Category Archives: finance

finance, security, technology

U.S. Explores Quantum Computing Investments to Counter Rising Security Threats

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**U.S. Government Plans to Use CHIPS Act Funds to Support Quantum Computing Firms Amid Security Concerns**

The U.S. government is exploring plans to use funds from the CHIPS Act to support quantum computing companies. This move aims to strengthen national security and maintain a technological edge over global competitors, particularly China. However, experts warn that the rapid advancement of quantum computing could soon threaten existing encryption systems that protect sensitive information across critical sectors.

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### Government Plans to Fund Quantum Computing

The U.S. Department of Commerce is reportedly in early discussions with quantum computing firms about providing direct financial support drawn from the CHIPS Act. This funding effort is designed to keep pace with China’s advancements in quantum technologies, which have raised concerns within U.S. government circles.

Quantum computers possess the potential to break current encryption methods that safeguard vital areas such as finance, healthcare, and military operations. To mitigate these risks, government officials are seeking to exchange their investments for equity stakes in quantum tech companies—a strategy similar to an earlier deal made with Intel this year.

This proactive approach highlights growing unease over the risk that quantum technologies may soon undermine existing security measures, exposing sensitive systems to vulnerabilities.

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### Debate Over Government Involvement in the Quantum Sector

While the government’s motivation centers on national security, its plan to invest directly in quantum computing firms has sparked debate among economists and free-market advocates.

Critics argue that increased government intervention risks steering the U.S. economy toward a centrally planned model. Economist Peter Schiff voiced his concerns on social media, emphasizing that markets, not the government, should allocate resources and determine business success.

Conversely, supporters contend that government involvement is crucial to preserving U.S. competitiveness in emerging technologies. With the global race for quantum computing supremacy intensifying—especially with China’s rapid progress—some believe federal backing is necessary to maintain the country’s leadership in technology and innovation.

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### Quantum Computing’s Impact on National Security

Quantum computing could disrupt countless industries, especially those reliant on cryptography for security. If quantum computers achieve the capability to break current encryption algorithms, confidential information across banking, healthcare, defense, and more could be compromised.

In response, there is a significant push toward developing post-quantum cryptography—new encryption standards designed to resist quantum attacks. However, experts caution that the timeline for quantum computers to break traditional encryption is uncertain: estimates range from five to ten years, while some worry the threat may already be emerging.

A particular concern is the tactic known as “harvest now, decrypt later,” where attackers collect encrypted data today with the intent to decrypt it in the future once quantum computing advances sufficiently. This possibility intensifies the urgency for stronger security solutions.

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### The Role of Post-Quantum Cryptography

As investments in quantum computing accelerate, so does the focus on building resilient post-quantum cryptographic solutions. Both private companies and government agencies are actively developing strategies to prepare for the quantum era.

These new encryption methods aim to protect data from being broken by quantum algorithms, ensuring continued digital security.

David Carvalho, CEO of Naoris Protocol—a cybersecurity firm specializing in post-quantum solutions—warns that quantum computers may already be operational beyond public knowledge. He stresses that adversaries could have gained control of quantum technologies without widespread awareness, making early and proactive defenses essential.

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### Conclusion

The U.S. government’s consideration to fund quantum computing firms using CHIPS Act resources reflects the urgency surrounding quantum technology’s dual promise and risks. Balancing national security needs with economic principles and market dynamics will be critical as the country navigates this rapidly evolving technological frontier.

Simultaneously, advancing post-quantum cryptography remains paramount to safeguard vital digital infrastructure from emerging threats posed by quantum computing breakthroughs. Vigilance and proactive investment in both offensive and defensive quantum technologies will shape the future of cybersecurity and global technological leadership.
https://coincentral.com/u-s-explores-quantum-computing-investments-to-counter-rising-security-threats/

business, economy, finance

Deckers outlines $5.35B revenue target and focuses on HOKA, UGG growth amid tariff pressures

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**Deckers Outlines $5.35B Revenue Target, Focuses on HOKA and UGG Growth Amid Tariff Pressures**

*October 23, 2025 | 9:08 PM ET*

Deckers Outdoor Corporation has announced a revenue target of $5.35 billion, emphasizing growth in its key brands HOKA and UGG. Despite ongoing tariff pressures affecting the industry, the company remains focused on expanding these flagship product lines.

