ltd. (NADCAP) to evaluate a decentralized power infrastructure project supporting a planned high-density data centre campus in North America. The proposed project could ultimately support up to 100 megawatts of power capacity, a scale that would place it among the more substantial AI-focused infrastructure developments currently under evaluation. The planned facility is intended to accommodate compute-intensive workloads such as: Artificial intelligence applications Cloud computing services High-density computing infrastructure Future digital workloads driven by evolving market demand What makes the opportunity particularly notable is Global Power’s proposed role. The company is expected to lead various aspects of project development, including technology strategy, engineering coordination, procurement planning, capital formation discussions and system architecture evaluation. The contemplated development also aligns with a broader industry trend toward decentralized power generation. Rather than relying exclusively on traditional grid infrastructure, data centre operators are increasingly exploring localized power solutions that offer greater resilience, scalability and energy security. Global Power’s focus on modular power infrastructure could position the company to participate directly in that transition. “This LOI with NADCAP represents an important step forward for Global Power as we continue exploring decentralized power solutions for energy-intensive digital infrastructure,” the company’s CEO, Pete Medved said in a news release. “As demand for AI, cloud computing and other high-density computing applications continues to grow, there is increasing interest in scalable and flexible power platforms that can complement or operate alongside traditional grid infrastructure. Through this proposed collaboration, we look forward to working with NADCAP to complete a detailed project overview and evaluate a potential development that could support up to 100 MW of power capacity, while also assessing opportunities for future collaboration should the project prove viable.” Developing hydrogen-based power infrastructure Another major catalyst for investors involves Global Power Solutions’ strategic move into hydrogen-powered energy systems. Earlier this year, the company signed an LOI with Northern Hydrogen and Energy Ltd. to jointly develop and commercialize a next-generation modular hydrogen-based power platform. If advanced successfully, the technology could scale from small commercial deployments to utility-scale projects exceeding 1,000 MW. The significance of this initiative lies in its potential applications across multiple sectors: Data centres and AI infrastructure Military and strategic deployments Industrial facilities Manufacturing operations Remote and off-grid communities Critical infrastructure projects Under the agreement, Global Power intends to fund and construct an initial 80-kW commercial demonstration facility with an anticipated development budget of approximately CAD $3.5 million. The company has also outlined ambitious long-term deployment objectives, including: 100 MW of Modular H2 Reactor capacity by 2028 1,000 MW by 2030 2,000 MW by 2035 While these targets remain subject to definitive agreements, technical validation and regulatory approvals, they illustrate management’s vision of becoming a significant participant in modular power generation. “This LOI is a defining step forward for Global Power Solutions,” company director Haneef Esmail noted in an update. “It provides a credible pathway to scale hydrogen-based power from pilot systems to multi-gigawatt deployments. We believe this platform aligns exceptionally well with accelerating global demand for resilient, clean, and self-sustaining energy solutions. Global Power believes this platform has the potential to redefine how large power loads are deployed, financed, and operated globally. This technology uses all off the off-the-shelf technologies combined in a novel way to produce power from an on-site water production laboratory. We couldn’t be more excited at the concept of effectively producing power from water, one of the most abundant resources on planet Earth.” For investors, the attraction lies in the potential scalability of the opportunity. If AI infrastructure growth continues at its current pace, demand for reliable distributed power systems could become a defining theme of the next decade. Strengthening industry relationships Recognizing that participation in emerging markets requires strong industry engagement, Global Power Solutions recently joined the Canada Data Centres’ Alliance. The organization brings together data centre operators, cloud providers, technology companies, energy providers and policymakers to support Canada’s digital infrastructure ecosystem. Membership provides Global Power with a seat at the table as industry participants tackle several critical challenges: Power availability Grid capacity limitations AI-driven compute density growth Integration of lower-carbon energy solutions Long-term infrastructure planning The move may appear straightforward, but strategically it could prove valuable. Building relationships within the data centre ecosystem can create opportunities for collaboration, commercialization and future project development as Canada’s digital economy continues expanding. “Joining the Canada Data Centres’ Alliance represents an important step for Global Power as we engage with organizations shaping the future of Canada’s digital infrastructure,” CEO Medved explained in another media statement. “As demand for artificial intelligence and data processing capacity increases, reliable and sustainable power solutions become increasingly critical. We look forward to contributing to industry dialogue and collaboration through the Alliance.” Why timing may matter Perhaps the most compelling aspect of the Global Power story is timing. The AI revolution is no longer theoretical. Major technology companies are committing billions of dollars toward data centres and supporting infrastructure. Recent announcements such as Meta’s (NASDAQ:META) planned investment in its first Canadian data centre in Alberta highlight the growing attractiveness of Canada as a destination for digital infrastructure investment. As hyperscale operators expand their footprints, the need for reliable, scalable and efficient power solutions becomes increasingly important. The challenge facing the industry is simple: more AI requires more computing power, and more computing power requires significantly more electricity. This dynamic creates opportunities for companies capable of: Accelerating power deployment Reducing infrastructure bottlenecks Supporting decentralized energy generation Improving project timelines Providing resilient energy solutions for mission-critical operations Global Power Solutions has strategically positioned its business around these very themes. Whether through modular construction capabilities, hydrogen-based energy initiatives or participation in large-scale data centre developments, the company is seeking to align itself with several long-term growth trends simultaneously. The bigger picture Infrastructure investment cycles can create substantial value when companies establish themselves early within emerging ecosystems. Canada’s data centre sector appears to be entering such a phase as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digital transformation continue driving unprecedented demand for computing capacity. Global Power Solutions is not attempting to compete directly with hyperscale technology companies. Instead, it is positioning itself as a potential enabler of the infrastructure required to support them. The company’s recent announcements suggest a strategy focused on power availability, energy resilience and scalable deployment—three issues increasingly central to the future of AI infrastructure development. For investors seeking exposure to Canada’s evolving digital infrastructure landscape, Global Power Solutions represents a company operating at the intersection of several powerful macroeconomic trends. As always, prospective investors should conduct their own thorough due diligence, review the company’s public filings and evaluate both the opportunities and risks associated with its business strategy. However, with data centre development accelerating across Canada and power emerging as one of the industry’s most valuable commodities, Global Power Solutions may be a company worth a closer look as it works to establish its place in tomorrow’s infrastructure economy. Sponsored Article: InvestorsHub.com Inc. dba The Market Link has been compensated SECURITIES: 450,000 shares valued at $4,500 by Global Power Solutions Corp (TSXV: PWER) for the publication and distribution of this content. This is not independent editorial content. For full compensation disclosure visit investorshub.advfn.com/boards/disclaimer.aspx The post Powering Canada’s data centre future appeared first on US Editors. Original: Powering Canada’s data centre future

