Meta Under Fire: EU Set to Investigate WhatsApp’s AI Overhaul

Posted on December 4, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

The European Union intends to begin looking into how Meta Platforms Inc. added AI capabilities to WhatsApp this year, according to the Financial Times, in what may be the most recent investigation into Big Tech’s hegemony over the local internet landscape.

The European Commission is getting ready to launch an investigation into how the US company incorporated its “Meta AI” system into the well-known messaging service.

It also stated that the agency might announce the investigation in the next few days. What part of the rollout, which started in March, the agency might be focusing on is unknown. According to the FT, the commission’s upcoming investigation is grounded in conventional antitrust law rather than the Digital Markets Act. The Trump administration views that broad legislation as a set of guidelines for companies like Alphabet, Google, and Apple Inc. — as the area’s effort to limit the US technology’s impact in Europe.

The EU has in recent years ramped up pressure on Big Tech, seeking to curb potential market abuses as the US tech titans’ clout and digital footprint expanded. US President Donald Trump has long denounced EU antitrust and technology regulations that hinder US businesses

The American president threatened to impose fresh tariffs and export restrictions on advanced technology and semiconductors in retaliation to other nations’ digital services taxes that hit American technology companies.

Silver’s Wild 2025 Ride to Record Peaks – Why This ‘Devilish’ Asset Still Has Legs

Posted on November 30, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Silver, sometimes called the “Devil’s metal” due to its volatility, has reached record highs this year and has more potential for gains despite a supply shortage. The price of an ounce of gold has climbed above $4,000 this year, and silver’s value has been rising in tandem with gold.

Silver prices hit a record high of $54.47 per troy ounce in mid-October, up 71% from the previous year. They have since somewhat retreated but are now increasing again despite limited supply.

Over the past fifty years, silver prices have peaked in October only three times, including January 1980, when the Hunt brothers attempted to corner the market by acquiring a third of the global supply, and 2011, when U.S. gold and silver were seen as safe-haven assets during the debt ceiling crisis.

This year, silver’s rise—driven by a short squeeze—caught many investors off guard. Unlike earlier investment waves, the 2025 silver boom relied on a mix of low supply, high demand from India, industrial demand, and tariffs. Silver’s market is only about a tenth the size of gold’s. It saw a slight decline after Liberation Day, while gold prices surged.

The gold-silver ratio—which indicates how many ounces of silver are needed to buy one ounce of gold—spiked above 100, indicating that many ounces of silver are required to buy one ounce of gold. A low ratio means gold is relatively cheap, while a high ratio suggests silver is undervalued and likely to increase.

This ratio hit a record high in April. This year, silver proved to be an attractive, low-cost investment, especially in a country where roughly 55% of the population depends on agriculture. Silver prices in India surged dramatically on October 17, reaching a record high of 170,415 rupees per kilogram, an 85% increase since the start of the year.

However, 80% of India’s silver supply is imported. Historically, the UK has been India’s main silver supplier, but increasingly, the UAE and China are filling that demand. Over recent years, London’s vaults have been rapidly depleting: the London Bullion Market Association held 31,023 metric tons of silver in June 2022, but by March 2025, that volume had fallen to about 22,126 metric tons—its lowest level in many years.

Tesla Completes AI5 Design Review, Starts AI6 — TSLA to $450

Posted on November 23, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, announced in an X post on Sunday that the company is nearing completion of its AI5 chip design and has started work on a new AI6 chip, which will be installed in its vehicles and data centers. Musk, the world’s wealthiest individual, said, “Our goal is to bring a new AI chip design to volume production every 12 months.” “AI4 is currently used in automobiles; AI5 is almost finished, and work on AI6 has begun.”

Samsung Electronics Co. declared in July that it reached a $16.5 billion agreement to manufacture AI semiconductors for Tesla. At that time, Musk mentioned that the AI6 chip would be made at a new Samsung facility in Texas. In his Sunday post, Musk stated, “We anticipate building chips at higher volumes ultimately than all other AI chips combined.” “I’m serious.”

Tesla’s stock (NASDAQ: TSLA) has been volatile in 2025, trading between $350 and $400 per share as of late November. Analysts generally see Musk’s AI chip updates as bullish, enhancing Tesla’s edge in robotics and autonomous driving despite competition from Waymo, Cruise, and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers.

The internal chip approach may reduce costs (e.g., decreasing dependency on Nvidia) and enable proprietary optimizations, potentially accelerating the release of FSD v13+ and Optimus.

The bullish case is centered on AI differentiation: the unveiling of cyber taxis in 2026 (initially using AI4 due to delays) could confirm Tesla’s “robotaxi” vision if the deployment of AI5 and AI6 succeeds.