**Short Interest and Market Performance**

Deckers Outdoor Corporation (Ticker: DECK) has shown notable activity in the market, with recent trends indicating shifts in short interest. Investors are keeping a close eye on the company’s strategic moves as it navigates current economic challenges.

Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth analysis on Deckers and related stocks.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508035-deckers-outlines-5_35b-revenue-target-and-focuses-on-hoka-ugg-growth-amid-tariff-pressures?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

business, economy, finance, international, technology

CZ Reveals Real Reason Tokenized Gold Has Not Taken Off

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**Changpeng Zhao (CZ) Responds to Peter Schiff’s Tokenized Gold Plans**

Changpeng Zhao (CZ), founder and former CEO of Binance, has recently commented on Peter Schiff’s announcement regarding a tokenized gold product. Schiff, a well-known gold proponent, is making a notable pivot by embracing blockchain technology to tokenize gold, aiming to make it more accessible and transferable. However, CZ remains skeptical about the idea.

### CZ Critiques the Tokenized Gold Concept

For years, Peter Schiff has dismissed Bitcoin (BTC), even recently forecasting an imminent crash in its price. Now, with his plans to create a tokenized gold product, he appears to be adopting blockchain technology—albeit for gold rather than cryptocurrencies.

CZ’s response, however, was a pointed critique of what he sees as a mismatch between hype and reality. He clarified that his criticism was not aimed at gold itself, but at the tokenization model. According to CZ, tokenized gold often amounts to little more than a digital claim on physical gold held by a central custodian. In other words, individuals do not truly hold gold “on-chain.” Instead, it resembles a bank promise to return deposits.

The risk lies in trusting the issuer: if they go bankrupt, get hacked, or change ownership, the guarantees tied to these tokens could fail. While physical gold endures through time, CZ pointed out, such promises may not. He questioned whether a third party could reliably deliver on their commitments years down the line, especially amid wars and economic disruptions.

Describing the proposed product as a “trust me bro” token, CZ suggested this inherent trust risk explains why no tokenized gold project has truly taken off. This touches on a broader debate about blockchain’s promise. Schiff’s approach offers convenience with a gold twist, but CZ reminds the community that true innovation in blockchain lies in removing the need to outsource trust.

### Peter Schiff Faces Additional Criticism Following Gold’s Price Drop

Meanwhile, Peter Schiff has come under more fire within the cryptocurrency ecosystem after gold prices plunged to record lows on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.

A report by U.Today highlighted commentary from veteran crypto trader Peter Brandt, who took a playful jab at Schiff. Brandt shared a historical chart illustrating that gold investors have endured a difficult journey, often facing deep and long-lasting consolidations over the years. Despite this, gold has averaged a modest annual return of 3.6% over the past 45 years.

Interestingly, Schiff had predicted earlier this month that gold could soar to $6,000 by Christmas, outperforming both Bitcoin and the S&P 500. Contradicting this forecast, gold’s price dipped below $4,100 on Wednesday, fueling recent skepticism and criticism.

On the other hand, Bitcoin continues to experience volatility but is showing signs of recovery. Over the past 24 hours, BTC’s price marginally increased by 1.17%, reaching $109,629.

