ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, DeepSeek and co have been Googles Gemini have stolen the show for far too long. What Alphabet $GOOGL (-1,98%) has, however, which OpenAI, Anthropic and co. do not (yet) have, but would like to have, is a popular ecosystem in which they can embed their AI and thus scale more easily. Alphabet and Google are increasingly interweaving Gemini with their entire portfolio: Gmail, Maps, News, Finance, Shopping, YouTube, Search, Workspace (especially important), Android etc. (Chrome mal aus Gründen außen vor). This makes Google Gemini an easily accessible and integral part of the everyday lives of hundreds of millions of users, consumers and B2B customers.

With the new Perplexity iOS Voice AssistantPerplexity is trying to simulate a similarly comprehensive ecosystem UX through the integration of third-party providers. OpenAI feels comfortable with the task function and planned acquisitions (womöglich Chrome; Windsurf) in the ecosystem direction. Anthropic's strategy for this was to develop the MCP protocol. My beloved Apple, $AAPL (+0,28%)unfortunately is currently at least two years behind - and that is still an optimistic assessment.

Thanks to constant improvements, Gemini has continuously fought its way up the Arena charts and the current Gemini 2.5 Pro makes the competition look old.

Google Gemini currently has the best chance of becoming the most comprehensive "AI for the rest of us" - for the average consumer.

What is currently dampening reactions on the stock markets to the impressive quarterly figures from Alphabet's Google is, on the one hand, the uncertainty regarding a possible break-up of Google. A US federal court has already ruled that Google has an "illegal monopoly" in the search engine market. However, this ruling was made in August 2024, which feels like light years in the past. Perplexity and ChatGPT are now serious competitors for Google's search engine business. In the best-case scenario, Google will "only" have to part with Chrome. On the other hand, there is also the growing skepticism of international users and business customers towards US tech giants.

#claude
#anthropic
#openai
#chatgpt
#perplexityai
#deepseek
#google
#gemini
#alphabet

Johnson & Johnson (Pharmaceuticals) - $JNJ (-0,01%) Invests over 55 billion US$ in the USA within four years to expand production and researchreuters.com. Four new plants are planned (the first in Wilson, North Carolina, has already been launched)reuters.com. This step was taken in March 2025, shortly after the Trump administration imposed a import tariff of 25 % on medicines on medicines and is intended to help produce more medicines domesticallyreuters.com
reuters.com. (Source: company statement/Reuters)

Roche (Pharmaceuticals) - $ROG (-0,66%) The Swiss pharmaceutical company announced 50 billion US$ investments in the USA over the next five yearsfaz.net. This is Roche's response to President Trump's threat to impose tariffs of ~25 % on pharmaceutical importsto produce more important medicines in the USAfaz.net
faz.net. Plans include 1,000 new jobs in production and research (plus approx. 11,000 jobs with suppliers and construction) in the USAfaz.net. Announcement was made in April 2025 (Source: Company statement/F.A.Z.)

Eli Lilly (Pharma) - $LLY (+2,83%) Announced in Feb. 2025, 27 billion US$ to invest in the construction of four new production facilities in the USAreuters.com. This is expected to more than double US production capacity and create over 3,000 new high-tech jobs (plus ~10,000 construction jobs)reuters.com. The background to this is the threat of a 25% tariff on drug imports, which is prompting Lilly to relocate production from Ireland & Co. to the USAfaz.net. (Source: Company statement/Reuters)

Novartis (Pharma) - $NOVN (+0,04%) Plant 23 billion US$ for the expansion of 10 US sites (including 6 new production plants and an R&D center in San Diego)reuters.com. This five-year investment offensive (announced on April 10, 2025) comes two days after Trump announced "big tariffs" on drug imports
reuters.com. Novartis wants to relocate the production of important drugs to the USA (>1,000 new highly qualified jobs plus ~4,000 jobs in construction and support)reuters.com
reuters.com. (Source: Company statement/Reuters)