$META Meta (Facebook) Layoffs beyond the July 22 batch, in 2026 alone: Meta laid off 1,500 workers in its Metaverse division in January 2026, then laid off an additional 8,000 employees across numerous departments on May 20, 2026. So before the 4,875 planned for July 22, Meta had already cut ~9,500 people this year (14,375 total for 2026 once July 22 lands). Some sources also note additional layoffs are expected in August and later in the fall 2026.

FY2026 so far: Meta Platforms filed 2,535 LCAs in fiscal year 2026, of which 2,534 were approved and 0 were denied.
FY2025: Meta filed 5,771 H-1B Labor Condition Applications (LCAs) and 9 PERM green card petitions with the Department of Labor, with 2025 New Employment 1,843, 2025 H1B Transfers 3,839, 2025 Renewals & Other 2,469.
Cumulative all-time: Meta Platforms has filed 21,216 H-1B Labor Condition Applications with the Department of Labor, covering 31,560 total positions across 39 states.

$META back to $10.00 per share

Tech Stocks Tumble as Netflix Plunges and Oil Surges Past $80: Dow Jones, S&P and Nasdaq FuturesJuly 17, 2026 9:16 AM
IH Market News Tech stocks slide as Netflix plunges on weak guidance and oil tops $80 amid Middle East tensions. Get the latest market updates. Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures are currently pointing to a notably lower open on Friday, with stocks likely to extend the pullback seen in the previous session. Technology stocks are likely to lead the way lower once again, as reflected by the 1.9 percent slump by the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 futures. A steep drop by shares of Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) is likely to weigh on the tech sector, with the streaming giant plunging by 11.3 percent in pre-market trading. Netflix is under pressure after reporting second quarter results roughly in line with estimates but providing disappointing third quarter guidance. Concerns about valuations may also weigh on tech stocks ahead of earnings news from tech giants Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) next week. The downward momentum on Wall Street also comes amid a sharp increase by the price of crude oil, with U.S. crude oil futures surging back above $80 a barrel amid concerns about the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Tehran launched strikes against several countries across the Gulf and wider region after the U.S. launched a wave of strikes against Iran for the sixth night in a row over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Stocks moved mostly lower during trading on Thursday, giving back ground following the upward move seen over the two previous sessions. The major averages all moved to the downside, with the Nasdaq showing a significant decline. The major averages regained some ground going into end of the day but still closed in negative territory. The Nasdaq tumbled 387.28 points or 1.5 percent to 25,881.95, the S&P 500 slid 38.63 points or 0.5 percent to 7,533.77 and the Dow dipped 105.67 points or 0.2 percent to 52,552.97. The pullback on Wall Street came amid renewed weakness among technology stocks, as reflected by the slump by the tech-heavy Nasdaq. Computer hardware stocks turned in some of the worst performances, with the NYSE Arca Computer Hardware Index plummeting by 4.6 percent. Substantial weakness is also visible among semiconductor stocks, as reflected by the 4.3 percent plunge by the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index. Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:TSM) tumbled by 2.3 percent after the chipmaker reported better than expected second quarter results but forecast an increase in capital spending. “While the case for boosting capacity is clear at a time when there is a large gap between supply and demand, shareholders will want TSMC to retain some discipline even as it looks to meet orders piling up,” said AJ Bell head of markets Dan Coatsworth. Outside of the tech sector, gold stocks moved sharply lower along with the price of the precious metal, dragging the NYSE Arca Gold Bugs Index down by 4.4 percent. Brokerage and steel stocks also saw notable weakness, while transportation stocks showed a significant move to the upside, resulting in a 3.2 percent surge by the Dow Jones Transportation Average. Commercial real estate, housing and healthcare stocks also saw considerable strength, limiting the downside for the broader markets. In U.S. economic news, a report released by the Labor Department showed first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits unexpectedly dipped to a two-month low last week. The Labor Department said initial jobless claims fell dipped to 208,000 in the week ended July 11th, a decrease of 8,000 from the previous week’s revised level of 216,000. Economists had expected jobless claims to rise to 220,000 from the 215,000 originally reported for the previous week. With the unexpected decrease, jobless claims dropped to their lowest level since hitting 199,000 in the week ended May 2nd. Meanwhile the Commerce Department released a separate report on Thursday showing a modest increase in U.S. retail sales in the month of June. The Commerce Department said retail sales crept up by 0.2 percent in June after climbing by an upwardly revised 1.0 percent in May. Economists had expected retail sales to rise by 0.3 percent compared to the 0.9 percent increase originally reported for the previous month.The post Tech Stocks Tumble as Netflix Plunges and Oil Surges Past $80: Dow Jones, S&P and Nasdaq Futures appeared first on US Editors. Original: Tech Stocks Tumble as Netflix Plunges and Oil Surges Past $80: Dow Jones, S&P and Nasdaq Futures