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As Schiff ventures deeper into blockchain-based gold products, the debate on trust, innovation, and the future of tokenized assets is sure to intensify. Meanwhile, market movements keep testing the forecasts of both gold and cryptocurrencies alike.
https://u.today/cz-reveals-real-reason-tokenized-gold-has-not-taken-off

business, finance, politics

‘The Epstein Ballroom’ Is Getting Funded By Tech Bribes

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Turns out, it’s not just “patriot donors” funding the new White House ballroom — tech giant Alphabet, the parent company of Google and YouTube, is chipping in, too. CNBC reports that the company is contributing $22 million to the $250 million project, with the money routed through a legal settlement reached last month over Trump’s YouTube ban following the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.

The Google-owned platform froze Trump’s account in the riot’s aftermath, warning his posts could spark further violence. Trump later sued, claiming censorship and wrongful suspension. Under the Oakland, California, federal court settlement, nearly 10% of the ballroom’s estimated construction costs will now come from Alphabet.

CNBC reports the money will be donated on Trump’s behalf “to the Trust for the National Mall, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt entity dedicated to restoring, preserving, and elevating the National Mall, to support the construction of the White House State Ballroom.”

Images of cranes tearing into the East Wing to make way for the 90,000-square-foot ballroom sparked public backlash this week and raised fresh questions about who is footing the bill. Trump has repeatedly insisted the project is privately funded and will cost taxpayers nothing.

“For more than 150 years, every President has dreamt about having a Ballroom at the White House to accommodate people for grand parties, State Visits, etc. I am honored to be the first President to finally get this much-needed project underway—with zero cost to the American Taxpayer!” Trump wrote on Monday on Truth Social.

Trump has pledged some of his own money to the project, and other donors include Lockheed Martin, reportedly contributing more than $10 million. Tech companies are also pitching in: Beyond the settlement contribution, Google is committing at least $5 million. Comcast—parent company of CNBC—is also listed as a donor, though the amount is unknown. The company will spin off CNBC later this year under a new parent, Versant.

The project has drawn scrutiny from Treasury Department employees, whose offices overlook the demolition site. The department has barred staff from sharing images of the work, citing security concerns, though critics argue transparency is vital for public oversight.

The East Wing’s demolition, including the removal of historic elements like trees and architectural details, has fueled complaints that the project is far more than a simple upgrade—it represents a substantial transformation of one of the nation’s most symbolic spaces.

Preservationists are weighing in as well. On Tuesday, the National Trust for Historic Preservation sent a letter urging a pause on demolition until proper public review processes are completed. Carol Quillen, National Trust’s president and CEO, stressed that while a larger meeting space may be useful, the scale and height of the proposed ballroom could “overwhelm the White House itself” and disrupt its classical design.

She called for consultations with the relevant review agencies and public input to ensure the project respects the historic significance of the building and its grounds.

“The National Trust stands ready to assist the White House, the National Park Service, and relevant review agencies in exploring design alternatives and modifications that would accomplish the objectives of the Administration while preserving the historic integrity and symbolism of the People’s House,” Quillen added.

Trump has insisted the ballroom “won’t interfere with the current building.”

“It’ll be near it but not touching it, and pays total respect to the existing building, which I’m the biggest fan of,” he said in July. But that doesn’t appear to be the case anymore.

The New York Times reported Wednesday that the White House has decided it would be “cheaper and more structurally sound to demolish the East Wing” rather than build an addition. The full demolition is expected to be finished by this weekend.

The White House has also dismissed criticism, comparing the project to minor modifications under former President Barack Obama, such as adding basketball lines and baskets to the tennis courts. But those changes were far less disruptive than dismantling the East Wing.

With Alphabet, Lockheed Martin, and other major donors helping foot the bill, Trump is moving full steam ahead on a ballroom he says will be “happily used for generations to come,” promising a mix of private financing and personal investment.

