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Apple slides 2% as iPhone 15's first impressions disappoint 📲
Wonder-lack-lustre: On Wednesday, Apple hosted its annual product event. All eyes were on the iPhone 15, but many left unimpressed as few features seem to have been added.
Lightning doesn’t strike
twiceagain: The main takeaway is that Apple has ditched the lightning port and added a USB-C. This means you can charge your iPhone, Mac and iPad using the same charger. Finally. Also, an ‘action button’ has been added and Apple’s upgraded the phone’s power to facilitate better gaming.China’s clampdown: Last week, $200bn was wiped off Apple’s market cap as the rumours are China is restricting citizens from using American technology. Why? The country is keen to promote home-grown champions such as Huawei. 1/5th of Apple’s revenue comes from China, so this move would really upset the apple cart.
*Ratings are provided by analysts at Zacks, a leading investment research firm
Amazon climbs 4% as it goes big on climate change 🌍
Stepping towards a better footprint: Ever heard of direct air capture? It extracts carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere and stores it underground beneath salt water. The result? Less CO2 causing negative climate change. Big companies can’t get enough of it, as they look to offset their carbon footprint.
First Microsoft, now Amazon: Microsoft first announced it would be buying ‘carbon credits’ from a start-up called Heirloom Carbon who run a similar scheme. It seems Amazon has taken note and is improving its carbon footprint through similar means.
Going green: Amazon has a lot of work to do when it comes to sustainability. Its delivery fleet needs to go electric and weight packaging must be reduced. But for now, offsetting its carbon emissions is one way of appeasing climate activists and keeping investors happy.
*Ratings are provided by analysts at Zacks, a leading investment research firm
BlackBerry jumps 15% thanks to its newest product 🚛
From smartphones to cybersecurity: Yep, believe it or not the former mobile phone maker is still operating, but you won’t find it producing any BlackBerry Bolds or Curves. For years, it has been producing security systems that businesses rely on. But why are shares booming this week?
BlackBerry’s new product: On Monday, the company announced a new series of tracking devices for lorries carrying hazardous materials. Unlike other tracking devices, these have been certified as “Intrinsically Safe” meaning they’re allowed to track in environments where there is a risk of explosion.
A company back in demand: This makes them the perfect supplier for companies wanting to transport hazardous goods. It might not be as fancy as making killer smartphones, but savvy investors will know the opportunity BlackBerry has on its hands.
*Ratings are provided by analysts at Zacks, a leading investment research firm
What have we learned this week? 🤓
Follow the figures, not the news: Whilst Apple shares did slide thanks to the iPhone 15, the stock took a larger hit after talks of a ban in China. The new phone may dominate headlines, but smart investors will know which story is more important for Apple stock.
Carbon removal is a growing industry: Big companies all share the same problem - their carbon footprint. That’s why companies are willing to pay the big bucks to companies who can help offset their carbon emissions.
Unsexy is the new sexy: I don’t blame you for thinking tracking devices for hazardous material carriers sounds very boring. But don’t be fooled. It’s a highly profitable market and BlackBerry knows it.
Stocks we're watching 👀
Meta: The company is developing Llama 3, a direct competitor to OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4. Llama 1 was released in February 2023, whilst the 2nd edition came out in July. Just how long until we see Llama 3?
Tesla: Hazeltree, a securities lending firm, found Tesla to be the most shorted stock during August 2023. Despite this, Morgan Stanley upgraded Tesla’s rating to ‘buy’, as in their words ‘it’s just as much a tech company as an EV maker’.
Pfizer: The FDA gave the green light on a new Covid vaccine Pfizer plans to roll out. The updated shots come as US hospitalizations tick up.
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*Figures and ratings correct as of September 13th 2023.
Past performance does not guarantee future results. Capital at risk when investing. This content is for educational purposes only. Shares does not provide investment advice. If you are unsure about anything, please seek advice from an authorised financial advisor.
