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AMZN

FTEC

MSFT

XLK

Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:MSFT) is under antitrust investigation in South Africa for its cloud computing licensing practices, similar to an ongoing EU case. The EU investigation, prompted by complaints from CISPE and other cloud providers, focuses on Microsoft's licensing terms potentially harming Europe's cloud ecosystem. Microsoft is negotiating with CISPE to avoid an EU investigation that could lead to fines and operational changes. The EU is also examining Microsoft's investment in OpenAI and complaints about Microsoft Teams. Microsoft plans to sell Teams separately from its Office suite globally in response to an EU investigation. MSFT stock has gained 47% in the last 12 months, and exposure to MSFT can be gained through SPDR Select Sector Fund – Technology (NYSE:XLK) and Fidelity MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (NYSE:FTEC).

Portfolio Pulse from Anusuya Lahiri

April 05, 2024 | 11:03 am

BA

EADSY

SPR

Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) and Airbus SE (OTC:EADSY) are reportedly close to finalizing a deal to split the operations of Spirit AeroSystems Holdings Inc. (NYSE:SPR), a key supplier. This move could mark the end of Boeing's 20-year outsourcing strategy and involves dividing Spirit's assets crucial for their jet programs amid antitrust concerns. The deal, still under negotiation, could see Boeing and Airbus taking over essential plants, with Airbus potentially investing over $1 billion in A220 wing production optimization. The division is seen as a strategic pivot for Boeing to reinforce its manufacturing capabilities, especially after recent FAA scrutiny over quality control.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Neuro

April 05, 2024 | 9:04 am

TSLA

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen began her visit to China, focusing on strengthening economic relations while addressing concerns over China's manufacturing overcapacity and its global implications. Yellen emphasized the importance of a level playing field for American workers and firms and the need for open dialogue. She criticized China's industrial subsidies and expressed concerns over China's green energy exports potentially harming American firms. The visit highlights ongoing economic tensions, particularly in sectors like semiconductors, green energy, and electric vehicles (EVs), with companies like Tesla and BYD mentioned in the context of the growing EV market.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Neuro

April 05, 2024 | 6:42 am

GOOG

GOOGL

YouTube CEO Neal Mohan stated that if OpenAI used YouTube videos to train its AI model Sora, it would violate YouTube's policies. OpenAI CTO Mira Murati was unsure if YouTube content was used. YouTube's terms allow certain content to be used in accordance with its terms of service, but not video transcripts or bits. The controversy around OpenAI's Sora and its training methods has sparked discussions on data protection laws and ethical AI deployment.

Portfolio Pulse from Ananya Gairola

April 05, 2024 | 3:36 am

DJT

Democratic groups are urging a congressional investigation into Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ:DJT) following allegations of receiving emergency loans from a Russian-American businessman under investigation, to facilitate its stock market debut. The controversy involves potential influence peddling and corruption, with Trump Media accused of seeking bridge financing linked to money laundering. Despite these allegations, Trump Media denies wrongdoing. The situation has led to a decline in Trump Media's stock price.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Neuro

April 05, 2024 | 2:20 am

META

Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META) is opposing the FTC's proposal to update a 2020 privacy agreement, citing its voluntary disclosure of technical issues in the Messenger Kids app and a $5.5 billion investment in privacy initiatives. Despite Meta's efforts, the FTC aims to tighten settlement terms, focusing on minors' data and facial recognition technology. Meta's legal challenges continue as it faces scrutiny over privacy practices, including a recent lawsuit against the FTC and allegations of data privacy breaches.

Portfolio Pulse from Ananya Gairola

April 05, 2024 | 2:08 am

EIS

President Joe Biden has called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war, marking a significant shift in U.S. policy towards Israel. This comes after an Israeli military operation killed seven individuals associated with the World Central Kitchen. The White House demands concrete actions from Israel to address civilian harm and ensure the safety of aid workers. In response, Israel has committed to adjusting its military tactics and promised a swift inquiry into the incident. Israeli stocks, including the iShares MSCI Israel ETF (EIS), have seen a significant drop following these developments.

Portfolio Pulse from Piero Cingari

April 04, 2024 | 8:58 pm

VAL

Valaris announced that ARO Drilling, its joint venture in Saudi Arabia, received a suspension notice from Aramco for one of its 19 contracted rigs, specifically the Jackup VALARIS 143. The rig's contract was set to end in December 2024, but the suspension could last up to twelve months. ARO is currently in discussions with Aramco to finalize the suspension's start date.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

April 04, 2024 | 8:17 pm

GME

Gamestop Corp. (GME) and its COO, Nir Patel, have agreed on a separation agreement and mutual release of claims, facilitating Mr. Patel's departure from the company, as per an SEC filing on April 4, 2024.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

April 04, 2024 | 8:17 pm

GOOG

GOOGL

YouTube has stated that OpenAI's use of its videos to train the AI model Sora would violate its policies. This announcement raises concerns about the use of publicly available data for AI training and could impact the relationship between content platforms and AI developers.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

April 04, 2024 | 6:59 pm