Tobias

Anthropic and Google have solidified their cloud partnership with a multi-billion dollar deal, granting Anthropic significant access to Google’s TPUs and a projected gigawatt of AI compute by 2026. This supports Anthropic’s scaling AI development and deployment. Anthropic’s multi-cloud architecture, leveraging Google TPUs, Amazon Trainium chips, and Nvidia GPUs, optimizes for cost, performance, and efficiency. Anthropic’s revenue is rapidly growing, nearing $7 billion annually, driven by enterprise adoption of Claude and Claude Code. While Google is a key partner, Amazon remains crucial, offering AWS cloud infrastructure and Trainium chips. Anthropic maintains independence, avoiding exclusivity and control over its AI models.

YouTube TV and Disney face a carriage dispute with a deadline of October 30th. Failure to reach an agreement would remove Disney-owned channels like ABC and ESPN from YouTube TV. Disney accuses Google of exploitation, while YouTube TV argues Disney’s terms are too costly and favor Disney’s own streaming services. A key sticking point is YouTube TV’s request to integrate Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ directly into its platform, a request Disney is unlikely to grant. The outcome will significantly impact both companies’ distribution strategies and subscriber bases.

Apple has begun shipping AI-focused servers manufactured at its Houston, Texas facility, marking a significant step in its $600 billion U.S. investment. These servers, powered by Apple’s silicon, will support Apple Intelligence and Private Cloud Compute services. The move aims to bolster domestic production, create jobs, and enable closer hardware-software integration for accelerated AI innovation. This initiative reflects a strategic shift towards controlling its supply chain and responding to the increasing demands of AI workloads.

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman declared the company will not develop “simulated erotica” AI services, diverging from partner OpenAI, which is exploring such applications. Suleyman emphasized the dangers of AI intended for intimate interaction, citing ethical concerns about “seemingly conscious” AI and potential social divisions. This decision reflects a broader strategic difference, with Microsoft prioritizing ethical considerations and user well-being over potentially problematic AI applications, while OpenAI explores the boundaries of AI. OpenAI and xAI (Elon Musk’s company) offered contrasting responses when asked for comment.

Applied Materials (AMAT) is cutting 4% of its global workforce, approximately 1,444 positions, as part of a strategic realignment. The move aims to boost competitiveness amidst evolving market dynamics and reflects pressures in the semiconductor supply chain. This restructuring follows a forecasted $600 million revenue impact in fiscal 2026 due to U.S. export restrictions. The company expects to incur $160-$180 million in charges for severance costs but anticipates long-term gains through optimized operations and increased efficiency via automation and digitization.

This report highlights China’s focus on domestic consumption and technological self-reliance. It also examines emerging government influence in the U.S. economy, including a stake in Intel and Trump’s pardon of Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. These actions raise questions about a potential shift towards a more interventionist economic model in the U.S. under President Trump. Other key points include Intel’s strong earnings, S&P 500 gains, and dividend stocks as an investment focus. Finally, it notes Moscow’s muted reaction to Trump’s changed stance on Russia.

Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares fell 6% after preliminary Q1 2026 results missed expectations, forecasting $5 billion revenue instead of $6-7 billion. The company attributes this to “design win upgrades” shifting revenue to Q2. Despite this, CEO Charles Liang anticipates strong customer demand and reiterated revenue of at least $33B for FY 2026, driven by AI market share gains. Recent design wins exceed $12 billion, set for Q2 delivery. A detailed update will be provided during the November 4 earnings call.

CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz refutes the idea that AI will replace cloud software, arguing they are interconnected. He believes agentic AI will accelerate SaaS adoption as providers integrate AI to enhance their offerings. CrowdStrike’s AI-powered Falcon platform benefits from this trend, protecting both its own services and other SaaS providers like Salesforce. The market reflects this confidence, with CrowdStrike’s stock surging and outperforming the cybersecurity sector, indicating strong investor belief in the company’s AI-driven cloud security strategy.

The U.S. Commerce Department denies reports of negotiating equity stakes in quantum computing firms like IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave in exchange for federal funding, despite market reactions to the initial Wall Street Journal report. The denial follows earlier government investments in strategic sectors like semiconductors and rare earth mining, fueling debates about government involvement in private enterprise. Potential applications span various industries, while military implications drive further interest. The sector faces challenges including revenue generation, long development cycles, and a skilled labor shortage. Nonetheless, advancements like Google’s “quantum advantage” attract investment.

President Trump reversed plans for a federal surge in San Francisco after conversations with tech leaders like Nvidia’s Huang and Salesforce’s Benioff, who expressed optimism about the city’s future. Trump cited Mayor Lurie’s progress on tackling crime. This reversal, a victory for San Francisco, followed initial support for federal intervention from some tech figures, later revised amid criticism. Recent data shows decreasing crime rates and a resurgence in economic activity, driven by AI innovation and venture capital investment. The interplay between politics, business, and technology shapes San Francisco’s revitalization.