Investors rotate within AI trade as slowing hyperscaler spending becomes a growing concernJuly 17, 2026 6:21 AM
IH Market News Investors are beginning to rethink their artificial intelligence strategies as concerns grow that the rapid expansion in hyperscaler spending could lose momentum over the next few years, prompting some fund managers to reduce exposure to semiconductor stocks in favour of software companies and major cloud providers. AI infrastructure rally faces fresh scrutiny For much of the past two years, the dominant investment strategy has been to buy companies supplying chips and infrastructure used to power AI, based on expectations that Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Meta (NASDAQ:META) would continue increasing investment in data centre expansion. That outlook is beginning to shift. According to UBS, hyperscaler capital expenditure is expected to rise 76% this year to approximately $673 billion. However, spending growth is forecast to slow to 25% in 2027 and just 6% in 2028. The prospect of moderating investment has encouraged some active managers to reduce positions in semiconductor companies while increasing exposure to hyperscalers, whose share prices have lagged AI chipmakers. Others are rotating into software businesses and sectors expected to benefit from wider AI adoption, including financials and healthcare. Portfolio managers adjust positioning Alexis Bossard, Global Equity Portfolio Manager at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management, said his team has significantly reduced semiconductor exposure because valuations have become increasingly demanding. “Once they stop increasing their capex, it will definitely be a relief for hyperscalers and a negative signal for the semi industry,” he said. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, whose largest holdings include Nvidia, Broadcom, Micron, ASML and TSMC, has more than doubled over the past year despite retreating nearly 18% from its June high. Over the same period, the equal-weighted S&P 500 has gained 11%, while Europe’s STOXX 600 has risen around 8%. Bank of America’s July survey of global fund managers found that 82% identified semiconductors as the market’s most crowded trade, while none reported holding short positions in the sector. Bossard has increased exposure to Amazon while favouring businesses involved in liquid cooling, cybersecurity and selected software companies. “We have a massive underexposure to semis right now.” Financing questions emerge LFG+ZEST Chief Investment Officer Alberto Conca has also reduced holdings in memory chip manufacturers and semiconductor equipment companies, while increasing allocations to hyperscalers and healthcare stocks. He has additionally purchased put options on selected semiconductor names. After initially funding AI expansion using their own balance sheets, hyperscalers are increasingly turning to debt markets, raising questions about whether financing conditions could eventually limit future investment. Apollo Chief Economist Torsten Slok noted that demand for new corporate bond issuance has weakened. Cover ratios have fallen to below two times in July from nearly five times in February, indicating softer investor appetite. The Bank for International Settlements also warned in June that weaker-than-expected returns on AI investments could reduce funding availability and eventually reverse the current capital expenditure boom. “Cash flow is starting to be almost completely drained by capex,” Conca said. Empirical Research has also highlighted a widening gap between slowing capital expenditure growth and the optimistic revenue forecasts currently assigned to semiconductor manufacturers and AI infrastructure suppliers. “Either the capex trajectory of the hyperscalers will be upgraded again, or the revenue growth pencilled in for their suppliers will have to come from elsewhere,” the firm said. Long-term confidence remains intact Not all investors are turning cautious. Madeleine Ronner, Senior Portfolio Manager at DWS, expects upcoming earnings commentary from hyperscalers to continue supporting additional AI investment. “The surprise would be if it’s not like that,” she said. Although DWS has taken some profits following the strong rally in semiconductor shares, the firm continues to maintain an overweight position in the sector while selectively adding exposure to industrial and electrical equipment companies. Data centre expansion faces new obstacles Beyond financing, regulatory and community opposition is emerging as another potential headwind. Empirical Research estimates that around 70% of planned U.S. data centre projects now face some degree of local resistance. New York recently became the first U.S. state to introduce a one-year moratorium on large new data centres, citing concerns over electricity demand, water usage and local infrastructure. Despite those challenges, investor appetite for AI infrastructure remains robust. Morningstar data show semiconductor-focused funds attracted a record $10 billion of net inflows through May. Fidelity Investments Director of Global Macro Jurrien Timmer believes recent volatility should be viewed as part of a normal technology cycle. “The AI story is well known, it’s ongoing, the earnings are still supporting the trend,” Timmer said. He also argued that investors should broaden their exposure beyond AI hardware alone. “I want to participate in the boom, but I also want to protect myself in case that boom is overdone,” Timmer said. Microsoft stock price Amazon stock price Alphabet stock price Meta stock priceThe post Investors rotate within AI trade as slowing hyperscaler spending becomes a growing concern appeared first on US Editors. Original: Investors rotate within AI trade as slowing hyperscaler spending becomes a growing concern