Merck & Co (Pharmaceuticals) - $MRK (+3,78%) In March 2025, the US pharmaceutical company (not to be confused with Merck KGaA) opened a new US$ 1 billion plant in North Carolina and announced plans to invest a total of ~8 billion US$ in the USA by 2028reuters.com
reuters.com. Trump is increasing the pressure on the industry to move production back and has threatened to impose 25 % tariffs on pharmaceutical products
reuters.com. Merck has responded by investing over USD 12 billion in US plants since 2018 and is continuing to expand in order to circumvent import tariffsreuters.com
reuters.com. (Source: Reuters)

Hyundai (Automotive) -$HYUD In March 2025, the South Korean manufacturer announced a package of 21 billion US$ of investments in the USAspectrumlocalnews.com. This includes, among other things US$ 5.8 billion for a new steel mill in Louisiana (approx. 1,400 jobs)spectrumlocalnews.com and a new e-car plant in Georgia (US$ 8 billion)which will create over 8,500 jobsspectrumlocalnews.com. Hyundai is thus increasing its US production capacity to over 1 million vehicles/year
autohaus.de
spectrumlocalnews.com. President Trump saw this as a success for his tariffs - Hyundai would "produce its steel in America and build cars in America and thus not have to pay tariffs"
autohaus.de
spectrumlocalnews.com. (Source: Company statement/Spectrum News)

Stellantis (Automotive) - $STLAM (+1,38%) The Fiat-Chrysler/PSA Group provides 5 billion US$ to expand its US production facilitieswhitehouse.gov. The centerpiece is the reopening of the Belvidere plant (Illinois), which was shut down in 2023 to produce new models (including a mid-size pickup)automotivemanufacturingsolutions.com. This will create around 1,500 jobs for regular UAW employees will be restoredautomotivemanufacturingsolutions.com
automotivemanufacturingsolutions.com. This investment was announced in late 2024/early 2025 in connection with the new UAW collective bargaining agreement and Trump's auto tariffs (25% on imported cars from April 2025) agreed - Stellantis' Chairman met personally with Trump to "secure the future of the company"automotivemanufacturingsolutions.com. (Source: Company statement/FT/AMS)

TSMC (Semiconductor) - $TSM (+0,97%) The Taiwanese chip contract manufacturer TSMC announced in March 2025 that it will invest an additional 100 billion US$ to invest in the USAreuters.com. The plan is to build five new factories over the next few years (three chip fabs, two packaging plants and a large R&D center)reuters.com
reuters.com. The background to this is US efforts to be less dependent on Asian chips (national security) - Trump emphasized that key semiconductors "be built here in the USA"reuters.com. TSMC's expansion is expected to create 40,000 construction jobs in four yearsreuters.com and reduce dependence on imports. (Source: Company statement/Reuters)

Apple (Electronics) - $AAPL (+0,28%) The tech company announced 2025, 500 billion US$ to invest in US manufacturing and educationwhitehouse.gov. This enormous sum (over 4 years) includes already planned expenditures, but signals Apple's willingness, to relocate more production and value creation to the USA
reuters.com. Apple has been under pressure because many of its products (iPhone, Mac) are manufactured in China and are being targeted by Trump's China tariffs could be targeted by Trump's China tariffs. The investment pledge - including new US locations and supplier programs - is intended to help maintain exemptions from import tariffs and promote "Made in USA"reuters.com
reuters.com. (Source: Company statement/White House, Reuters)

Sources: Primary data from the companies and reports (F.A.Z., Reuters, Spectrum News, etc.), see citations.

Google under suspicion of monopoly

In the US state of Virginia, Judge Leonie Brinkema has made an important ruling that puts Google $GOOGL (-1,98%) in her sights. She found that the company had gained a monopoly position on several platforms, particularly in the area of ad servers and ad exchanges, through unfair competition. This ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by the US government in 2023 and affects two out of three advertising markets. The final impact of the ruling is still uncertain and will be further explored in upcoming proceedings. Google plans to appeal the ruling. The company argues that there are many alternatives for advertisers and that they choose Google because the tools offered to place ads are both simple and cost-effective. The development could have far-reaching consequences for the advertising industry and influence competition in the market.

