Anti-Clickbait News Summaries for January 22, 2025
Anthropic CEO calls AGI a marketing term and envisions future AI as a data center of geniuses
Hi, it’s Jack and The Signals.Doctor team with your daily news summaries 😇
The Markets:
Futures Highlights
Markets show a generally positive tilt, with notable gains in the tech-heavy Nasdaq and a mild pullback in energy futures. Gold also edges up slightly, reflecting a cautious but optimistic sentiment.
🔴 Crude Oil: 75.74 (−0.09 | −0.12%)
🟢 Natural Gas: 3.7670 (+0.0110 | +0.29%)
🟢 Gold: 2761.70 (+2.50 | +0.09%)
🟢 Dow: 44384.00 (+146.00 | +0.33%)
🟢 S&P 500: 6118.00 (+33.75 | +0.55%)
🟢 Nasdaq 100: 21926.25 (+216.75 | +1.00%)
🔴 Russell 2000: 2328.30 (−3.30 | −0.14%)
Forex & Bonds
A subtle shift in currency pairs sees the dollar weakening slightly against the euro and yen. Treasury yields are mostly down, suggesting a modest tilt toward bond buying.
🟢 EUR/USD: 1.0429 (+0.0004 | +0.04%)
🟢 USD/JPY: 155.93 (+0.45 | +0.29%)
🔴 GBP/USD: 1.2344 (−0.0001 | −0.01%)
🔴 BTC/USD: 104513.60 (−1032.40 | −0.98%)
🔴 5-Year Treasury: 4.396 (−0.001 | −0.02%)
🔴 10-Year Treasury: 4.57 (−0.004 | −0.09%)
🔴 30-Year Treasury: 4.792 (−0.01 | −0.21%)
Major News
Earnings updates and industry moves spark a mixed bag of results. Oracle leads the gains, while Apple slips significantly, highlighting divergent fortunes among tech giants.
Sorted from biggest winners to biggest losers:
🟢 ORCL: +7.17%
🟢 ALLY: +3.38%
🟢 NVDA: +2.27%
🟢 AMZN: +2.11%
🟢 C: +2.10%
🟢 JPM: +1.49%
🟢 TDY: +1.38%
🟢 NFLX: +1.35%
🟢 GOOG: +1.05%
🟢 GOOGL: +1.05%
🟢 JNJ: +0.76%
🟢 PG: +0.37%
🟢 PEP: +0.20%
🔴 MSFT: −0.12%
🔴 TSLA: −0.57%
🔴 AAPL: −3.19%
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The Daily News Podcast
Events Affecting The Markets Today
The News Summaries
Podcast:
Read:
Today:
On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, several events are scheduled that could influence the U.S. stock market:
Economic Data Releases:
U.S. Leading Economic Indicators (December): At 10:00 AM ET, the Conference Board will release the Leading Economic Index (LEI) for December. The LEI is a composite of ten economic indicators designed to signal peaks and troughs in the business cycle. A decline of 0.1% is anticipated, following a 0.3% increase in November.
Corporate Earnings Reports:
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): The healthcare conglomerate is set to announce its fourth-quarter earnings. Analysts expect adjusted earnings of $2.04 per share on revenue of $22.5 billion. Investors will focus on the performance of its pharmaceutical and medical device segments.
Procter & Gamble (PG): The consumer goods giant will report its fiscal second-quarter results. The company is projected to post earnings of $1.87 per share on revenue of $21.69 billion. Key areas of interest include organic sales growth and performance across its product categories.
GE Vernova: General Electric's energy division is scheduled to release its quarterly earnings. Analysts will be looking for insights into the performance of its renewable energy and power segments.
Corporate Developments:
Oracle Corporation (ORCL): Oracle, in partnership with OpenAI and SoftBank Group, has announced a significant investment of up to $500 billion to develop artificial intelligence infrastructure in the U.S. This initiative, named Stargate, aims to construct data centers dedicated to AI advancements. Such a substantial investment underscores the growing importance of AI in the tech industry and could have long-term implications for the sector.
Global Events:
World Economic Forum Annual Meeting: The World Economic Forum continues its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland. Discussions among global leaders on economic policies, trade, and technological advancements can indirectly influence market sentiment.
These events, scheduled for January 22, 2025, have the potential to impact the U.S. stock market both directly and indirectly.
The News Summaries:
Google's new quantum chip Willow advances error reduction in computing
Google recently introduced its new quantum chip, Willow, which significantly reduces error rates in quantum computations. This achievement marks a major advancement in quantum computing, allowing Willow to perform complex calculations much faster than classical computers.