Investors rotate within AI trade as slowing hyperscaler spending becomes a growing concern (NVDA)July 17, 2026 6:21 AM
IH Market News Investors are beginning to rethink their artificial intelligence strategies as concerns grow that the rapid expansion in hyperscaler spending could lose momentum over the next few years, prompting some fund managers to reduce exposure to semiconductor stocks in favour of software companies and major cloud providers. AI infrastructure rally faces fresh scrutiny For much of the past two years, the dominant investment strategy has been to buy companies supplying chips and infrastructure used to power AI, based on expectations that Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Meta (NASDAQ:META) would continue increasing investment in data centre expansion. That outlook is beginning to shift. According to UBS, hyperscaler capital expenditure is expected to rise 76% this year to approximately $673 billion. However, spending growth is forecast to slow to 25% in 2027 and just 6% in 2028. The prospect of moderating investment has encouraged some active managers to reduce positions in semiconductor companies while increasing exposure to hyperscalers, whose share prices have lagged AI chipmakers. Others are rotating into software businesses and sectors expected to benefit from wider AI adoption, including financials and healthcare. Portfolio managers adjust positioning Alexis Bossard, Global Equity Portfolio Manager at Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management, said his team has significantly reduced semiconductor exposure because valuations have become increasingly demanding. “Once they stop increasing their capex, it will definitely be a relief for hyperscalers and a negative signal for the semi industry,” he said. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, whose largest holdings include Nvidia, Broadcom, Micron, ASML and TSMC, has more than doubled over the past year despite retreating nearly 18% from its June high. Over the same period, the equal-weighted S&P 500 has gained 11%, while Europe’s STOXX 600 has risen around 8%. Bank of America’s July survey of global fund managers found that 82% identified semiconductors as the market’s most crowded trade, while none reported holding short positions in the sector. Bossard has increased exposure to Amazon while favouring businesses involved in liquid cooling, cybersecurity and selected software companies. “We have a massive underexposure to semis right now.” Financing questions emerge LFG+ZEST Chief Investment Officer Alberto Conca has also reduced holdings in memory chip manufacturers and semiconductor equipment companies, while increasing allocations to hyperscalers and healthcare stocks. He has additionally purchased put options on selected semiconductor names. After initially funding AI expansion using their own balance sheets, hyperscalers are increasingly turning to debt markets, raising questions about whether financing conditions could eventually limit future investment. Apollo Chief Economist Torsten Slok noted that demand for new corporate bond issuance has weakened. Cover ratios have fallen to below two times in July from nearly five times in February, indicating softer investor appetite. The Bank for International Settlements also warned in June that weaker-than-expected returns on AI investments could reduce funding availability and eventually reverse the current capital expenditure boom. “Cash flow is starting to be almost completely drained by capex,” Conca said. Empirical Research has also highlighted a widening gap between slowing capital expenditure growth and the optimistic revenue forecasts currently assigned to semiconductor manufacturers and AI infrastructure suppliers. “Either the capex trajectory of the hyperscalers will be upgraded again, or the revenue growth pencilled in for their suppliers will have to come from elsewhere,” the firm said. Long-term confidence remains intact Not all investors are turning cautious. Madeleine Ronner, Senior Portfolio Manager at DWS, expects upcoming earnings commentary from hyperscalers to continue supporting additional AI investment. “The surprise would be if it’s not like that,” she said. Although DWS has taken some profits following the strong rally in semiconductor shares, the firm continues to maintain an overweight position in the sector while selectively adding exposure to industrial and electrical equipment companies. Data centre expansion faces new obstacles Beyond financing, regulatory and community opposition is emerging as another potential headwind. Empirical Research estimates that around 70% of planned U.S. data centre projects now face some degree of local resistance. New York recently became the first U.S. state to introduce a one-year moratorium on large new data centres, citing concerns over electricity demand, water usage and local infrastructure. Despite those challenges, investor appetite for AI infrastructure remains robust. Morningstar data show semiconductor-focused funds attracted a record $10 billion of net inflows through May. Fidelity Investments Director of Global Macro Jurrien Timmer believes recent volatility should be viewed as part of a normal technology cycle. “The AI story is well known, it’s ongoing, the earnings are still supporting the trend,” Timmer said. He also argued that investors should broaden their exposure beyond AI hardware alone. “I want to participate in the boom, but I also want to protect myself in case that boom is overdone,” Timmer said. Microsoft stock price Amazon stock price Alphabet stock price Meta stock priceThe post Investors rotate within AI trade as slowing hyperscaler spending becomes a growing concern (NVDA) appeared first on US Editors. Original: Investors rotate within AI trade as slowing hyperscaler spending becomes a growing concern (NVDA)

$META is 30,000% overbought and has Total Debt (mrq) $86.77 Billions

Meta to Announce Second Quarter 2026 ResultsJuly 14, 2026 4:05 PM
PR Newswire (US) MENLO PARK, Calif., July 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ: META) announced today that the company's second quarter 2026 financial results will be released after market close on Wednesday, July 29th, 2026. Meta will host a conference call to discuss its results at 1:30 p.m. PT / 4:30 p.m. ET the same day. The live webcast of the call can be accessed at the Meta Investor Relations website at investor.atmeta.com, along with the company's earnings press release, financial tables, and slide presentation.?Following the call, a replay will be available at the same website. Transcripts of conference calls with publishing equity research analysts held on July 29th, 2026 will also be posted to the?investor.atmeta.com website.Disclosure Information 
Meta uses the investor.atmeta.com and meta.com/news websites as well as Mark Zuckerberg's Facebook profile (facebook.com/zuck), Instagram account (instagram.com/zuck) and Threads profile (threads.net/zuck) as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.About Meta
Meta is building the future of human connection, powered by artificial intelligence and immersive technologies. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving beyond 2D screens toward experiences that foster deeper connections and unlock new possibilities.Contacts Investors:
Chad Heaton
investor@meta.com?/??investor.atmeta.com Press:
Matt Tye
press@meta.com?/?meta.com/news View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/meta-to-announce-second-quarter-2026-results-302825578.htmlSOURCE Meta Original: Meta to Announce Second Quarter 2026 Results

