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☆ Report warns U.S. chip design market share to plunge without government support
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Jane Lanhee Lee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The U.S. share of chip design revenue has been slipping in recent years, dropping to 46% in 2021 from over 50% in 2015. The United States has already lost its lead in chip manufacturing, prompting the Biden administration to pass the CHIPS and Science Act this year. An earlier report by SIA and BCG in 2020 showed the U.S. share of modern global chip manufacturing capacity had fallen to 12% by that year, down from 37% in 1990. The report also said government support is helping companies in countries like China and South Korea to gain market share in chip designing as well. It said federal investment in semiconductor design and R&D of $20 billion-$30 billion through 2030, including a $15 billion-$20 billion investment tax credit for chip design, would be needed to maintain U.S. leadership in the long-run.

They’re offering more policy briefings to longtime supporters, Zoom calls with top administration officials and White House tours, too. "The $500,000 people like me, we’re not going to be players in 2024," said Dick Harpootlian, a longtime Democratic donor and South Carolina state senator. For the White House, the shift is an acceleration of a courtship campaign that began more modestly before the midterm elections. Amid concerns about the omicron variant last year, the White House was forced to abandon plans for a more full set of holiday parties. Some of those same people were invited to the White House next month for an in-person policy briefing.

☆ Tech's reality check: How the industry lost $7.4 trillion in one year
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-25 | by ( Rohan Goswami | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +14 min

Not one of the 15 most valuable U.S. tech companies has generated positive returns in 2021. In total, investors have lost roughly $7.4 trillion, based on the 12-month drop in the Nasdaq. In the war for talent and the free flow of capital, tech pay reached new heights. Loading chart...SPACs allowed companies that didn't quite have the profile to satisfy traditional IPO investors to backdoor their way onto the public market. A slowing IPO market informs how earlier-stage investors behave, said David Golden, managing partner at Revolution Ventures in San Francisco.

☆ Japan says economy picking up moderately, while govt staying vigilant to risks
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-24 | by ( Cynthia Kim | Jihoon Lee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"The economy is picking up moderately," the government said on Thursday, using the same description it has in every monthly report since July. The government would stay vigilant to the risks ahead, saying the global slowdown from monetary tightening could hurt Japan's economy. Tokyo also kept its view unchanged on private consumption, which accounts for more than half of Japan's economy, saying it was "picking up moderately". The report said spending on services such as restaurant dining and accommodations was recovering, although rising prices were weighing on consumer sentiment. The government left its view unchanged that capital spending was recovering thanks to solid corporate earnings, while it said exports and imports were "almost flat".

TAIPEI, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Major Apple Inc (AAPL.O) supplier and iPhone assembler Foxconn (2317.TW) said on Tuesday it had hired Chiang Shang-yi, a former top executive at Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC (2330.TW) and Chinese chipmaker SMIC, to lead its growing push in the chip business. Foxconn, the world's largest contract electronics maker, is best known for assembling iPhones and other Apple products, though in recent years it has been expanding into chips to diversify its business. Chiang previously worked as vice president of research and development at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC), the world's largest contract chipmaker. He was more recently the vice chairman of Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (0981.HK) (SMIC), the largest and most advanced chipmaker in China. Chiang resigned from his position at SMIC last November, roughly a year after joining the company for the second time.

☆ How AMD became a chip giant and leapfrogged Intel after years of playing catch-up
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( Katie Tarasov | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

After AMD and Intel parted ways, AMD reverse engineered Intel’s chips to make its own products that were compatible with Intel’s groundbreaking x86 software. Intel sued AMD, but a settlement in 1995 gave AMD the right to continue designing x86 chips, making personal computer pricing more competitive for end consumers. For those, AMD turned to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., which now makes all of AMD’s most advanced chips. AMD’s data center customers include Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, Oracle, IBM and Microsoft Azure. And so now it suddenly makes sense to do more customized solutions.”Former Xilinx CEO Victor Peng and AMD CEO Lisa Su on stage in Munich, Germany, at the AMD

☆ Buffett's Berkshire boosts stakes in Japan's five biggest trading houses
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