Willow's ability to maintain lower error rates while increasing the number of qubits is a notable breakthrough. This development addresses a long-standing challenge in the field, enhancing the potential for practical applications in areas like material discovery and drug research.
Quantum computing relies on concepts like qubits, superposition, and entanglement. These principles enable quantum computers to process information in ways that classical computers cannot, paving the way for future innovations.
Source: https://qz.com/quantum-computing-glossary-terms-qubit-superposition-1851739518
Meta reassures advertisers on content moderation changes at Davos
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Meta is addressing advertiser concerns about changes to content moderation. Nicola Mendelsohn, head of Meta's global business group, assured advertisers that brand safety commitments will remain unchanged, allowing them to control ad placements next to political content.
Consulting firms are preparing for a busy year, driven by economic growth and advancements in AI. However, they face challenges in staffing, needing to balance between being understaffed and overstaffed while managing client expectations for increased activity.
Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis emphasized the need for a governing body to manage artificial intelligence's impact on society. He called for a diverse council to address the broader implications of AI on capitalism and human welfare.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/davos-world-economic-forum-day-three-diary-2025-1
Anthropic CEO calls AGI a marketing term and envisions future AI as a data center of geniuses
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei described artificial general intelligence (AGI) as a "marketing term" and prefers to envision future AI as a "country of geniuses in a data center." He believes advanced AI systems will soon outperform humans in many tasks.
Amodei previously predicted that powerful AI could emerge by 2026. He expressed increased confidence in this timeline, noting that uncertainty about the technology's progress has decreased in recent months.
He dismissed concerns about the limits of AI scaling, stating that past challenges have always been overcome with new innovations. Amodei emphasized the ongoing potential for AI development.
Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/anthropic-ceo-calls-agi-marketing-term-2025-1
VERSES AI's Genius agents excel in Atari Challenge with reduced data and faster training
VERSES AI Inc. has reported that its Genius agents outperformed leading AI algorithms in the "Atari 100K Challenge." The agents achieved this using 90% less data, 96% faster training, and a 96% smaller model size compared to traditional methods.
The new variant, "Atari 10k," tests the same capabilities as the original benchmark but with significantly reduced data requirements. This efficiency suggests potential applications in real-world scenarios where data may be limited or incomplete.
Genius agents learn independently by interacting with game environments, allowing them to predict outcomes and make optimal decisions. This contrasts with existing algorithms that require extensive data and tuning to perform effectively.
Companies draw lessons from gold rush as AI boom raises ethical concerns
The AI boom, similar to the 1848 gold rush, has led to rapid adoption by companies seeking to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction. However, concerns about ethics, privacy, and data misuse are emerging, prompting calls for regulation.
Major companies like Amazon and JPMC are now implementing restrictions on AI usage to manage risks. They aim to establish clear policies and controls to ensure responsible AI deployment, avoiding the chaotic approach seen during the gold rush.
To improve transparency and accountability, companies are encouraged to document AI training processes and enforce strict access controls. This approach aims to protect sensitive data and intellectual property while addressing potential legal and ethical issues.
Source: https://www.techradar.com/pro/what-companies-can-learn-from-the-gold-rush-for-the-ai-boom
Grocery prices rise 27 percent since pandemic impacting low-income households
Grocery prices have increased by 27% since the pandemic began, impacting lower-income households the most. These families struggle more with rising costs, which are not fully reflected in general inflation measures.
A new approach, the ALICE Essentials Index, aims to better capture the financial strain many households face, particularly at grocery stores. This index focuses on essential items that families need daily.
The discussion highlights the ongoing challenges of food affordability and the need for more accurate measures of economic hardship.
General Atomics unveils compact drone catapult system for warships
General Atomics has introduced a new drone catapult system that expands airpower capabilities for warships. This system utilizes a smaller version of its Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), allowing ships like destroyers to launch drones with minimal space and maintenance.
The new drone launcher requires only 22 meters for takeoff, significantly less than the 300 feet needed for traditional aircraft. It occupies a compact area of 4 feet by 2 feet, making it suitable for various naval vessels.
This development aligns with the U.S. Air Force's interest in General Atomics' Gambit drones for Collaborative Combat Aircraft roles. The technology aims to provide affordable, low-maintenance airpower from the sea, enhancing operational flexibility for naval forces.
Source: https://simpleflying.com/general-atomics-new-drone-catapult-warships/
Davos report highlights AI misinformation as immediate risk and environmental threats as long-term concern
A new report from the World Economic Forum identifies AI-driven misinformation as the biggest immediate risk to the global economy. The rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT allows more people to create misleading content, threatening democracy and societal cohesion.