Meta Expands Louisiana AI Data Centre to 5GW as Investment Tops $50 Billion (META)July 13, 2026 8:34 AM
IH Market News Meta Increases Scale of Louisiana AI Project Meta (NASDAQ:META) has unveiled a major expansion of its Hyperion data centre in Richland Parish, Louisiana, increasing its planned computing capacity to 5 gigawatts while lifting total investment in the project to more than $50 billion. The facility had previously been expected to deliver more than 2 gigawatts of computing power to support the training of large language models used in generative AI applications such as ChatGPT. Expansion Comes Amid Growing Scrutiny The latest investment comes as technology companies continue to accelerate spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure despite mounting concerns over the energy demands of large-scale data centres. Earlier this year, U.S. environmental law organisation Earthjustice failed in its request to investigate the financing structure behind Meta’s Louisiana project. Earthjustice argued that the funding arrangement could ultimately leave utility customers exposed to project costs if Meta were to withdraw before the utility recovered its investment. Local Economy Benefits from Project Meta said construction activity has already generated substantial economic benefits for Louisiana. Since work began in December 2024, businesses in the state have secured more than $1.6 billion in contracts linked to the development. The company also plans to invest more than $1 billion in local infrastructure, including upgrades to roads, water systems and wastewater facilities. AI Investment Race Continues Like many of its Big Tech rivals, Meta continues to commit significant capital to expanding AI computing capacity as demand for advanced infrastructure outpaces available supply. The company has also pledged to invest $600 billion in U.S. infrastructure and job creation over the next three years as it accelerates development of the computing resources needed to support Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg’s long-term vision for AI agents. The post Meta Expands Louisiana AI Data Centre to 5GW as Investment Tops $50 Billion (META) appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta Expands Louisiana AI Data Centre to 5GW as Investment Tops $50 Billion (META)

Nomura Says AI Memory Demand Concerns Are Overdone as Supply Constraints PersistJuly 12, 2026 7:06 AM
IH Market News Investment Announcements Spark Oversupply Fears Nomura believes investor concerns over a potential slowdown in the artificial intelligence memory market have been exaggerated, arguing that recent investment plans by South Korean chipmakers and Meta’s (NASDAQ:META) cloud strategy do not signal weakening demand. The brokerage noted that South Korean memory manufacturers and related companies recently announced long-term investment programmes worth approximately 4.8 quadrillion won ($3.5 trillion), including around 3.7 quadrillion won dedicated specifically to memory production. The scale of these announcements has raised concerns among investors that the industry could eventually face excess supply. AI Demand Continues to Outpace Supply According to Nomura, the current market remains characterized by a significant shortage of memory products driven by rapid artificial intelligence adoption. The analysts said semiconductor manufacturers continue to prioritize higher-margin high-bandwidth memory (HBM), leaving supplies of conventional DRAM and NAND products relatively tight. Nomura also emphasized that the newly announced investments are unlikely to have a meaningful impact on supply for several years because large semiconductor manufacturing complexes require lengthy construction and development. New Capacity Will Take Years to Arrive The brokerage highlighted the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster as an example of the industry’s extended investment timeline. Nomura estimates that the project, originally launched nine years ago, is unlikely to begin limited production before late 2027, illustrating that more than a decade can pass between initial investment decisions and commercially meaningful output. Meta’s Strategy Seen as Positive for AI Demand Nomura also rejected suggestions that Meta’s (NASDAQ:META) plans to commercialize excess computing capacity indicate softer demand for AI infrastructure. Instead, the brokerage believes offering unused data-center resources is a logical way for major technology companies to improve returns on invested capital while expanding access for customers such as OpenAI and Anthropic. The analysts added that lower computing costs could ultimately encourage broader adoption of artificial intelligence applications rather than reduce demand for AI hardware. Meta stock price The post Nomura Says AI Memory Demand Concerns Are Overdone as Supply Constraints Persist appeared first on US Editors. Original: Nomura Says AI Memory Demand Concerns Are Overdone as Supply Constraints Persist