Apple struggles with tariffs in China

Apple $AAPL (+0,28%) is facing a real challenge as the company is heavily dependent on its production in China. At the same time, the US government has imposed high tariffs on Chinese imports, which have recently risen to a staggering 245%. These tariffs not only represent a significant hurdle for production, but also for Apple's business strategy. China is not only Apple's second largest market, but is also where around 90% of the 220 million iPhones sold each year are produced. Despite a temporary exemption from tariffs on some electronic devices, Trump has hinted that further tariffs are on the cards. Developments in the trade relationship between the US and China make Apple's global supply chain an Achilles heel. While the company is making efforts to outsource its production to Vietnam and India, China remains the key location for the manufacture of most Apple products. The situation calls for swift action and strategic adjustments to reduce dependence on a single market.

Sources:

https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/tech/google-naechstes-us-gericht-sieht-bei-us-techkonzern-ein-illegales-monopol-a-19e28847-7d9e-492a-b313-af5842db9ebf

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/czx17361pw1o

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Apple $AAPL (+0,28%) recorded a 9% year-on-year decline in iPhone shipments in China in the first quarter of 2025, as reported by Chosun Biz. The decline is particularly notable as China is one of Apple's most important sales markets worldwide. Analysts attribute the development to increased competition from local manufacturers such as Huawei, which are gaining market share with their new high-end models. In addition, geopolitical tensions, US customs policy and subdued consumer sentiment are impacting demand for US technology products in China. Apple is therefore under increasing pressure to adapt its strategy in the region.

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The news is based on what I personally consider to be reputable sources. No investment advice. Follow me for more updates!

As if it were not enough that the largest economic nations are imposing punitive measures on each other, the major US tech companies are now also waging a war over the AI monopoly.

As has now become known, Zuckerberg's group has $META (+0,53%) has blocked the use of Apple Intelligence within its apps on iOS devices. This means that you can only use Meta's Llama AI in WhatsApp and Instagram, but not the $AAPL (+0,28%) AI.

First and foremost, it's remarkable that this is even possible. In fact, I would never have thought it possible to program and distribute software within Apple's ecosystem that can override the basic functions of the operating system.

Secondly, Meta is also playing a dangerous game here. Firstly, Apple could go to court, as this is likely to be illegal as anticompetitive behavior, at least in the EU. Of course, it is questionable whether the judges would have much sympathy for Apple, but competition authorities generally don't like it when you block features from other companies so that consumers can no longer decide for themselves which product they use.

On the other hand, Apple could of course also strike back and, for example, block updates or functions of Meta apps through the App Store, so that Meta would also have to reckon with problems. However, this would also not be permitted and Apple has already gotten into real trouble with Spotify. But that brings us back to the question of whether the judges would be particularly sympathetic to Meta? Probably not.

I can already see major upheavals brewing here between the two tech giants, in which both sides will only lose. Apple can't do without Meta and Meta can't do without Apple.

Of course, it will also be interesting to see whether the other Silicon Valley companies will also position themselves in the AI war. $GOOG (-1,83%) / $GOOGL (-1,98%) doesn't have quite as bad a relationship with Meta as Apple, but they don't really have any friends either and are of course also in competition with Microsoft and Apple. $AMZN (+0,25%) I consider Meta to be relatively resilient overall. They don't really need anyone from the others and, if I remember correctly, it has been customary for years to play hardball in disputes with the other companies. I can't swear to it, but I'm pretty sure that there wasn't even a YouTube app on Fire TV back then. $MSFT (+1,32%) Since the end of the Ballmer era, the company has also managed to maintain a relatively neutral and peaceful relationship with pretty much all companies. I'm curious to see if it will stay that way.

Overall, I am particularly concerned that Meta, Alphabet and Apple could be severely affected if, in addition to the political pressure in the trade conflict, friendly fire is now also exerted from within their own ranks. If the tech platforms isolate themselves from each other and impose sanctions, there will be many losers and no clear winners for the companies and, of course, for their customers.

