Bloomberg Opinion

Serious bid or seriously mischievous? Most people seem to agree -- Perplexity's $34.5 billion longshot effort to buy Google Chrome is very unlikely to succeed (even though, as I argue in the column, it would actually be a fantastic idea for the AI company). But it does a good job of skewering a key Google defense, which is that Chrome would wither and die if not under its ownership. That might make Perplexity's cheeky offer quite powerful indeed. Today's Bloomberg Opinion column... gifted for my Linkedin followers: https://lnkd.in/e-BHTSmu

When Donald Trump went after Panama over the Panama Canal, it looked like a classic thwacking with America's big stick, wielded by the US Bully-in-Chief. But when JP Spinetto went to Panama for a look-see, he discovered something of a silver lining. To wit: "Trump’s unexpected pledge to reclaim the iconic waterway for the US, mentioning Panama six times during his address to Congress in March, sent shockwaves through this nation of 4.5 million, a longtime American ally and a vital hub of global trade. But almost seven months into Trump 2.0, a different picture is emerging: The attention from competing superpowers, as uncomfortable as it may be, could prove to be a blessing. In fact, the picture that emerged from my discussions with more than a dozen Panama-watchers, policymakers and business leaders during a recent trip was clear and compelling: If Panama can seize the moment, it has the chance to reinforce the canal’s strategic role, attract fresh foreign investment and overhaul its increasingly creaky economic model." Come for the piece, stay for the video!

My takeaways from a fascinating visit to the Panama Canal, for Bloomberg Opinion video & full column here: https://lnkd.in/drtkb8wx

Panama has become an unlikely focal point in the growing rivalry between the US and China, ever since President Trump last year targeted its most revered national symbol: the Panama Canal. Trump’s unexpected pledge to reclaim the iconic waterway for the US sent shockwaves through this nation of 4.5 million, a longtime American ally and a vital hub of global trade. But almost seven months into Trump 2.0, a different picture is emerging: The attention from competing superpowers, as uncomfortable as it may be, could prove to be a blessing. JP Spinetto traveled to the crucial waterway to see what’s at stake for Panama — and global trade. Read the feature: https://lnkd.in/e5gMjuny

If Trump wants to emerge from Friday’s Alaska talks a master negotiator rather than a pushover, his smartest move may be to postpone until better prepared, says Marc Champion. Read why European leaders are right to be nervous about the meeting with Putin: https://lnkd.in/eUYAjCdx

Ford’s EV event in Kentucky was long on ambition and short on details, about the product anyway. CEO Jim Farley and others focused more on a radically redesigned assembly line and design approach, designed to cut costs and impart flexibility. Yet there was enough to know that Ford is serious. Farley put out a price - $30k for a mid-size EV truck - and a deadline, 2027. Unlike Elon Musk, Farley isn’t protected from failures by a cult following or triple-digit earnings multiple. If he doesn’t deliver, he risks much for both himself and the company. Which is why he could have taken the opportunity afforded by Trump’s anti-EV crusade to just can the whole strategy. That he didn’t sends an important signal. Read about it here at Bloomberg Opinion https://lnkd.in/gqBk6sdb

A 24-karat gold gift, a 15% revenue share ... how technology policy is being written in the United States. My quick take on Nvidia, Intel, Apple ... and currying favor in the White House. For Bloomberg Opinion:

Apple’s Tim Cook hands Donald Trump a gold trophy and avoids tariffs. Intel’s Lip-Bu Tan meets Trump on Monday to defend his job. Nvidia's Jensen Huang agrees to give the US a 15% revenue cut if it's allowed to sell its H20 chip in China. This is how technology and national security policy is being written in the United States. My take on *that* Nvidia deal for Bloomberg Opinion (gift link for Linkedin): https://lnkd.in/eeDm8EbQ

The US chip deal gives China a boost and more sway over America’s most valuable company, says Dave Lee. Read why: https://lnkd.in/eHWAvdnk

Mic-Anthony H., Kennedy Wells and I made a video version of my column and LinkedIn post (https://lnkd.in/eTPkdZEs) of a couple weeks ago about the risks of riding the subway. Short version: It's not as safe as it should be, but it's safer than driving to work in most of the US (and safer than my main alternative means of commuting, which is biking)