Meta Shares Rally as Infrastructure Efficiency Overshadows AI Model Launch (META)July 10, 2026 10:10 AM
IH Market News Although much of the attention has centred on Meta’s (NASDAQ:META) newly unveiled Muse Spark 1.1 AI model and its shift toward a paid developer strategy, investors are increasingly focused on a far less visible development that could have a much greater impact on the company’s long-term value. According to an internal company memo first reported by Reuters, Meta’s AI infrastructure buildout is proving to be significantly more cost-efficient than previously expected. The findings prompted BofA Securities analyst Justin Post to reaffirm his Buy rating on Meta Platforms with a price target of $835.00. Why Investors Are Paying Attention For months, one of the biggest concerns surrounding Meta has been the enormous capital investment required to expand its AI capabilities. Developing advanced artificial intelligence demands massive data centre capacity and substantial electricity consumption. However, the Reuters report suggests Meta is delivering that expansion far more efficiently than the market anticipated. BofA highlighted several key points from the internal memo: Massive Capacity Expansion: Meta is targeting an additional 14 Gigawatts (GW) of computing capacity during 2026 and 2027. The memo states that 1GW has already been deployed in 2026, with another 5.5GW expected to come online during the second half of the year. Lower-Than-Expected Costs: BofA had previously estimated Meta’s infrastructure buildout would cost roughly $45 billion per GW. Based on the capacity figures outlined in the memo and Meta’s projected $145 billion capital expenditure programme, the actual cost appears to be closer to $22 billion per GW. BofA Sees Significant Upside Justin Post highlighted the importance of the findings in a note to clients: “The 6.5MW 2026 capacity growth in the memo is well above BofAe at 2.6GW, and if 2026 capacity estimates in the memo are even close to accurate, Meta may have engineered significant cost savings to get capacity cost per MW well below our and Street expectations.” If those estimates prove accurate, Meta would be expanding its AI infrastructure at roughly half the cost previously assumed by Wall Street. That represents a notable shift in the investment narrative. A major concern among bearish investors has been that Meta’s AI spending would consume enormous amounts of capital without producing attractive returns. Instead, the new analysis suggests those investments may generate much stronger economics than expected. As Post explained: “We think building MW of AI capacity at below $30bn per GW could have significant positive economics relative to our estimates for Amazon and Google annual Cloud revenues per GW at $10-16bn or recent SpaceX capacity deals that could range from $40-50bn per year per GW.” Custom AI Chips Add Longer-Term Potential Reuters also reported that Meta intends to begin manufacturing its custom AI chip, codenamed Iris, later this year following successful testing. The chip will complement the company’s purchases of GPUs and will be produced alongside partners Broadcom and TSMC. While investors have welcomed news of the Iris programme, BofA believes it is not responsible for the cost improvements reflected in the 2026 capacity estimates. Instead, the efficiency gains appear to be coming from Meta’s existing infrastructure strategy, with the custom chip roadmap representing additional upside over the coming years. Reuters reported that Meta plans to introduce new custom chips approximately every six months through 2027 while securing multi-year supply agreements with key manufacturing partners, including Broadcom and TSMC. Post said: “Given that Iris is just starting to be manufactured in September, it seems unlikely that the chip is driving significant capacity cost savings in 2026, making the Reuters reported capacity GW estimates possibly less likely. However, we see reported progress with chip development as a big positive for Meta (given Cloud margin contribution from TPUs and Trainium), and likely supportive of Meta CEO’s optimism on returns on capacity investment.” Infrastructure, Not Software, Is Driving the Bull Case While headlines have focused on Meta’s latest AI software announcements, investors appear to be responding more strongly to evidence that the company is building AI infrastructure far more efficiently than expected. By significantly reducing projected computing capacity costs while simultaneously developing its own custom chip ecosystem, Meta is strengthening the investment case that its sizeable AI spending programme can deliver substantial long-term returns. The post Meta Shares Rally as Infrastructure Efficiency Overshadows AI Model Launch (META) appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta Shares Rally as Infrastructure Efficiency Overshadows AI Model Launch (META)

Meta Shares Slip as Heavy AI Infrastructure Spending Weighs on Investor Sentiment (META)July 9, 2026 10:11 AM
IH Market News Massive AI Investment Overshadows In-House Chip Progress Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) shares fell 2.6% on Thursday morning as investors focused on the enormous cost of the company’s artificial intelligence expansion, despite progress toward developing its own AI chips. The social media giant revealed plans to begin production of its first internally designed AI chip, code-named “Iris,” in September. The processor is part of Meta’s four-generation Meta Training and Inference Accelerator (MTIA) programme, developed to reduce reliance on third-party chip suppliers such as Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices. Meta is partnering with Broadcom on chip design, while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) will handle production. AI Infrastructure Spending Raises Investor Concerns While the long-term strategy aims to lower computing costs, the scale of Meta’s near-term investment prompted concerns over the impact on profitability. According to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters, the company plans to deploy seven gigawatts of computing infrastructure this year before doubling that capacity by 2027. To support the expansion, Meta expects to invest as much as $145 billion in AI infrastructure during the current year, representing a substantial share of the technology industry’s estimated $700 billion in planned AI spending. The scale of that capital expenditure weighed on investor sentiment, as markets often react cautiously when major infrastructure investments pressure near-term earnings before generating meaningful revenue. Supply Agreements Secure Long-Term Expansion Meta is also strengthening its supply chain through long-term agreements with Samsung Electronics, Sandisk and Sumitomo Electric to secure the components required for its growing data centre network. With major technology companies competing aggressively to expand AI infrastructure, demand for memory and advanced chips has continued to drive component prices higher. Morgan Stanley analysts recently warned that rising semiconductor costs have contributed to “chipflation,” a trend that could increase infrastructure expenses across the technology sector and place additional pressure on Meta’s margins in the coming quarters. Meta stock priceThe post Meta Shares Slip as Heavy AI Infrastructure Spending Weighs on Investor Sentiment (META) appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta Shares Slip as Heavy AI Infrastructure Spending Weighs on Investor Sentiment (META)

dumping slowly and out. this is a scam.