Source: Finchat

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Bundeskartellamt gives Unicredit the green light for Commerzbank investment

The German Federal Cartel Office has given Unicredit $UCG (+2,77%) a stake of up to 29.99 percent in Commerzbank. $CBK in Commerzbank. This decision is a turning point for the Milan-based bank, which wants to significantly expand its presence in the private and corporate customer business in Germany. The head of the Cartel Office, Andreas Mundt, stated that there are sufficient competitors to secure market access. Unicredit CEO Andrea Orcel has been pursuing the takeover of Commerzbank for some time and already has 28 percent of the shares in her pocket, 9.5 percent of which is directly through shares and 18.5 percent through financial instruments. A 30 percent stake would oblige Unicredit to submit an official purchase offer. However, a final decision on the merger is not expected until next year, as Orcel is currently in talks with the new German government to clarify the next steps.

US investors optimistic despite customs unrest

In the USA, investors on Wall Street are optimistic at the start of the week in view of the latest tariff exemptions. The Dow Jones rose by 0.8 percent, while the technology-oriented Nasdaq gained 0.6 percent. Investors are confident that electronic devices such as smartphones and computers will be spared from the new tariffs. President Donald Trump has announced that he will soon publish details of the tariffs on semiconductors, which is causing excitement. These uncertainties are also reflected in the currency market, where the dollar index fell by 0.3%. Tech stocks in particular, such as Apple $AAPL (+0,28%) and HP $HPQ (+1,72%) in particular were able to benefit from the tariff exemptions and recorded positive price movements. Apple rose by 2.2 percent, indicating possible relief in prices for consumer goods.

Sources:

https://www.n-tv.de/wirtschaft/Unicredit-kommt-Ubernahme-von-Commerzbank-naeher-article25703117.html

https://www.n-tv.de/wirtschaft/US-Anleger-wagen-sich-aus-der-Deckung-article25704622.html

$AAPL (+0,28%)

📅 KW 16 / Status: April 14, 2025

Apple starts the week in an exciting position: while the share price is still below the moving averages, there is an increasing amount of positive fundamental data that could cause movement in the coming days.

📊 Current market data

• Price (closing price): $201.56
• EMA20: $206.35
• SMA50: $223.82
• RSI (14): 65 (near overbought)
• 52W High/Low: $260.10 / $164.08

➡️ The price is currently below EMA20 & SMA50 - Short-term weakness dominates.

➡️ RSI indicates an overbought zone, which may indicate consolidation.

🔼 Resistance levels

• $205: Decisive zone for short-term breakouts
• $210: Psychological mark - possible target with positive momentum
• $223.82 (SMA50): Dominant medium-term resistance

🔽 Support zones

• $198: Short-term support, important for trend continuation
• $195 - $190: Next lower pullback zone with increasing weakness

🕒 Intraday momentum (April 14, 2025)

• Last 5 minutes: -0.05 %
• Last hour: -0.68 %
• Last 4 hours: -1.61 %
• ➡️ Technically speaking: slightly downward intraday trend

📰 News situation - Fundamental impulses

1. tariff exemptions strengthen tech sector

Apple benefits from temporary exemptions from US trade tariffs on key components.

➡️ Market impact: Positive margin fantasy and institutional confidence

2. supply chain issues remain a factor of uncertainty

According to media reports, there are delays in semiconductors and displays in particular.

➡️ Risk: Shortages could delay product cycles and increase costs

3. expected product announcements in spring

Rumors about new iPhones, AI features in iOS and new Mac models with M4 chips are circulating.

➡️ Potential: Positive surprises could trigger share price momentum

📈 Weekly outlook & valuation

• Expected Range: $198 - $205
• Breakout scenario: above $205 → target zone $210
• In the medium term, the SMA50 at $223.82 remains the central "cap"
• Fundamental sentiment: Positive with uncertainties

📣 Conclusion

AAPL is at a technical crossroads: only a sustained rise above $205 would neutralize the short-term downtrend.

The fundamental news situation is predominantly bullish, but patience is required on the charts. Traders should keep a close eye on key levels ($198/$205/$210).