TOKYO, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Berkshire Hathaway Inc (BRKa.N), run by billionaire Warren Buffett, has raised its stakes in each of Japan's five biggest trading houses by at least 1 percentage point to more than 6%, regulatory filings showed on Monday, sending shares higher. The move is line with Berkshire's statement in 2020 that its investments in the Japanese trading houses were for the long term and the stakes could rise to 9.9%. The news boosted shares of the five trading houses, led by Mitsubishi and Marubeni, which were up more than 2% in morning trade, while the benchmark Nikkei (.N225) index was nearly flat. Berkshire's increased investments in the trading houses come as it this month bought more than $4.1 billion of stock in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (2330.TW), a rare significant foray into the technology sector by the conglomerate. Reporting by Makiko Yamazaki; Editing by Jamie FreedOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ U.S. export restrictions of powerful chips to China hurt now, but should prove bullish long term
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

The advanced chips are what we want to focus on as those represent the big risk to the current world order should they fall into the wrong hands. As a result, it is simply too risky to allow China to continually gain an increasing controlling position over the semiconductor manufacturing process. For this reason, we think that as painful as it may be in the near term, the U.S. isn't wrong to block advancement in China. Lastly, don't forget, thanks to the latest restrictions, U.S. citizens risk losing their citizenship should they choose to help China pursue its advanced chip production goals. Along with these defensive actions, we are pleased to see more domestic support for the semiconductor industry.

☆ TSMC planning advanced chip production in Arizona, says company's founder
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( Sarah Wu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

TAIPEI, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC is planning to produce chips with advanced 3-nanometre technology at its new factory in the U.S. state of Arizona but the plans are not completely finalised yet, the company's founder Morris Chang said on Monday. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd (TSMC) (2330.TW), , a major Apple Inc (AAPL.O) supplier and the world's largest contract chipmaker, is constructing a $12 billion plant in Arizona. Chang, speaking to reporters in Taipei after returning from the APEC summit in Thailand, said the 3-nanometre plant would be located at the same Arizona site as the 5-nanometre plant. "It has almost been finalised - in the same Arizona site, phase two. [1/3] Taiwan's APEC representative and TSMC founder Morris Chang speaks at a news conference after his return to Taipei, Taiwan November 21, 2022.

☆ Taiwan Oct export orders down more than expected; outlook tough
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Export orders, a bellwether for global technology demand, shrank 6.3% in October from a year earlier to $55.4 billion, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said on Monday. The ministry added that it expected export orders this month to be lower by 14.5% to 17.6% than in November 2021. Taiwan's October orders from China plummeted 26.7% from a year earlier, versus September's annual fall of 27.9%. Taiwan's orders from the United States edged up 1.2% from a year earlier, slower than the rise of 2.8% the previous month. Export orders from Europe rose 4.3%, versus September's annual rise of 9.6%.

CNN Business —Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company plans to bring its most advanced technology to Arizona, the founder of the chip giant said Monday. Super-advanced semiconductor chips — like the ones produced by TSMC — are an indispensable part of everything from smartphones to washing machines. Advances in chip manufacturing require etching ever-smaller transistors on to silicon wafers. Chang said its plant in Arizona will produce 3-nanometer chips, TSMC’s most advanced technology. Experts have warned that any disruption to Taiwan’s chip supply could paralyze production of key equipment, impacting almost everyone in the world.

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves premarket: Foot Locker, JD.com, Gap and others
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Peter Schacknow | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Check out the companies making headlines before the bell:Foot Locker (FL) – Foot Locker shares soared 14% in the premarket after beating top and bottom line estimates for its latest quarter. JD.com (JD) – The China-based e-commerce company reported better-than-expected quarterly results as Covid-related lockdowns in China prompted more consumers to shop online. JD.com shares jumped 5.2% in premarket trading. Gap (GPS) – Gap shares rallied 5.1% in premarket trading after an unexpected return to profitability and better-than-expected sales. Williams-Sonoma reported better-than-expected sales and profit for its latest quarter.