If FSD reaches Level 4 autonomy, analysts like those at Wedbush predict TSLA could hit $500+ by the end of 2026. The company aims for dual sourcing from the U.S., reducing supply risks through fabs like Samsung and TSMC, with Musk referencing a large “TeraFab”—Tesla’s own $10–$20 billion chip plant—indicating a move toward long-term self-sufficiency.

Aiming for $420–$450 by mid-2026 if AI5 samples meet benchmarks, the forecast is moderately optimistic for the next 12–18 months. Assuming 20–30% yearly revenue growth from autonomy, long-term (2027+) AI6 and fab expansions could push TSLA toward $600+.

Eli Lilly Hits $1 Trillion—But 2026 Wild Ride Awaits: 20% Steady Gains or 100% Moonshot?

Posted on November 22, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Eli Lilly became the first healthcare company in history to reach a $1 trillion market capitalisation on Friday, joining the exclusive group of tech giants. During morning trading, Eli Lilly briefly hit a market cap of $1 trillion before pulling back.

The latest share price was $1,048. After Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, Eli Lilly is the second non-technology company in the U.S. to reach this coveted $1 trillion milestone.

The drugmaker’s stock has surged by over 36 per cent this year as investors celebrate its gains over main competitor Novo Nordisk in the GLP-1 drug market. The company’s stock, based in Indianapolis, has soared thanks to the success of diabetes medication Mounjaro and weight-loss injection Zepbound.

This achievement caps off an incredible year for LLY shares, which have outperformed the S&P 500 and increased by more than 36% so far. Strong sales from Mounjaro (tirzepatide for diabetes) and Zepbound (tirzepatide for weight loss) have been key drivers. Together, they generated over $10 billion in revenue in Q3 2025—a 109 per cent year-over-year increase for Mounjaro alone. Investors are betting on Lilly’s edge over competitor Novo Nordisk in the “obesity arms race,” as clinical data shows its dual-hormone mechanism (GLP-1 + GIP) improves blood sugar control and promotes weight loss.

Wall Street remains overwhelmingly bullish on LLY, with 20–25 analysts from major firms issuing a “Strong Buy” rating. The expected $150 billion obesity medication market by 2030, in which Lilly and Novo Nordisk are predicted to hold the largest shares, fuels the hype. Future catalysts include increased insurance coverage, potentially boosting accessibility and sales, and FDA approval for an oral version of its obesity medication orforglipron (targeted for March 2026).

However, forecasts vary due to the stock’s high valuation and potential risks, including price pressure from new agreements under the Trump administration, which caps Medicare costs for weight-loss drugs at $150 per month starting in 2026, as well as intensifying competition from Pfizer and others. By the end of 2025, the stock is expected to range between $1,000 and $1,062, with a slight decline from current levels after this year’s rally.

Eli Lilly, named after a Union veteran of the U.S. Civil War and a pharmaceutical chemist, established the company bearing his name. It has long been a leader in diabetes treatment, especially after introducing the first commercial insulin in 1923. By 1952, Eli Lilly was listed on the New York Stock Exchange as a publicly traded company. For many years, its profits and revenue stemmed from a diverse array of popular products, including the first polio vaccine, insulin, and the antidepressant Prozac.

Brent Eyes $65–$66 Surge: Russian Oil Adrift as US Sanctions Bite Harder

Posted on November 21, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

US sanctions that took effect on Friday could leave nearly 48 million barrels of Russian crude oil stranded at sea, forcing numerous tankers to search for alternative destinations.

The U.S. government made one of its most aggressive moves to date last month by blacklisting major oil producers Rosneft PJSC and Lukoil PJSC as President Donald Trump seeks to increase pressure on the Kremlin over the conflict in Ukraine.

Brent crude has remained within a narrow range of $62 to $66 this month, showing resilience but lacking upward momentum. Following the sanctions, prices increased by 5% to approximately $65.87 in late October. However, concerns about the enforcement of these sanctions and an anticipated global surplus have limited further gains. If disruptions persist, Brent may test the $65 to $66 range, but an abundance of supply could lead to a decline towards $62.

Moving forward, it will be important to monitor buyer compliance and Russian export volumes (as reported by Kpler). This situation illustrates how targeted sanctions can affect trade flows without necessarily raising price benchmarks.

The U.S. Treasury stated earlier this week that these actions have already been effective, citing reduced demand and discounts on key Russian oil grades. With the restrictions now in place, Indian refiners are actively seeking replacement supplies and scheduling oil tankers for Middle Eastern cargoes at a rate that has driven freight rates for this route to nearly a five-year high. Meanwhile, traders are closely monitoring potential buyers for Lukoil and Rosneft crude oil that is already en route.