Meta faces potential US$1.4 trillion penalty claim ahead of youth safety trial (META)July 7, 2026 7:08 AM
IH Market News Meta says four states are seeking record financial penalties Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) said in a court filing on Monday that four US states are pursuing penalties totalling approximately US$1.4 trillion in a lawsuit alleging the company deliberately designed Facebook and Instagram to encourage addictive use among young people while misleading the public about platform safety. The figure was disclosed in Meta’s response to court filings submitted by the state attorneys general outlining how damages should be calculated if they succeed at trial. The potential penalty, which is close to Meta’s market value of roughly US$1.5 trillion, comes ahead of a trial scheduled for August in Oakland, California involving claims brought by California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey. Meta argued the proposed damages have no factual basis. “A sanction of that size has no analog in the history of consumer protection enforcement,” the company said in the filing. Representatives for the state attorneys general did not immediately comment following the filing. States calculate penalties based on alleged violations Although the states’ submissions remain under seal, prosecutors said during a June court hearing that they calculated the proposed penalties by multiplying the number of alleged violations by the maximum fines permitted under state law. According to the states, the number of violations is based on estimates of how many teenagers and young users were affected by Meta’s conduct. Meta rejects claims over platform addiction Twenty-nine US states have filed lawsuits against Meta in federal court, with most alleging the company breached the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act by collecting data from children without obtaining appropriate parental consent. The August trial before US District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers will consider those federal claims alongside accusations from California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey that Meta violated state consumer protection laws by misleading users about the safety of its social media platforms. Meta has denied all allegations, arguing there is no evidence it deceived consumers because “social media addiction” is not a recognised psychiatric diagnosis. The company maintains that statements denying its platforms are addictive therefore cannot be considered false. An additional 14 states have brought separate claims under their own laws, which are due to be heard in a separate trial next February. Court allows case to proceed Last month, Judge Gonzalez Rogers rejected Meta’s request to dismiss the case, ruling that significant factual disputes remain over whether the company’s platforms were intentionally designed to be addictive, whether Meta falsely denied those practices and whether it “partially” targeted children. Following that ruling, California Attorney General Rob Bonta accused Meta of prioritising profits over children’s wellbeing and violating consumer protection laws, saying the state intends to hold the company “fully accountable” for its alleged role in the youth mental health crisis. Meta is one of several technology companies facing extensive litigation over youth safety, alongside Snapchat and parent company Snap Inc., YouTube and parent Alphabet Inc., and TikTok together with parent ByteDance. The lawsuits allege the companies knowingly developed platform features designed to keep children and teenagers engaged, contributing to worsening mental health outcomes. Earlier this year, a jury in New Mexico awarded the state US$375 million after concluding Meta had misled consumers. A judge is now considering additional claims seeking further damages and court-ordered changes to Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp. Meta stock priceThe post Meta faces potential US$1.4 trillion penalty claim ahead of youth safety trial (META) appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta faces potential US$1.4 trillion penalty claim ahead of youth safety trial (META)

Broadcom Shares Rise After Extending Apple Chip Supply Partnership Through 2031 (AVGO)July 6, 2026 9:21 AM
IH Market News Multi-Year Agreement Strengthens Long-Term Relationship Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ:AVGO) shares gained 4% on Monday after the semiconductor company announced a long-term extension of its silicon supply partnership with Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), securing a key source of revenue through the end of the decade. The renewed agreement reinforces Broadcom’s role as a major supplier within Apple’s hardware ecosystem and further strengthens the long-standing relationship between the two technology companies. According to a recent SEC filing: “Broadcom Inc. (“Broadcom”) and Apple Inc. (“Apple”) have agreed to expand their long-standing technology collaboration through 2031 by entering into new multi-year long-term agreements for Broadcom to develop and supply a range of custom ASIC silicon products for use in multiple generations of Apple products.” Custom Silicon to Power Future Apple Devices The extended partnership covers the development and supply of multiple generations of custom ASIC chips that will be incorporated into a wide range of future Apple products. The agreement provides Broadcom with long-term visibility over one of its most important customer relationships while supporting Apple’s continued investment in proprietary silicon technologies. AI Expansion Continues Alongside Apple Business Although Apple remains one of Broadcom’s largest customers, the company continues to broaden its presence in the artificial intelligence semiconductor market. Broadcom is developing AI-focused chips for several leading technology companies, including Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) and Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META), as demand for AI infrastructure continues to grow. Long-Term Revenue Visibility Supports Outlook The extended agreement provides Broadcom with a predictable revenue stream from one of the world’s largest technology companies while reinforcing its strategic importance within Apple’s product roadmap. As Apple continues expanding the use of custom-designed silicon across its devices, the renewed partnership further cements Broadcom’s position as one of the company’s key semiconductor suppliers. Broadcom stock price Apple stock price Alphabet stock priceMeta stock price The post Broadcom Shares Rise After Extending Apple Chip Supply Partnership Through 2031 (AVGO) appeared first on US Editors. Original: Broadcom Shares Rise After Extending Apple Chip Supply Partnership Through 2031 (AVGO)

still have some , got rid of all. what a crap this is.

Yesterday $META +8.8% on cloud rumors. Today -4% after “no capacity” headlines. Meanwhile Mizuho targets $800+. Read the 10-Q page 32 they hope you skip. Here’s the €87B they won’t mention.
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/wall-street-told-you-meta-has-capacitytheir-10-q-says-mirjana-garison-z5xjf/

Meta shares jump on plans to commercialise excess AI computing capacityJuly 1, 2026 9:37 AM
IH Market News Report says Meta is preparing a move into cloud infrastructure Shares of Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) climbed as much as 8% on Wednesday after a Bloomberg report said the company is preparing to enter the cloud infrastructure market by offering customers access to surplus artificial intelligence computing resources. If launched, the initiative would place Meta in direct competition with leading cloud providers including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure and Google Cloud Platform (GCP), while reshaping the competitive landscape for AI infrastructure. Meta Compute to spearhead cloud ambitions According to people familiar with the matter, the project is being developed through an internal division known as Meta Compute. The report said Meta is evaluating two complementary ways to generate revenue from the billions of dollars it has invested in AI infrastructure. Two-pronged strategy targets developers and enterprise customers One element of the strategy involves a Model-as-a-Service offering, allowing customers to access AI models hosted on Meta’s infrastructure, including the company’s Muse Spark models. Under this model, Meta would manage the underlying data centres and semiconductor hardware while charging developers for access, in a similar approach to Amazon Web Services’ Bedrock platform. The second initiative would offer customers direct access to bare-metal computing resources, positioning Meta as a competitor to emerging cloud infrastructure specialists such as CoreWeave. Cloud expansion reshapes AI competition The report boosted investor sentiment toward Meta, sending its shares sharply higher in early trading. However, the news weighed on other cloud infrastructure providers and neocloud companies as investors assessed the impact of a major new entrant into the AI computing market. Meta stock priceThe post Meta shares jump on plans to commercialise excess AI computing capacity appeared first on US Editors. Original: Meta shares jump on plans to commercialise excess AI computing capacity