The project underscores Trump’s ongoing fascination with leaving a permanent mark on the White House, turning construction into both a legacy project and a showcase for corporate support.
https://crooksandliars.com/2025/10/what-trump-calls-donors-are-actually

business, finance, law, politics, technology

Critics of $1 trillion payday for Elon Musk are ‘corporate terrorists,’ Tesla CEO says

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**Who Wants to Be a Trillionaire? Elon Musk Does**

Elon Musk is aiming for a staggering $1 trillion pay package, and he doesn’t hold back against those opposing his quest. During the latest Tesla earnings call, Musk interrupted the proceedings to push for approval of his 10-figure salary plan, characterizing the advice from advisory firms opposing the move as “asinine.”

The proposed mammoth pay package would significantly increase Musk’s stake in Tesla—from 13% to as much as 29%—if he hits several ambitious performance benchmarks. Musk emphasized the need for enough voting control to maintain strong influence over the company, but not so much that he couldn’t be removed if necessary. “There needs to be enough voting control to give a strong influence, but not so much that I can’t be fired if I go insane,” Musk said near the end of the hour-long call on Wednesday, even cutting off his chief financial officer to make his point, according to a Bloomberg report.

He didn’t mince words when describing proxy advisers Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass Lewis, who have urged shareholders to reject the $1 trillion pay package, labeling them “corporate terrorists.” Musk added, “I just don’t feel comfortable building a robot army here, and then being ousted because of some asinine recommendations from ISS and Glass Lewis, who have no freaking clue.”

ISS expressed “unmitigated concerns” about potential future adjustments to the pay levels, while Glass Lewis highlighted worries that the plan could dilute the stakes of other shareholders in the company.

As the world’s richest person, with a net worth of $487.5 billion according to Forbes, Musk has argued that the most critical component of the plan is his gain in voting control. After Musk finished, Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja praised the special board committee for their “amazing job” in crafting the plan. “There’s nothing which gets passed on until the time shareholders make substantial returns,” Taneja noted.

**Tesla’s Disappointing Earnings and Lofty Milestones**

Musk’s fiery comments capped a tense end to a disappointing earnings call, where Tesla missed profit estimates despite delivering record sales. The proposed 10-year compensation plan ties Musk’s payout to several ambitious milestones, including:

– Selling 20 million vehicles
– Delivering 1 million humanoid robots
– Increasing Tesla’s market value more than eightfold, to an eye-popping $8.5 trillion

According to a proxy filing obtained by Bloomberg last month, Musk warned Tesla’s board that he would abandon the electric vehicle maker to “pursue his other interests” unless he secured approximately 25% voting control and was “fully paid for his past services.”

Shareholders are scheduled to vote on Musk’s pay package during Tesla’s annual meeting in Austin on November 6.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives expressed confidence in the package’s approval despite some opposition, stating in a Wednesday night note that he believes it “will be approved by a wide margin” as the automaker aims to keep Musk “as a war-time CEO.”

**Financial Highlights and Market Reaction**

Adding to the tension, Tesla reported that its operating income plunged 40% in the third quarter, while revealing over $400 million in tariff-related costs. Operating expenses surged 50%, reaching $3.4 billion.

Tesla’s shares fell 3.8% on Thursday morning, though the stock remains up 11.1% year-to-date.

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Elon Musk’s pursuit of a trillion-dollar pay package reflects both his ambition and the high stakes involved as Tesla continues to navigate a complex and competitive market. The upcoming shareholder vote will be critical in determining the company’s leadership and future direction.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/23/business/critics-of-1-trillion-pay-for-elon-musk-are-corporate-terrorists-tesla-ceo-says/

business, economy, finance

Robin Energy GAAP EPS of $0.01, revenue of $2M

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Robin Energy Ltd. Reports Q3 Financial Results

Robin Energy Ltd. announced its Q3 financial results, reporting a GAAP earnings per share (EPS) of $0.01 and total revenue of $2 million.

Key Highlights:
– GAAP EPS: $0.01
– Revenue: $2 million

This update reflects the company’s performance for the third quarter ending in October 2025.