☆ BofA says the bull case for chips is 'compelling,' picks its top stocks to buy
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-18 | by ( Weizhen Tan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Chip stocks, once a hot favorite among investors, are doing poorly this year . But BofA says that despite consumer demand remaining under pressure, the "bull case for semis is also compelling." Here are some themes that chip stocks could ride on, says the bank, which also picked names to buy. BofA picked these stocks that it said have "best-in-class" 30% free cash flow margins, with 1.8% dividend yield: Analog Devices – its top pick, and Broadcom . Compelling valuations The bank says semiconductor capital equipment stocks "provide an ideal mix of compelling valuations," with about 14 to 15 times forward price-to-earnings.

☆ Chipmaker Astera Labs valued at over $3 bln after latest fundraise
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 17 (Reuters) - Chipmaker Astera Labs said on Thursday it was valued at $3.15 billion following a late-stage funding round led by Fidelity Management & Research, signaling investors' bullishness on the semiconductor sector. The company raised $150 million in the latest round amid upbeat long-term outlook for chips, especially as growth in artificial intelligence, Internet of Things and machine learning segments booms. Berkshire Hathaway (BRKa.N), which typically stays away from big technology wagers, said earlier this week it had bought more than $4.1 billion in TSMC stock. Existing investors, including Atreides Management, Intel Capital and Sutter Hill Ventures also participated in the funding round. Reporting by Mehnaz Yasmin in Bengaluru; Editing by Vinay DwivediOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Applied Materials forecasts strong Q1 revenue on easing supply chain woes
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Nov 17 (Reuters) - Chip tools maker Applied Materials Inc (AMAT.O) forecast first-quarter revenue above market estimates on Thursday, on hopes that easing supply chain constraints will help it meet pent up demand from chipmakers ramping up production. Shares of the Santa Clara, California-based company rose nearly 3% in trading after the bell. The company posted revenue of $6.75 billion for the fourth quarter ended Oct. 30, compared to analysts' average expectation of $6.45 billion, according to Refinitiv IBES data. The company forecast current-quarter revenue of $6.70 billion, plus or minus $400 million, compared with analysts' average estimate of $6.45 billion. Applied said the outlook includes expected impact of recently announced U.S. export regulations and ongoing supply chain challenges.

☆ Biden celebrates Pelosi as 'the most consequential Speaker of the House of Representatives in our history' after she announces leadership exit
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-17 | by ( Nicole Gaudiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

President Joe Biden heralded Nancy Pelosi as "the most consequential" House speaker in US history. Pelosi announced she will not seek re-election to her leadership post but will continue to represent her House district. Biden called Pelosi on Thursday morning to congratulate her on her "historic tenure," according to the White House. "She might be stepping down from her leadership role in the House Democratic Caucus, but she will never waiver in protecting our sacred democracy," Biden said. "Nancy Pelosi is first, last, and always for the people."

☆ Apple's plans to buy U.S. chips should help shield the iPhone maker from geopolitical uncertainty
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-16 | by ( Kevin Stankiewicz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Apple 's (AAPL) apparent plans to start getting some chips for its devices made on U.S. soil is a strategic decision that should help the iPhone maker insulate itself from brewing geopolitical risks in Asia. Apple designs its own semiconductors for iPads, iPhones and Macs, but those chips are produced by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM). As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB.

☆ Apple prepares to source chips from Arizona plant - Bloomberg News
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 15 (Reuters) - Apple Inc (AAPL.O) is preparing to begin sourcing chips for its devices from a plant under construction in Arizona in the United States, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday. According to the report, Cook was likely referring to an Arizona factory that will be run by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (2330.TW), the world's largest contract chipmaker and a major supplier to Apple. Earlier this month, TSMC also said it was constructing a building that could serve as its second chip factory in Arizona. read moreThe United States has been encouraging foreign tech firms to manufacture in the country and has actively supported local research, development and manufacturing after passing its CHIPS Act. Reporting by Tiyashi Datta in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh KuberOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

[1/2] Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., November 15, 2022. Home Depot Inc (HD.N) left its annual forecasts unchanged, but the home improvement chain's results exceeded Wall Street expectations and shares rose 1.6% amid a jump in shares of retailers. Among the S&P 500 sectors, consumer staples was up (.SPLRCS) 1.2%, while the consumer discretionary (.SPLRCD) index jumped 1.9%. Atlanta President Raphael Bostic echoed the views, saying he sees little evidence that the central bank's aggressive monetary policy tightening is slowing inflation. Advancing issues outnumbered decliners by a 5.30-to-1 ratio on the NYSE and by a 2.80-to-1 ratio on the Nasdaq.