Moscow has prioritised loading because it wants to keep oil flowing. As a result, seaborne shipments have remained substantial, at about 3.4 million barrels per day.

Even in the biggest markets in Asia, not all of these barrels will necessarily find a home. Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, China and India have absorbed the majority of Russia’s exports, and they still maintain close relations with Moscow. However, as the US increases pressure on any entity that facilitates Russian exports, both nations are also cautious about becoming entangled in impending secondary sanctions. The amount of oil that reaches refiners will depend on the severity of those limitations and Washington’s willingness to implement them.

Meta’s Breakup Bullet Dodged: Declining Share Saves the Day, $1000 Target in Sight

Posted on November 19, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Meta achieved a significant victory in federal antitrust court when a judge ruled that the company is not required to dismantle its acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram, as they do not constitute monopolies. However, the judge’s reasoning may be a bit uncomfortable.

Judge James Boasberg sided with Meta, stating that since the company’s market share is already declining, it can remain intact. He noted that while Meta is expanding, the range of online activities is also growing, making the company increasingly similar to its competitors.

The judge stressed that competition in the artificial intelligence sector will continue to intensify. He noted that various developments over the past decade, advancements in technology, and changes in social attitudes have reduced Meta’s distinct advantages. According to Boasberg, “Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have all evolved to feature nearly identical main functionalities.”

**Bull Case:** Overall, digital audio spending is supported by Meta’s strong ecosystem and the stability of the advertising market following the election. The merger synergies between Sirius and XM could enhance buybacks and dividends, potentially adding $200 million in annual EBITDA. If subscriber growth increases through exclusive podcasts, shares could reach $1,000 next year.

The company has managed to fend off potential competitors for years by leveraging its most valuable asset: the “social graph,” or the network of friends and family that users interact with on Facebook and Instagram.

Owning the social graph has been seen as Meta’s competitive advantage, creating a network effect that makes it difficult for users to leave the platform. To replicate this experience on another platform, one would have to rebuild relationships with friends and family.

Over time, however, the balance of power has shifted, and Meta hasn’t always reaped the benefits. Boasberg has often stated his belief that Meta’s role as a network of friends and family has diminished over time. Where else can users go to get updates from everyone in their lives in one location?

Meanwhile, TikTok and YouTube have emerged as major players in the social video market. Both platforms have developed advanced recommendation algorithms to tailor content to users’ preferences and boast extensive video libraries that can be shared based on individual tastes. Reports indicate that AI firms like OpenAI are also developing their own social media feeds for users to explore, suggesting that other AI competitors may not be far behind.

Nvidia’s China Headache Grows: Amazon, Microsoft Endorse Export Blockade

Posted on November 14, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) are supporting legislation aimed at further restricting Nvidia’s (NASDAQ: NVDA) exports to China, citing congressional aides and knowledgeable sources.

Microsoft publicly endorsed the Gain AI Act, a proposed law that requires Nvidia and other tech exporters to prioritize U.S. demands over exports to embargoed markets, such as China. According to the WSJ, representatives from Amazon’s cloud division informed Senate staff that they favored the bill. The Gain AI Act would give U.S.-based tech companies preferential access to Nvidia’s AI chips, primarily benefiting them. The WSJ also noted that Anthropic, backed by Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOGL), supports the policy. The report indicates that U.S. lawmakers are considering the act as a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act.

Earlier this year, the Trump administration’s tighter export restrictions on China made it difficult for Nvidia to access the lucrative Chinese market, which prompted the legislation. Nvidia faces a near-complete ban on selling its most advanced chips in China, despite some loosened restrictions by Trump.

Recent reports suggest Nvidia will not even be able to sell its lower-power AI chips there. Additionally, Nvidia faces increasing opposition in China as Beijing pushes for complete AI independence.

AI Ignites Cisco (CSCO) Rally—Shares May Hit $80 After Stellar Forecast Beat

Posted on November 13, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Cisco Systems’ stock increased after the network equipment behemoth raised its 2026 projection, demonstrating progress in its endeavor to increase spending on AI. In the fiscal year that ends in July, the company, the leading manufacturer of devices that power computer networks and the internet, now anticipates sales of up to $61 billion.

That is roughly $1 billion more than Wall Street estimates and what was previously anticipated. Additionally, Cisco raised its earnings forecast, surpassing analysts’ estimates in the process.

The prediction created fresh optimism that Cisco would benefit from the increase in AI spending. The San Jose, California-based company is improving networking hardware and chips to better connect server racks and data centers in order to manage complex AI tasks.

Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) shares surged over 7 percent in after-hours trading after a stellar Q1 fiscal 2026 earnings report that exceeded analyst expectations and included an optimistic full-year forecast, indicating that the company is riding high on the AI wave. The demonstration highlights Cisco’s shift to AI infrastructure and positions it as a major gain from the expansion of hyperscaler data centers. The stock was trading close to $77 as of late, with a push to $80 clearly in sight—possibly a new 52-week high.

According to the company, revenue for the fiscal second quarter, which ends in January, will be between $15 billion and $15.2 billion. That exceeded the $14.7 billion average Wall Street estimate. In contrast to the forecast of 99 cents per share, adjusted earnings will be about $1.02.

The first quarter of the fiscal year ended in October. 25, Cisco’s sales increased by 8% to $14.9 billion. With certain items excluded, the profit was $1 per share. Analysts projected earnings of 98 cents per share and revenue of $14.8 billion. According to the company, orders for AI infrastructure from major cloud providers totaled $1.3 billion during that time. In the previous quarter, Cisco reported sales of $800 million. Robbins has added monitoring software by acquiring Splunk Inc. and concentrated on security products in an effort to diversify. in 2024 for $28 billion.

Gold Rush: JPMorgan Forecasts $5,000+ Surge as China’s Buying Spree Ignites Rally

Posted on November 11, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Gold prices are anticipated to rise significantly next year, potentially exceeding $5,000 per ounce, according to JPMorgan Private Bank. The Bullion asset could reach between $5,200 and $5,300 per ounce, as projected by Alex Wolf, the company’s global head of macro and fixed income strategy.

This increase would be more than 25% compared to current trading levels. The primary driver of this anticipated rise is sustained buying by central banks, especially those in emerging market economies.

Gold has performed strongly, influenced by central bank acquisitions as policymakers seek diversification and reliable stores of value.

Before a recent correction, gold prices reached record highs above $4,380 in October; however, the precious metal is still up more than 50% this year. According to JPMorgan, many central banks, particularly in emerging markets, currently hold relatively small amounts of gold as part of their foreign exchange reserves.

Central banks increased their gold reserves by 634 tonnes in the year ending in September, based on data from the World Gold Council. Although this figure is lower than the previous three years, it remains significantly higher than the average before 2022.

These purchases have been primarily driven by China, which aims to reduce its reliance on US-centric financial markets. The World Gold Council forecasts that between 750 and 900 tonnes will be purchased throughout 2025. Other countries contributing to the rising demand for gold reserves include Kazakhstan, Poland, and Turkey.

Intel Ignites: 84% YTD Rocket Ride Eyes $50 Target in AI Foundry Boom

Posted on November 6, 2025 by Olumide Adesina

Intel, a long-established leader in the semiconductor industry, experienced a significant turnaround in 2025, driven by government funding, investments in artificial intelligence (AI), and a recovery in its foundry business.

The company’s stock has surged approximately 84% year-to-date (YTD), outperforming the S&P 500’s gain of about 14%.

Intel faced challenges due to manufacturing delays and intense competition from AMD and Nvidia, which severely impacted its performance.

Intel’s shares closed yesterday at $36.93, reflecting a decline of 3.78%. This recent volatility has tempered the stock’s upward rally. With a market capitalization of $176.01 billion, Intel’s stock is currently trading at $37.

The fluctuations in the stock price are attributed to geopolitical risks and broader declines within the tech sector. Moreover, the stock’s beta of 1.35 indicates that it is more volatile than the overall market, making it susceptible to changes in the tech industry.

In terms of valuation, Intel has a Price/Sales ratio of 3.04 and a Price/Book ratio of 1.81, suggesting the stock may be overpriced based on trailing metrics, but it appears more reasonable when looking ahead. Continued investments in AI and manufacturing are evident through an Enterprise Value/EBITDA ratio of 186.15.

After recording its first annual loss since 1986 in 2024, Intel’s rally in 2025 marks a stark contrast to the nearly 60% decline experienced the previous year.

Revenue reached $13.65 billion, and net income was $1.02 billion, exceeding projections and indicating growth in foundry services and AI chips. This followed a disappointing Q1 with revenue of $12.67 billion, but the company gained momentum with lower losses forecasted for Q2. The stock had risen nearly 99% at peak, outperforming Nvidia’s approximately 50% increase, climbing from around $20 at the beginning of the year to $39 by early November (peaking at $42). The recent decline from $39.99 on November 1 is seen as profit-taking amid Nasdaq declines.

The stock’s 5-year return of -10% underscores the need for sustained growth, while the 3-year return of +35.81% lags behind the S&P 500’s return of +78.25%.