Stock Information:
– Stock Symbol: RBNE
– Recent Price Movement: [Data Not Provided]

For investors and market watchers, additional information such as market capitalization, price-to-earnings (PE) ratio, dividend yield, revenue growth (year-over-year), and short interest can provide further insights into Robin Energy’s market position and trends.

Stay tuned for more trending news and analysis about RBNE and related stocks.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4507574-robin-energy-gaap-eps-of-0_01-revenue-of-2m?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

business, entertainment, finance, media, technology

Microsoft tells Xbox unit to deliver margins above ‘industry average’ – report

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Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is pushing its Xbox gaming division to achieve profit margins “well above the industry average,” according to a report by Bloomberg published on Thursday.

Citing insider sources, the report revealed that over the past two years, company executives have set ambitious targets across the board to enhance profitability. This strategic focus underscores Microsoft’s commitment to strengthening its position in the competitive gaming market.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4507483-microsoft-tells-xbox-unit-to-deliver-margins-above-industry-average—report?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

cryptocurrency, economy, finance, investment, technology

“Sell gold, buy Bitcoin,” Standard Chartered’s Head Says Rotation May Return

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**Standard Chartered’s Head of Digital Assets Research Signals a New Trend: “Sell Gold, Buy Bitcoin”**

Last week saw a notable shift in the investment landscape. Gold prices plunged nearly 6%, while Bitcoin bounced back above $110,000, signaling a growing capital rotation into cryptocurrency. Kendrick, Standard Chartered’s head of digital assets research, warns that a new trend is emerging: “sell gold, buy Bitcoin.” He believes this shift could propel Bitcoin toward $135,000 by the end of the year.

### Kendrick: Sell Gold, Buy Bitcoin

Gold has long been regarded as the go-to safe haven during times of economic stress and inflation. However, according to Kendrick, the “gold-to-Bitcoin flow” has always served as a critical indicator for investors monitoring capital rotation between traditional and digital assets.

Kendrick told clients that last week’s market moves—including the sharp 6% drop in gold prices—coincided with Bitcoin’s bounce back, which he interprets as a clear sign of capital shifting from gold to crypto. Amid tighter monetary policies and evolving investor preferences, he suggests the “sell gold, buy Bitcoin” trend may gain momentum, positioning Bitcoin as the new digital safe haven.

### Opportunistic Buying Below $100K

While Kendrick predicts a near-term “inevitable” dip of Bitcoin below the psychologically important $100,000 mark, he views this as a temporary correction and a “final buying opportunity.” Despite recent market volatility caused by U.S.-China trade tensions, he remains optimistic.

Standard Chartered maintains bold Bitcoin price targets ranging from $135,000 to $200,000 by year-end. These projections are supported by factors such as anticipated easier monetary policies, strong ETF inflows, and capital shifting away from traditional safe assets like gold.

### Bitcoin Waiting to Explode Toward $120K

Crypto analyst Michael van de Poppe notes that Bitcoin is currently moving sideways, reflecting uncertainty as traders await crucial updates like the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report and the upcoming Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting. These events could affect interest rates and monetary policies, which are likely to determine Bitcoin’s next price direction.

Van de Poppe further highlights that even at $110,000, Bitcoin is not too expensive compared to its 2021 peak of $69,000 when interest rates were near zero. He identifies $112,000 as a key resistance level. Should Bitcoin break above this threshold, it could trigger a rally toward $120,000.

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As the market evolves, investors are closely watching these signals that may redefine the dynamics between traditional safe havens and digital assets.

*Stay tuned for more updates on Bitcoin and market trends.*
https://coinpedia.org/news/sell-gold-buy-bitcoin-standard-chartereds-head-says-rotation-may-return/

business, economy, entertainment, finance, technology

Netflix shares slide on rare earnings miss — snapping six-quarter profit streak

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Netflix Misses Earnings Target, Cites Brazilian Tax Dispute as Cause

Netflix missed the earnings target set by stock market analysts during its latest quarter, marking a break in the company’s six-quarter streak of posting profits that exceeded expectations. The Los Gatos, Calif.-based streaming giant attributed the earnings shortfall to an unexpected $619 million expense related to a tax dispute in Brazil.