☆ ASML Plays the Very Long Chip Game
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Dan Gallagher | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

ASML has one of the best spots in a temperamental industry. A lousy year or even two is no reason for the Dutch maker of chip-manufacturing equipment to shelve some ambitious expansion plans. Business isn’t great for semiconductor manufacturing gear right now—or at least it isn’t going to be. Chip makers are pulling back on their capital-spending plans quickly as their own businesses get hit by slumping demand in key markets such as PCs and smartphones. For 2023, the association projects a 2% decline.

☆ Apple will buy processors from factory in Arizona, CEO Tim Cook reportedly says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Kif Leswing | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Apple CEO Tim Cook holds the new iPhone 14 at an Apple event at their headquarters in Cupertino, California, September 7, 2022. Apple will buy some of its chips from a factory in Arizona, Apple CEO Tim Cook said last month at an internal company meeting in Germany, according to Bloomberg News. Apple currently sources all of its processors from factories in Taiwan. TSMC said earlier this month that it is planning a second chip factory in Arizona because of "strong customer demand." Cook reportedly said that Apple was considering buying chips from factories in Europe, too.

☆ TSMC stock surges after Warren Buffett's company buys $4 billion stake
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Diksha Madhok | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New Delhi CNN Business —Shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company surged on Tuesday after Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway disclosed that it had purchased a $4.1 billion stake in one of the world’s largest chipmakers. Shares of TSMC were up over 8% in Taiwan on Tuesday. “TSMC welcomes all investors with the propensity to buy and hold TSMC’s stock,” a spokesperson for the chipmaker said. TSMC accounts for an estimated 90% of the world’s super-advanced computer chips, supplying tech giants including Apple (AAPL) and Qualcomm (QCOM). Experts fear that these controls could shift the tech arms race between the United States and China to a whole new level.

☆ Read the pitch deck the chiplet startup Eliyan used to raise $40 million from investors like Tracker, Intel, and Micron
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( Jacob E. Robbins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Eliyan raised a $40 million Series A round led by Tracker Capital, Intel, and Micron. Eliyan, a startup in Santa Clara, California, is making technology allowing chips to interconnect, is trying to address that problem and raised a $40 million Series A round on Tuesday led by Tracker Capital, Intel, and Micron. Since the semiconductor industry is long entrenched, Farjadrad knows convincing more big players to adopt Eliyan's technology will be important. "We created a lot of excitement in these companies," Farjadrad said. Read the 19-slide pitch deck Eliyan used to raise a $40 million Series A:

☆ Futures rise on U.S.-China talks, inflation data in focus
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

U.S.-listed shares of Chinese firms Alibaba Group Holding Ltd , Baidu Inc , Pinduoduo Inc (PDD.O) and JD.Com Inc climbed between 5.7% and 11.2%. Biden and Xi agreed to allow senior officials to renew communication on climate, debt relief and other issues, according to the White House. ET, which is expected to show producer prices rose 8.3% annually in October after advancing 8.5% in September, according to a Reuters poll of economists. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, the producer prices index is expected to have increased 7.2% last month, in line with September's gains. ET, Dow e-minis were up 156 points, or 0.46%, S&P 500 e-minis were up 30.5 points, or 0.77%, and Nasdaq 100 e-minis were up 143.5 points, or 1.22%.

The Labor Department's producer prices index rose 8% in the 12 months through October, lower than an estimated 8.3% rise, according to a Reuters poll of economists. Excluding volatile food and energy costs, the index rose 5.4% on an annual basis last month after increasing 5.6% in September. The report follows softer-than-expected consumer prices data late last week, which sparked a massive rally on hopes of a less aggressive monetary policy. "It (the data) is going to confirm people's hopes that inflation is starting to turn the corner. The S&P index recorded no new 52-week highs and no new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 23 new highs and 27 new lows.

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