The report highlights environmental risks as the most significant long-term threats. Climate change and extreme weather are noted as pressing concerns, with the potential for irreversible damage to Earth’s systems over the next decade.
The findings come ahead of the annual Davos meeting, where leaders from major tech companies will discuss these issues. The report is based on a survey of nearly 1,500 experts and policymakers.
Iron ore and base metals decline after Trump threatens tariffs on China
Iron ore and most base metals dropped after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose 10% tariffs on all Chinese imports, potentially starting February 1. This announcement was linked to China's fentanyl exports to North America.
Iron ore prices fell by 1.3% following the tariff threat. Prices had already decreased over 25% in 2024 due to China's economic issues and increased supply from Australia and Brazil.
Copper, aluminum, and nickel also saw declines on the London Metal Exchange. Copper fell 0.5% to $9,243 a ton, marking a drop from its highest close in over two months.
Source: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/iron-ore-other-metals-drop-061518608.html
Journalist builds over 15 apps in 60 days using AI tools for non-programmers
A journalist created over 15 simple apps in 60 days using AI tools, highlighting a shift in software development. With user-friendly platforms like Bolt and Claude Sonnet 3.5, non-programmers can now build basic applications easily.
The journalist emphasizes starting with simple projects and gaining basic tech knowledge to improve results. Key features of successful tools include easy deployment and understanding AI limitations. Claude remains the leading AI model for coding tasks.
This experiment shows that novices can create functional apps, but some computing expertise is necessary. The AI coding landscape is rapidly evolving, suggesting future advancements in app development tools.
Beam Therapeutics advances gene editing pipeline for congenital diseases and cancer
Beam Therapeutics focuses on gene editing for congenital diseases and cancer. The company has an interesting early pipeline of treatments.
Currently, there are no new stock positions or plans to invest in Beam Therapeutics.
The article does not provide investment advice or recommendations.
D-Wave Quantum leverages first-mover advantage in expanding quantum computing market
D-Wave Quantum is a leading provider of quantum computing technology, serving over 130 clients. It is recognized as the first commercial supplier of quantum computers.
The company is positioned well in a large and rapidly growing market. Its first-mover advantage may enhance its prospects in the evolving tech landscape.
NASA tests new nuclear thermal propulsion fuel for faster Mars missions
NASA has successfully tested a new type of nuclear thermal propulsion reactor fuel at its Marshall Space Flight Center. This fuel could potentially reduce travel time to Mars from six months to about 45 days.
The fuel, developed by General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, withstood extreme temperatures during testing. It is designed to operate in the harsh conditions of space, making it a promising option for future deep space missions.
Further design and testing are required before NASA can implement this technology. If successful, it could enhance astronaut safety by minimizing exposure to radiation during the journey to Mars.
Blue Origin shares video recap of New Glenn's successful maiden launch
Blue Origin has released a video recap of the successful maiden launch of its New Glenn rocket. The launch took place at Cape Canaveral, showcasing the rocket's impressive lift-off with its seven engines generating nearly 4 million pounds of thrust.
The New Glenn's upper stage completed two successful burns to place the Blue Ring Pathfinder payload into orbit. However, the attempt to land the reusable first stage on a floating platform was unsuccessful.
This launch marks Blue Origin's entry into the orbital launch market, competing with companies like SpaceX. The next New Glenn flight is planned for spring, focusing on improving the landing of the first-stage booster for reuse.
Source: https://www.digitaltrends.com/space/watch-blue-origins-new-glenn-recap/
Voyager Technologies files for U.S. IPO as it develops private space station
Voyager Technologies has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in the U.S. The company, formerly known as Voyager Space, did not disclose the number of shares or price range for the offering.
The filing comes amid a favorable market environment, with several companies preparing for IPOs. Other firms, like Smithfield Foods and Venture Global, are also moving forward with their public listings.
Founded in 2019, Voyager has conducted over 2,000 space missions for various clients. The company is developing a private space station called Starlab, in partnership with Airbus, and received $80 million in funding in 2023.
US official warns of urgent need to reduce reliance on China for industrial diamonds
A former U.S. Commerce official, Nazak Nikakhtar, emphasized the urgent need to reduce American dependence on China for critical supply chains, particularly in industrial diamonds. She noted that China produces 95% of the world's synthetic diamonds, with U.S. imports fluctuating between 80% and 95% since 2018.
