CBDC
March 27, 2024 BY Elizabeth Anderson

SWIFT Plans New Central Bank Digital Currency Platform for Cross-Border Transfers

This solution, known as the connector, reportedly enables the seamless incorporation of the use of CBDCs into business practices. Thirty-eight institutions participated in the experiment, including central commercial banks and markets. These included global leaders such as Deutsche Bank, Société Générale, ANZ and Citibank. The outcomes showed the innovation simplifies and expedites trade flows, promotes…

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European commission ruling
March 26, 2024 BY Elizabeth Anderson

Google, Apple, and Meta First ‘Gatekeepers’ Under the DMA Scope

The five investigations concern potential breaches by Alphabet Inc’s (GOOG), which owns Google, Apple Inc. (AAPL), and Meta Platforms, Inc. (META). Instigating these probes only two weeks after the DMA’s deadline shows the European Union (EU) is taking the legislation and gatekeeper compliance seriously. The law came into effect on 7 March 2024. It requires…

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Medical globe
March 26, 2024 BY Elizabeth Anderson

Ingersoll Rand to Take Over ILC Dover

The latter is an investment company managing an estimated $50bn in assets. ILC Dover specialises in the design and manufacture of biopharmaceutical and medical devices and also provides aerospace solutions. The organisation has 11 engineering and production facilities in Asia, North America and Europe. In terms of the agreement, Ingersoll Rand will pay approximately $2.3bn…

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March 25, 2024 BY Elizabeth Anderson

China to Stop Using Intel and AMD Chips in Government Devices

The country also wants to sidestep Windows, Microsoft Corporation’s (MSFT) widely used operating system, and other internationally produced database software. The guidelines reportedly stipulated that all government bodies above the “township level” must adapt their procurement criteria to ensure that they acquire only “safe and reliable” microchips and software. In December 2023, China’s Ministry of…

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March 25, 2024 BY Elizabeth Anderson

Retailers Offering Massive Discounts to Keep Consumers in Spending Mode

Bloomberg reports that many luxury brands are offering extreme discounts to revive consumer interest. The Frasers Group PLC (FRAS.L) bought Matches in December 2023 for £52m but placed it under administration less than three months after the acquisition. The administrators are reportedly seeking new buyers for the company. Bloomberg reported that some consumer bargains are…

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Swiss National Bank
March 22, 2024 BY Elizabeth Anderson

SNB Ends the Rate-Cut Drought

This makes it the first developed nation to cut interest rates after the COVID-19 pandemic, the fall of Credit Suisse, the onset of the war in Ukraine, and persistent inflation pressures. Switzerland’s central bank explained its decision by stating that local inflation will probably remain below 2% for the foreseeable future. Despite this announcement and…

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March 21, 2024 BY Elizabeth Anderson

Co-Founders of Inflection AI Join Microsoft

Suleyman also co-founded DeepMind, the artificial intelligence (AI) outfit bought by Alphabet Inc’s Google (GOOG) in 2014. Industry experts believe that this move fortifies Microsoft’s reputation as an AI stalwart in big tech circles and forms part of CEO Satya Nadella’s drive to acquire top expertise. Suleyman will head Microsoft’s new consumer AI unit, while…

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