1. The technology sector has outperformed the broader market with the Nasdaq delivering 126.5% returns over the last 5 years. 2. SCHG, a large-cap tech fund, has underperformed the Nasdaq with 13% returns since July 2024 due to defensive holdings and reduced tech exposure. 3. Despite its lower risk profile, SCHG's defensive sectors and reduced tech holdings will likely continue to underperform compared to the Nasdaq and aggressive growth funds.
Recent #technology news in the semiconductor industry
1. Super Micro Computer reaffirmed its February 25 compliance deadline; 2. Delivered stronger-than-expected financials; 3. Posted solid FQ2 revenue of $5.65B; 4. Projected FY2026 revenue to reach $40B, signaling confidence in long-term demand.
JD Vance from the Trump administration addressed the Paris AI Conference, emphasizing the opportunities of AI and cautioning against excessive regulation. He highlighted the importance of maintaining AI as a tool for economic innovation, job creation, and national security, without falling into ideological biases or restrictive policies.
Vance also mentioned the administration's commitment to keeping the US at the forefront of AI development and the importance of fostering international collaboration.
He expressed concern over reports of foreign governments considering restrictive policies on US tech companies and emphasized the importance of innovation and free speech in the development of AI.
➀ PositronAI, a two-year-old startup based in Reno, has raised $23.5 million to develop FPGA-based AI inference chips.
➁ The company, which specializes in transformer model inference, has backing from Valor Equity Partners, Atreides Management, Flume Ventures, and Resilience Reserve.
➂ Positron's Atlas V1 device utilizes eight Agilix 7M series FPGAs and boasts performance improvements over Nvidia chips.
➀ According to Northwest Executive Education, the ten best paid US execs last year were listed with their respective salaries.
➁ The list includes notable figures such as Elon Musk, Tim Cook, Sundar Pichai, and others.
➂ The highest earner was Elon Musk with $23.5 billion.
➀ Justin Hotard, the executive vice president and general manager of Intel's Data Center and AI Group, has left Intel to become the CEO of Nokia.
➁ Intel has appointed an interim head for its datacenter and AI unit and will start searching for a new permanent general manager.
➂ Hotard joined Intel in early 2024, and his tenure was marked by successes and challenges, including the launch of new CPUs and missed sales expectations.
➀ ISTA physicists have achieved a breakthrough in quantum computing by achieving a fully optical readout of superconducting qubits.
➁ This breakthrough could help scale up quantum computers by reducing the amount of cryogenic hardware needed.
➂ The technology could lead to the development of quantum computing networks connected via optical fibers.
➀ AZoNetwork joins the global effort to close the gender gap in STEM;
➁ Women in STEM are gaining recognition for their groundbreaking contributions;
➂ Female scientists discuss the future of Femtech, quantum sciences, and women's brain health.
1. Quantum computing is a disruptive innovation attracting billions of dollars and poised for long-term growth; 2. Tech leaders like Bill Gates and Jensen Huang have expressed optimism and skepticism; 3. Expected to deliver a 34.8% CAGR by 2032, leveraging evolving technologies and industry breakthroughs.
➀ CEA-Leti's FAMES Pilot Line aims to enhance performance and reduce power consumption for mixed-signal circuits.
➁ The line focuses on five technology sets enabling new chip architectures, including FD-SOI at 10nm and 7nm, eNVM, RF components, 3D integration technologies, and small inductors.
➂ The technologies are expected to create market opportunities for various applications and will be accessible to researchers, SMEs, and industrial companies across Europe and partner countries.
➀ The medical device manufacturer Alun Williams highlights a groundbreaking software;
➁ The software is said to have been highly useful in the past 10 years;
➂ No further details about the software are provided in the summary.
1. The author remains bullish on Palantir due to its strong revenue growth and operational success; 2. Risks include declining billings and reliance on interest income; 3. Palantir's stock could be affected if growth momentum slows, but maintaining growth above 25-30% justifies a market cap potentially exceeding $500 billion.
➀ Apple's supply chain management has been recognized as the best in the world since 2010, with Tim Cook further reducing suppliers to 24.
➁ Apple's supply chain diversification strategy helps reduce supply risks and strengthens control over the supply chain.
➂ Suppliers like Imagination and Dialog have faced challenges due to Apple's shifting supply chain strategy.
➃ Cirrus Logic, an Apple key supplier, provides high-quality audio chips and has a long-standing partnership with Apple.
➄ Cirrus Logic's SoundClear technology is used by Amazon Voice Service for high-fidelity audio playback.
➅ Apple's supply chain strategy involves self-developed chips and maintaining a diverse supplier base.
➆ The high dependency on Apple poses risks for suppliers like Cirrus Logic.
➀ China is rapidly integrating DeepSeek AI across key industries, including PCs, robotics, and EVs.
➁ Lenovo is one of the first Chinese firms to incorporate the technology into its Xiaotian AI assistant.
➂ UBTech is reported to be implementing DeepSeek's AI robots into its humanoid robots.
1. AMD has lost more than a third of its value over the past year, disappointing investors compared to Nvidia's growth. 2. Concerns about AMD's AI growth and lackluster PC sales have led to consistent cuts in bottom line forecasts. 3. The Q4 earnings report showed a decent revenue beat and current quarter guidance was ahead of expectations.
➀ The UK's £1.137 billion Future Fund has suffered a loss of £263 million, reducing its value to £799m;
➁ The Future Fund has provided loans to 1,192 companies, but many have failed to repay, blaming strict loan terms;
➂ Investments include companies like Killing Kittens and Bolton Wanderers Football Club, with 202 firms becoming insolvent and 107 going bankrupt.
➀ The article discusses the evolution of concerns surrounding AI, starting with regulators worried about job losses and AI's potential to create malevolent super intelligence.
➁ It then shifts to lawyers focusing on copyright infringement related to AI training data.
➂ The most recent concern highlighted is the rise of 'replicators' who use other companies' LLMs to create AI programs at a low cost.
1. Alphabet Inc. reported a minor miss on its Q4 2024 revenue estimates, prompting investors to take profits off the table. 2. Despite steady growth in Google Search, concerns over the future of Search amid rising AI tools like ChatGPT prompt a neutral stance on the stock. 3. The article discusses the potential upside if Alphabet's 2025 Search innovations succeed, but highlights current uncertainties making the risk-reward balance less appealing.
➀ Professor Christian Waldschmidt of the University of Ulm has become a new member of the German Academy of Science and Engineering (acatech).
➁ He is an internationally recognized expert in high-frequency technology and conducts research on antenna and radar systems as well as satellite communication.
➂ Waldschmidt supports acatech with his scientific expertise in fulfilling their social mission: scientific policy advice.
1. Intel's Panther Lake node, launching in 2H 2025, aims to surpass Taiwan Semiconductor's 2nm; 2. Despite a 7% YoY revenue drop, Intel's $14 billion revenue exceeded expectations; 3. Intel's foundry business is crucial for future growth, with breakeven expected by 2027.