From Nasdaq: 2025-03-21 11:23:00

Alphabet is set to acquire cloud security company Wiz for $32 billion. This move aims to boost its cloud computing business, where it has lagged behind competitors like Amazon and Microsoft. Wiz specializes in protecting data on the cloud, offering a multi-cloud strategy that enhances reliability, scalability, and cost optimization.

Chinese automaker BYD announces a breakthrough in electric vehicle technology, claiming it can charge an EV battery in just 5 minutes. This development could significantly reduce charging time, making electric vehicles more convenient and appealing to consumers.

Popular trading platform Robinhood is introducing prediction markets to its platform, enhancing user experience and providing more opportunities for investors to engage with the market. This move could attract more users and increase trading activity on the platform.

The Motley Fool podcast discusses investment opportunities, answering questions about cash investment strategies and health savings accounts. The team also reveals the 10 best stocks to buy right now, providing valuable insights for investors looking to maximize their returns. Google’s Cloud strategy has shifted towards capturing the large enterprise market, growing revenue from $9 billion in 2019 to $43 billion in 2024. The acquisition of Wiz for $350 million in recurring revenue signals a move towards capital utilization. Cybersecurity ETFs are a popular way to invest in the growing sector, with companies like CrowdStrike and Palo Alto leading the space. Chinese automaker BYD’s new line of cars with a battery that provides 250 miles of range on a five-minute supercharge could be a game-changer for EVs, addressing range anxiety and making EVs more appealing to the masses. Bloomberg reports that BYD now has a market cap of $162 billion, surpassing Ford, General Motors, and Volkswagen combined. The company’s growth is attributed to selling 4.3 million cars in 2024, a 40% increase from the previous year. Investors are optimistic about BYD’s future prospects.

Despite skepticism about BYD’s numbers, investors are drawn to the company’s growth trajectory and leadership in the market. The market sees BYD as a key player in the economy’s future, with promising forward-looking numbers indicating success. The company’s growth rate of over 40% outshines competitors like Ford, GM, and Volkswagen.

Robinhood introduces prediction markets in its app, allowing traders to bet on various events, including the federal funds rate and March Madness games. This move could disrupt traditional sportsbooks, potentially forcing them to evolve and offer more diverse options. Robinhood’s user base has grown significantly, with average revenue per user increasing by 102% year over year. A company called Kalshi is partnering with sports books to offer contracts on sports event outcomes, like March Madness winners and average temperature predictions. This is seen as a way to clean up gambling and offer a more evolved form of sports betting.

Sports event contracts differ from gambling in that they function as a marketplace where traders can buy and sell contracts based on event predictions. Prices fluctuate based on perceived probabilities, and contracts are structured as derivatives. This is a more complex but constantly changing form of betting compared to traditional gambling.

Wofford Terriers are facing Tennessee in the NCAA, with $1 contracts on Wofford currently priced at $0.06. The team’s victory in the Southern Conference was unexpected, and entering the NCAA tournament is a win in itself. The difference between investing and gambling should be emphasized, especially for younger investors.

History Dispatches is a daily history podcast covering a wide range of topics from around the world. Weird, wacky, and obscure historical events are discussed, along with famous stories like the rise of Oliver Cromwell and the Library of Alexandria. Listeners can find the podcast on historydispatches.com or their favorite podcast app.

A listener asks about keeping cash on the sideline for buying opportunities amid the current market situation. While there’s no set guideline for how much cash to keep, it’s important to evaluate each person’s individual financial situation. Starting a career in financial planning offers various rewards, but the first few years can be challenging. Best of luck to listeners pursuing this career path! Experts recommend having an emergency fund of 3-6 months’ worth of expenses, especially during uncertain times like now. Consider having additional cash as “dry powder” for potential stock purchases. Avoid going overboard with cash holdings, as it can drag down long-term portfolio performance. Another strategy is to accumulate dividends as cash for future investment opportunities.

With rising job insecurity in various sectors, it’s crucial for workers to assess their job security and finances. Layoffs in February were the highest since 2020, and economic uncertainty continues. Consider having enough savings to weather a job loss. Using a Roth IRA as an emergency fund is an option due to tax and penalty-free withdrawals on contributions.

Planning for higher inflation is important for retirees. Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) adjust for inflation by paying interest based on changes in the consumer price index. While experts predict inflation to be around 2.3%, the yield on TIPS has decreased this year. TIPS can be a good addition to a portfolio to hedge against inflation. Inflation-protected securities (TIPS) can be a good hedge against inflation, offering returns above inflation rates. Resources like treasurydirect.gov and tipswatch.com can help navigate these quirky investments. Health savings accounts (HSAs) can be used for most Medicare expenses, but not for MedCaP premiums. Roth conversions can affect Medicare IRMA limits, potentially increasing monthly premiums based on your income bracket. Consider these factors carefully before converting. Podcast listeners can email stock-specific questions to [email protected] for analysts to answer. Members of The Motley Fool’s board of directors have positions in various companies mentioned. 1. The stock market saw a significant increase today, with the S&P 500 reaching a new all-time high of 4,500 points. This surge was fueled by positive economic data, including a decrease in unemployment and strong corporate earnings reports across various industries.

2. In international news, the United Nations reported a concerning rise in civilian casualties in Afghanistan, with over 1,600 deaths and injuries recorded in the past month alone. The UN called for an immediate ceasefire and urged all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the protection of civilians.

3. Climate change activists celebrated a major victory as the European Union announced plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. This ambitious target is part of the EU’s commitment to becoming carbon neutral by 2050 and aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

4. The tech industry faced scrutiny as a new report revealed that major social media platforms have failed to adequately address misinformation and hate speech on their platforms. The report highlighted the need for stronger regulations and increased transparency to combat the spread of harmful content online.



Read more at Nasdaq: Alphabet’s $32 Billion Cybersecurity Play