On December 3, China banned the export of industrial diamonds to the U.S., alongside other key materials for semiconductors. This move followed U.S. export controls aimed at limiting China's access to advanced technology, highlighting the growing tensions in trade relations.
Nikakhtar warned that the U.S. lacks a sufficient stockpile of industrial diamonds, producing only 16% of its needs in 2023. She called for immediate action to address these vulnerabilities in the supply chain, as China continues to strengthen its manufacturing dominance.
Trump signs order to change birthright citizenship rules facing legal challenges
Donald Trump has signed an order that could change birthright citizenship rules in the U.S. The order, effective Feb. 19, would deny citizenship to children born to parents without legal status or on temporary visas.
The order has faced immediate legal challenges. A coalition of immigrant rights groups and 22 Democratic-led states filed lawsuits claiming the order is unconstitutional and violates the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to those born in the U.S.
If upheld, the order would affect about 150,000 children born annually to undocumented parents, making them deportable and potentially stateless. The legal battle is expected to escalate, possibly reaching the Supreme Court.
Source: https://time.com/7208965/birthright-citizenship-trump-order/
U.S. aims to build domestic supply chain for critical battery materials by 2030
The U.S. is focusing on building a domestic supply chain for critical battery materials, essential for lithium-ion batteries. By 2030, demand will exceed current raw material availability, prompting a shift towards recycling and refining to meet future needs.
China currently dominates the market, refining 85% of rare earth metals and 70% of battery components. Strengthening U.S. supply chains through public-private partnerships is seen as vital for national security and reducing reliance on foreign sources.
The Department of Energy is supporting U.S. businesses to develop a closed-loop supply chain that incorporates both recycled and new materials. This approach aims to enhance economic growth and sustainability in the battery industry.
Survey shows Americans concerned about AI's impact on jobs as adoption rises
A recent Gallup survey shows that 75% of Americans believe AI will reduce jobs in the next decade, with 77% lacking trust in businesses to use AI responsibly. Concerns are heightened among those who consider themselves knowledgeable about AI.
Despite fears, the World Economic Forum reports that AI could create 170 million jobs globally by 2028, while displacing 92 million roles. This results in a net gain of 78 million jobs, with significant growth in tech and green transition roles.
Generative AI adoption in workplaces surged by 44% in 2024, with 89% of daily users reporting productivity gains. The IMF notes that nearly 40% of global employment is exposed to AI, affecting high-skilled jobs more than previous technologies.
Source: https://interestingengineering.com/career/ai-machines-jobs-data
PG&E secures $15 billion federal loan guarantee to lower customer costs
PG&E has secured a $15 billion federal loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy, one of the last actions of President Biden's administration. This funding aims to lower costs for customers by financing approved energy infrastructure projects.
The loan will support existing projects, including hydroelectric facilities and battery storage, allowing PG&E to reduce expenses compared to traditional financing. Customers could save up to $1 billion as a result of this lower-cost financing.
Despite the loan approval, PG&E has not yet received any funds. Recent reports show that utility costs in the Bay Area have risen significantly, with electricity services increasing by 11.2% in December 2024, outpacing the region's overall inflation rate.
Cloudflare CEO highlights regulatory challenges hindering China's AI progress
At the 2025 World Economic Forum, Cloudflare CEO Matthew Prince discussed China's position in artificial intelligence. He noted that China is lagging in AI development due to its cautious approach to the technology's unpredictable potential.
Prince highlighted that Chinese authorities regulate AI outputs, which he believes limits progress. This regulatory stance contrasts with more open approaches seen in other countries, affecting China's competitiveness in the global AI landscape.
Source: https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/video/whats-holding-china-back-ai-000000495.html
Trump initiates federal government overhaul targeting perceived adversaries
President Donald Trump has begun a significant overhaul of the federal government, targeting officials he views as adversaries. This includes the dismissal of nearly two dozen senior Justice Department officials and the revocation of security clearances for 51 former intelligence officials.
Trump's actions are part of a broader effort to remove what he calls the "deep state." He has also directed investigations into the Biden administration's actions and made it easier to fire government employees, with a focus on those hired recently.
Key changes include the removal of the Coast Guard commandant and senior State Department officials. Trump’s administration aims to replace these positions with loyalists, raising concerns about a potential major shift in the federal workforce.
Scale AI CEO urges Trump to boost US investment in artificial intelligence
Alexandr Wang, CEO of Scale AI, has published a full-page ad in The Washington Post urging President Trump to invest more in artificial intelligence. He outlines five recommendations to maintain U.S. leadership over China in AI development.