Despite this setback, Netflix highlighted its strong lineup of distinctive TV series and films, which have kept its audience engaged. The company also noted a successful combination of subscriber fees and increased ad sales that helped deliver revenue in line with analyst forecasts.

Investors, however, were not entirely reassured by the explanation. Following the earnings announcement on Tuesday, Netflix’s shares fell approximately 6% in extended trading.

Diverging Analyst Opinions

Analyst reactions to Netflix’s third-quarter report were mixed. Thomas Monteiro, an analyst at Investing.com, expressed concern that Netflix might be using the Brazilian tax hit to mask underlying signs of slowing subscriber growth and advertising revenue amid economic uncertainty. “The truth is that the company failed to deliver the kind of growth we’ve grown used to over the past couple of years,” he said.

Conversely, Jeremy Mullin of Zacks took a more optimistic view, stating that Netflix’s “underlying story remains solid” and sees little cause for concern.

Financial Highlights

In the July-September quarter, Netflix earned $2.5 billion, or $5.87 per share, representing an 8% increase from the same period last year. Revenue rose 17% year-over-year to $11.5 billion.

Analysts surveyed by FactSet Research had expected Netflix to earn $6.96 per share on revenue of $11.5 billion. While the company matched revenue estimates, it fell short on earnings per share, primarily due to the Brazilian tax expense.

A Shift in Focus

Netflix has increasingly emphasized delivering solid financial growth over quarterly subscriber gains. As part of this strategic shift, the company stopped disclosing its subscriber numbers at the end of last year. This change has so far been effective, with Netflix’s stock price rising approximately 40% this year—though the dip in extended trading following the earnings release suggests some of those gains may be at risk.

Subscriber Growth and Market Position

Although Netflix no longer reports specific subscriber data, this year’s revenue growth suggests its worldwide subscriber base has increased from roughly 302 million at the end of last year, maintaining the company’s lead among video streamers. This is notable even as well-funded rivals such as Amazon and Apple continue expanding their programming selections.

In the company’s quarterly conference call, co-CEO Ted Sarandos revealed that Netflix’s total worldwide audience—including multiple viewers within the same subscriber household—is approaching 1 billion.

“We have a better understanding of the streaming business than any of our competitors,” asserted Greg Peters, Netflix’s other co-CEO, during the call.

Diversification Efforts

Netflix has sustained its market leadership by diversifying its offerings, adding live sports and video games alongside its extensive scripted programming. The company plans to expand this diversification further by introducing video podcasts in partnership with Spotify next year.

As the streaming landscape evolves, Netflix’s strategy focuses on broadening its content portfolio to maintain user engagement and drive continued growth.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/21/media/netflix-shares-slide-on-rare-earnings-miss-snapping-six-quarter-profit-streak/

business, finance, law, media, technology

Warner Bros. Discovery puts itself up for sale

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Warner Bros. Discovery, the owner of HBO, CNN, and other cable networks, announced on Tuesday that it is putting itself up for sale. In a press release, the company revealed a “review of potential alternatives,” which is Wall Street terminology for exploring a possible sale.

The company stated that it has recently received “unsolicited interest” from “multiple parties for both the entire company and Warner Bros.” While Warner Bros. Discovery is considering these offers, it will continue to move forward with its previously announced plan to split its cable networks from its streaming and studio business.

Any potential deal involving part or all of the company would be substantial. As of Monday’s close of trading, Warner Bros. Discovery had a market value exceeding $45 billion. However, it also carries billions of dollars in debt on its balance sheet.
https://www.nbcnews.com/business/media/warner-bros-discovery-for-sale-rcna238857