Tech firms bet optical networks will boost AI, 6G transition

Social Security recipients rely on cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) to maintain their purchasing power against inflation. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicts a 2.4% increase for 2026, marking the smallest raise since 2021, although this forecast was made before significant tariff hikes under the Trump administration, which may lead to increased inflation. Consequently, the Social Security Administration's actual COLA for 2026 could exceed current expectations due to the evolving economic climate. Full Article

Confluent (NASDAQ: CFLT), a data streaming specialist, has experienced a significant decline in its stock price, dropping over 19% week-to-date as of late Thursday, following multiple analyst price target cuts after its earnings report. Despite reporting its first-quarter earnings, the market reacted negatively, leading to a sell-off even though the news was not entirely unfavorable. This trend highlights the vulnerability of shunned stocks to market fluctuations, regardless of the news they present. Full Article

Mark Zuckerberg envisions a future with AI-powered Ray-Bans and immersive virtual worlds, yet Wall Street remains focused on his company's advertising revenue. While Zuckerberg explores innovative technologies, investors prefer that he prioritizes Meta's core business strengths. The tension between visionary ambitions and investor expectations underscores the challenges facing Meta in balancing innovation with profitability. Full Article

Meta Platforms (META) reported strong Q1 2025 financial results, with total revenue of $42.3 billion, up 16% year-over-year, and adjusted earnings per share increasing by 37% to $6.43, both exceeding expectations. The company's family daily active users rose to 3.43 billion, while operating income surged 27%, contributing to a net income of $16.6 billion, a 35% increase. Despite regulatory concerns and a $4 billion increase in capital expenditure projections, investors reacted positively, pushing the stock...

Telecommunications companies are planning to raise prices on devices and accessories in response to increases in tariff costs. This price adjustment aims to mitigate the financial impact of these tariffs on the companies' operations. The stock prices mentioned reflect the values as of April 28, 2025, while the related video was published on April 30, 2025.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsH_ZGSrCbw Full Article

Stocks have historically outperformed other asset classes, but recent volatility has been significant, particularly since the S&P 500 hit an all-time high on February 19. Following this peak, major indexes like the Dow and Nasdaq experienced sharp declines, with the S&P 500 facing a notable 10.5% drop over two days. Factors such as President Trump's tariff policy, rising inflation risks, and high valuations are contributing to market headwinds, yet a recent strong performance from the...