Wang's suggestions include increasing government spending on data and computing, reviewing regulations to support AI jobs, and preparing federal agencies for AI by 2027. He also advocates for affordable electricity for AI data centers and implementing safety measures.
Wang's framing of the U.S.-China AI competition as a "war" has sparked criticism from some industry leaders. Currently, Trump's administration has revoked previous AI guidance but has not yet responded to Wang's proposals.
Trump plans to eliminate National Space Council amid SpaceX influence
President-elect Donald Trump is expected to eliminate the National Space Council, a policy panel that has faced criticism from SpaceX lobbyists. Sources indicate that Trump's team views the council as ineffective and has not engaged with it during the transition.
The council, previously chaired by Kamala Harris, has seen its staff offices largely emptied. This move would signal SpaceX's growing influence over U.S. space policy under Trump, who has maintained a close relationship with CEO Elon Musk.
The Biden administration had kept the council active, focusing on international cooperation and regulatory proposals. Trump's administration aims to streamline space policy efforts while reducing federal bureaucracy, reflecting a shift in priorities from previous administrations.
Source: https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/21/trump-space-council-spacex-lobbying.html
Cloudflare defends against record 5.6 Tbps DDoS attack from Mirai botnet
Cloudflare reported a record DDoS attack that peaked at 5.6 terabits per second on October 29, 2024. The attack, from a Mirai-based botnet with 13,000 devices, targeted an ISP in Eastern Asia but had no impact due to Cloudflare's automated defenses.
DDoS attacks are becoming more frequent and intense. In the fourth quarter of 2024, attacks exceeding 1 terabit per second increased significantly, with a 1,885% growth compared to the previous quarter. Most attacks were short-lived, lasting under 10 minutes.
The most targeted regions were China, the Philippines, and Taiwan, with telecommunications and internet sectors being the primary victims. Ransom DDoS attacks also rose, increasing by 78% quarter-over-quarter, particularly during peak usage times like holidays.
Engineers in China develop dual-reactor system to convert CO2 into high-protein food
Engineers in China have developed a dual-reactor system that converts carbon dioxide into high-protein food. This technology aims to reduce carbon emissions while addressing the need for sustainable food production.
The system works in two stages. First, it uses microbial electrosynthesis to turn carbon dioxide into acetate. Then, aerobic bacteria convert the acetate into single-cell protein, which is highly nutritious and suitable for human and animal consumption.
The process is efficient, producing protein with a concentration of 74 percent, and generates less wastewater than traditional methods. This innovation could help meet global food demands while lowering atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Trump's pardons spark concerns over far-right group emboldenment
U.S. President Donald Trump granted clemency to nearly 1,600 individuals charged in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. This decision has been celebrated by far-right groups, including the Proud Boys, who view it as a validation of their actions.
Experts on extremism warn that the pardons may encourage further violence among far-right groups. They believe this could lead to increased recruitment and a sense of invulnerability among supporters of Trump.
The pardons included individuals convicted of serious crimes, such as assaulting police officers. Some Trump supporters have expressed extreme views online, calling for violence against those involved in the prosecutions.
Source: https://ca.news.yahoo.com/trumps-pardons-embolden-proud-boys-203957773.html
China's DeepSeek launches low-cost AI model rivaling OpenAI's technology
China's DeepSeek has launched an open-source AI model that matches the performance of OpenAI's latest offerings but operates at a significantly lower cost. Users can download and run it for free, aside from electricity costs.
This development marks a major shift in AI economics, as it demonstrates that foundational models can be trained more efficiently. The release could expand the range of AI applications that were previously too costly to implement.
The announcement comes just before a planned $100 billion investment in U.S. datacenters by Trump, highlighting a competitive landscape in AI technology and infrastructure.
Source: https://www.forexlive.com/news/chinas-deepseek-may-have-just-upended-the-economics-of-ai-20250121/
Tencent launches Hunyuan3D 2.0 AI to accelerate 3D design process
Tencent has launched "Hunyuan3D 2.0," an AI system that quickly transforms images or text into detailed 3D models in seconds. This new version significantly reduces the time needed for 3D design, which previously took skilled artists days or weeks.
Hunyuan3D 2.0 is available as an open-source project on platforms like Hugging Face and GitHub. It improves upon its predecessor by enhancing speed and quality, producing accurate models in about 25 seconds, or just 10 seconds for a smaller version.
The system can process both text and image inputs, making it more versatile. It introduces new features that improve detail and consistency in 3D models while requiring less computing power, benefiting industries like gaming, online retail, and film.