Better to Buy a Company Than to Found One: Charles Skinner

Apple Inc. has reached its first record of 2025, driven by a positive outlook on iPhone sales. Loop Capital's upgrade of the stock to 'buy' reflects strong demand for the new iPhone 17 series, which has outperformed its predecessor by 14% in the initial sales period in the US and China. This news is significant as it highlights Apple's resilience and growth potential in a competitive market, reassuring investors about the company's future.

EQT is actively exploring potential acquisitions of Coller Capital and HarbourVest Partners as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in the secondaries market. This move is significant as it highlights EQT's commitment to expanding its investment portfolio and capitalizing on the growing demand for secondary market transactions. By targeting these established firms, EQT aims to enhance its capabilities and offer more robust solutions to its clients, which could lead to increased market share and profitability.

Despite the ongoing government shutdown, companies are finding innovative ways to proceed with their IPO plans, which has caught many on Wall Street off guard. This shift highlights the resilience and adaptability of businesses in challenging times, and it could signal a new trend in how companies approach public offerings.

Okta has issued a warning about increasing threats from artificial intelligence, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced cybersecurity measures. Following a recent outage, CEO Todd McKinnon discussed the vulnerabilities the company is facing in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. This matters because as AI technology advances, so do the tactics of cybercriminals, making it crucial for organizations to stay ahead of potential risks to protect sensitive data.

Emily Roland, co-Chief Investment Strategist at Manulife John Hancock, describes the current market situation as a 'junk rally,' emphasizing the importance of focusing on high-quality stocks that are generating earnings. This perspective is crucial for investors looking to navigate the complexities of today's financial landscape.

Morgan Stanley's Senior Portfolio Manager Andrew Slimmon has raised concerns about the current state of gold prices, suggesting they are in a bubble. This insight, shared during an appearance on Bloomberg Open Interest, highlights potential risks for investors in the gold market. Understanding these dynamics is crucial as they could impact investment strategies and market stability.

Apple's stock has reached a new record high, thanks to a recent upgrade from Loop Capital, which has highlighted increasing demand for iPhones and a refresh cycle that could last until 2027. This positive momentum is significant as it reflects investor confidence in Apple's future growth and product innovation, making it a key player in the tech market.

Robert Dafforn, CIO of Opportunistic Credit at Polus Capital Management, warns that credit risks are rising as defaults increase. He highlights that banks, private credit funds, and high-yield markets are all vulnerable to ongoing challenges. Notably, construction materials and chemicals sectors are expected to face significant impacts. This insight is crucial as it sheds light on the broader economic landscape and the potential risks investors may encounter.

Apple Inc. has reached its first record of 2025, driven by a positive outlook on iPhone sales. Loop Capital's upgrade of the stock to 'buy' reflects strong demand for the new iPhone 17 series, which has outperformed its predecessor by 14% in the initial sales period in the US and China. This news is significant as it highlights Apple's resilience and growth potential in a competitive market, reassuring investors about the company's future.

Disney+ has seen a significant increase in cancellations following the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show. This trend raises concerns about the platform's ability to retain subscribers, especially as competition in the streaming market intensifies. The situation highlights the impact of high-profile personalities on viewer loyalty and subscription rates, making it a critical moment for Disney+ as it navigates the evolving landscape of entertainment.

Amazon is currently facing significant challenges as its Web Services experience a major outage, affecting millions of users and disrupting popular platforms like Fortnite, Roblox, and Snapchat. This incident highlights the vulnerability of online services that rely on cloud infrastructure, raising concerns about reliability and user trust. As Amazon works to resolve the issues, the impact on businesses and consumers alike underscores the importance of robust technology solutions in our increasingly digital world.

Walmart's recent partnership with ChatGPT raises significant concerns for small ecommerce businesses. As AI technology advances, there's a real fear that customers may bypass traditional websites altogether, opting for more streamlined, AI-driven shopping experiences. This shift could threaten the very existence of smaller online retailers, making it crucial for them to adapt quickly to the changing landscape. Understanding these dynamics is essential for survival in an increasingly competitive market.

Wall Street experienced a significant rally, driven by strong performance in the tech sector and growing optimism around earnings reports. This surge reflects investors' confidence in the market's recovery and the potential for continued growth, making it a crucial moment for both individual and institutional investors looking to capitalize on favorable conditions.

EQT is actively exploring potential acquisitions of Coller Capital and HarbourVest Partners as part of its strategy to strengthen its position in the secondaries market. This move is significant as it highlights EQT's commitment to expanding its investment portfolio and capitalizing on the growing demand for secondary market transactions. By targeting these established firms, EQT aims to enhance its capabilities and offer more robust solutions to its clients, which could lead to increased market share and profitability.