Berkshire Hathaway

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In today edition we will talk about

• Berkshire Hathaway’s Profits Soar 71% as Cash Reserves Hit Record High

• DeepSeek's Disruptive Rise: The AI Model Shaking Up Tech

• Trump Administration Moves to End NYC Congestion Pricing, Sparking Legal Battle

• Luxury Brands Bet on Aspirational Shoppers to Regain Market Share

Berkshire Hathaway’s Profits Soar 71% as Cash Reserves Hit Record High

Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway reported a 71% surge in fourth-quarter operating earnings, reaching $14.5 billion, while full-year profits rose 27% to $47.4 billion. Strong insurance performance, led by Geico, and higher investment income from Treasury Bills contributed to the gains. Berkshire’s cash reserves hit a record $334.2 billion after trimming stakes in Apple and Bank of America. As Buffett, now 94, prepares to pass leadership to Greg Abel, he emphasized transparency in shareholder communication, reinforcing Berkshire’s long-term investment philosophy.

DeepSeek's Disruptive Rise: The AI Model Shaking Up Tech

Chinese startup DeepSeek has taken the AI world by storm with its R1 model, which rivals OpenAI’s o1 at a fraction of the cost, briefly topping Apple’s App Store and sparking debates about U.S. leadership in AI. Experts highlight R1’s reasoning capabilities and transparency, as DeepSeek made key aspects of its technology publicly available. While industry leaders like Microsoft and Apple acknowledge its innovations, concerns over potential ties to the Chinese government and allegations of using OpenAI’s models without permission have sparked scrutiny. Despite skepticism, DeepSeek’s advancements are pushing AI forward, influencing major tech firms and shaping the future of AI-powered reasoning models.

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Trump Administration Moves to End NYC Congestion Pricing, Sparking Legal Battle

The Trump administration is halting New York City’s congestion pricing plan, citing unfair costs to commuters and businesses. The program, launched in January, aimed to reduce traffic and fund infrastructure through a $9 toll for drivers entering Manhattan’s busiest areas. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy argued it contradicts federal highway policies and burdens working-class Americans. While critics, including New Jersey officials, celebrated the decision, supporters point to reduced traffic and economic benefits. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul vowed legal action, calling the move politically motivated. With lawsuits pending, the future of congestion pricing remains uncertain.

Luxury Brands Bet on Aspirational Shoppers to Regain Market Share

Luxury brands are adjusting their strategies after losing millions of aspirational shoppers due to steep price hikes. Consumers who spend $3,000–$10,000 annually on high-end fashion have been priced out, prompting brands like Burberry to reintroduce more accessible pricing for leather goods and accessories. Smaller luxury items—such as fragrances, belts, and eyewear—are proving to be key entry points for less affluent buyers. While some brands, like LVMH, resist lowering prices, others focus on enhancing the in-store experience to build long-term loyalty. With aspirational shoppers driving nearly $274 billion in spending, the industry is keen to win them back.

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