Magnificent Seven shed $2.3 trillion in June as AI spending comes under closer scrutiny (MSFT)June 30, 2026 9:00 AM
IH Market News Investor sentiment shifts toward infrastructure costs The so-called “Magnificent Seven” technology stocks have collectively lost around $2.3 trillion in market value during June as investors reassessed the scale of artificial intelligence infrastructure spending by the sector’s largest companies. The group comprises Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META), Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN). Amazon, Microsoft, Alphabet and Meta are investing hundreds of billions of dollars in semiconductors and data centre capacity to expand their AI capabilities, with part of that spending financed through debt. During June, Microsoft shares fell 20%, Nvidia declined about 13%, while Apple and Amazon each dropped roughly 8%. Markets await proof that AI investment will deliver returns Investors have become increasingly cautious as technology giants commit record sums to AI infrastructure, with many now looking to the upcoming second-quarter earnings season for evidence that those investments are translating into stronger financial performance. The reporting season, which begins in July, is expected to provide greater insight into whether the industry’s heavy capital expenditure is generating meaningful returns. Chipmakers continue to outperform While the largest technology companies have come under pressure, semiconductor stocks have continued to outperform. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index advanced around 6% during June and has climbed more than 90% this year, compared with a 3.4% decline for the Magnificent Seven over the same period. Demand from major technology companies has continued to benefit semiconductor manufacturers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Micron Technology Inc. and ASML Holding NV, with strong chip orders creating supply shortages throughout the industry. The resulting shortage of memory components has also driven prices higher, adding to supply chain constraints across the semiconductor market. Microsoft stock price Nvidia stock price Alphabet stock price Apple stock price Meta stock price Tesla stock price Amazon stock priceThe post Magnificent Seven shed $2.3 trillion in June as AI spending comes under closer scrutiny (MSFT) appeared first on US Editors. Original: Magnificent Seven shed $2.3 trillion in June as AI spending comes under closer scrutiny (MSFT)

Zuck signed contracts for $135B CAPEX in 2026.

He only signed $30B for 2027.

Page 47. Footnote 7. SEC filing.

If you think 2027 CAPEX is $145B, you're saying he lied to the SEC.

Pick a side

Board,

You know me since 2014. You know I was screaming bear on META in 2021-2022.
Post #177746024. Called the crash from $380.

I was right. Stock hit $88.

I'm posting today because the same SEC filings that made me bear now make me bull.

Q1 2025 10-Q. Page 47. Footnote 7 - Commitments table.

2026 CAPEX already contracted: ~$135B
2027 CAPEX contracted: ~$30B

That's a 60% cliff in committed spend. In writing. Under criminal penalty if false.

In 2021 I was bear because spending was unlimited and FCF was dying.
Today the filing shows 2026 is PEAK spend. 2027 is the cliff.

My math:
2024 FCF: €44B
2027 FCF if they hold the line: €60B+

At €495 today = 3.6% yield growing to 5% in 18 months.
Apple pays 3.5% and isn't growing.

Two more:
Footnote 11: "2026 expected peak year of losses" for Reality Labs. Legal language.
Footnote 12: WhatsApp +31.6% YoY. $1.76B run-rate. Wasn't in my 2021 model.

I was bear when the numbers were bad. I'm bull now because the numbers flipped.
Screenshot of Note 7 attached.

Full DCF in my usual spot. Old crew knows where.

I’ve been wrong before. I was right in 2021.
Tell me why I'm wrong in 2025. Seriously. Punch holes in this.

Long META Aug 2025.

META Q1 10-Q: $30B CAPEX for 2027 vs $135B for 2026. You seeing this?

Been digging through the Q1 10-Q because the $145B CAPEX headline made no sense.

Page 47. Footnote 7. "Commitments" table.

2026: ~$135B already contracted
2027: ~$30B contracted

That's a 60% cliff drop in committed spend next year.

Street is modeling $145B CAPEX forever. The filing shows peak CAPEX is 2026.

If Zuck holds the line, 2027 FCF jumps from €44B this year to €60B+.

At €495/share today you’re buying a 3.6% yield growing to 5% in 18 months.
AAPL pays 3.5% and grows slower.

Also Footnote 11: "2026 expected to be peak year of losses" for Reality Labs.
That's legal language. Not PR.

And Footnote 12: WhatsApp revenue +31.6% YoY. Run-rate $1.76B. Was zero 2 years ago.

Full table screenshots + DCF posted here if anyone wants to check my math: [link]

Not financial advice. I hold shares. Do your own DD.

What am I missing?

Not bad $meta Zuck smart man !

The $85 Billion Mistake: Why I’m Shorting Alphabet to Bet on Meta’s Fortress
Why the tech bubble’s biggest winners are quietly bankrupting their future while shareholders look the other way
Read the full analysus > https://mirjanagarison.substack.com/p/the-85-billion-mistake-why-im-shorting?r=8evvra&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true

This is for me the best analysis ever Thank YOU, thank YOU