
Top Strategists See Trade Woes Curbing Gains for European Stocks
The Stoxx Europe 600 Index is expected to end the year at around 554 points, according to the average of 18 strategists polled by Bloomberg, about 2% up from Wednesday's close.
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3 minutes ago
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Manchester United ‘Open to Offers' for £70million Star
Man United Open to Hojlund Offers Amid Sesko Talks Manchester United's active pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, as reported by Sky Sports News, suggests that the club's recruitment strategy under Ruben Amorim may be evolving faster than anticipated. Talks remain ongoing between United and Leipzig regarding the valuation of Sesko, a player with high potential who is viewed as an ideal fit for Amorim's fluid attacking system. According to Sky Sports News' Vik Varange, Amar Mehta and Dharmesh Sheth, 'Manchester United's pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko could have ramifications for Rasmus Hojlund's future.' This line alone indicates more than just a transfer rumour, it hints at real structural considerations happening behind the scenes at Carrington. United's openness to considering offers for Rasmus Hojlund, who only arrived from Atalanta in 2023 for approximately £70 million, marks a significant turn. The club is said to be willing to listen to 'suitable offers provided it was right for the club and the player.' Hojlund's Fight to Stay To his credit, Hojlund has not shied away from the challenge. He has featured from the start in both of Manchester United's pre-season tour games in the United States and publicly declared his desire to remain and fight for his place under Amorim. His mindset reflects maturity and belief in his potential, but as ever in elite football, intent must meet opportunity. Photo IMAGO The reality is that a new striker arriving could further reduce Hojlund's minutes. Though a straight replacement scenario appears unlikely, the looming presence of Sesko complicates matters. Leipzig, in return, are reported to have suggested a loan move for Hojlund as part of the negotiations. Amorim's Tactical Demands If Ruben Amorim intends to implement a high-pressing, versatile forward line, then the addition of Sesko makes tactical sense. His profile as a mobile and direct frontman fits neatly with Amorim's system, which often demands physical presence combined with technical flexibility. That said, Hojlund's profile isn't drastically different. What might tip the scales is Sesko's development curve and possibly greater upside. Amorim may simply see him as a more suitable long-term option, or even a complement, to add depth in a system that uses multiple forward options. What the Deal Could Mean Financially With UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations looming large over Manchester United's transfer planning, selling or loaning out Hojlund could provide crucial breathing room. While a loan to Leipzig would help facilitate Sesko's arrival, a full sale of Hojlund could recoup funds for other reinforcements. Still, as reported, 'a scenario where Sesko joins and Hojlund stays cannot be ruled out.' That points to a willingness by the club to explore competition within the squad, rather than pushing a player out the door prematurely. Our View – EPL Index Analysis As a Manchester United supporter, this news leaves a mixed feeling. On one hand, it's exciting to see the club active and deliberate in trying to upgrade the squad, especially under a forward-thinking manager like Ruben Amorim. Sesko is a top talent and would be a smart addition in terms of age, profile and system fit. But letting go of Rasmus Hojlund, even temporarily, feels premature. He's just 22, has only had one full season at Old Trafford and has shown flashes of real promise. It's not every day a striker takes on that pressure at such a young age and still manages ten Premier League goals in a struggling side. Rather than viewing Sesko as Hojlund's replacement, it would be far more logical to see them as co-existing in a system that rotates or plays with two up front. With the number of matches United play across four competitions, depth up top is not a luxury, it's a necessity. There's also the psychological aspect. What does it say to a player if, one year after a £70 million transfer, the club is already willing to listen to offers? It's crucial that Amorim and the board show that young players are given time to develop at Old Trafford, not shuffled out at the first sign of competition. Hojlund deserves a proper chance. The best-case scenario? Sesko joins, Hojlund stays and both push each other to become even better.
Yahoo
24 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Apple reportedly has a 'stripped-down' AI chatbot to compete with ChatGPT in the works
Apple has fallen far behind in the competitive market of AI-powered chatbots, but it may have a plan for an in-house option that aligns with the company's "not first, but best" philosophy. According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple created a team called "Answers, Knowledge and Information" earlier this year that's tasked with developing a "stripped-down rival to ChatGPT." Forming this team represents a major change in direction from Apple's earlier stance on artificial intelligence when the company partnered with OpenAI in 2024 to infuse Siri with ChatGPT instead of developing its own AI chatbot. Now, Gurman reported that this new Apple team will instead develop in-house AI services for a "new ChatGPT-like search experience" that can crawl the web to respond to questions. These new capabilities could be a standalone app, as well as support AI capabilities for Apple's Siri, Spotlight and Safari, according to Gurman's sources. The team is reportedly led by Robby Walker, who previously oversaw Siri, and has been advertising job openings that mention wanting experience with search algorithms and engine development. Beyond the Answers, Knowledge and Information team, Apple has experienced some growing pains when it comes to artificial intelligence. Earlier this year, the company said it would delay the release of the new-and-improved Siri, adding only that it would roll out "in the coming year." However, Apple is aware of the need to accelerate its Apple Intelligence program to stay competitive. In the latest third-quarter earnings call, the company's CEO Tim Cook said that Apple is open to acquisitions to fast-track its AI roadmap.
Yahoo
25 minutes ago
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I think Nvidia stock is now either very expensive
Sometimes, a really interesting opportunity comes along in the stock market. Take Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) as an example. Having soared 1,576% in five years and recently become the first $4trn listed company ever, I would hardly say Nvidia stock is flying under investors' radar. But its price is pretty interesting, in my view. From a long-term perspective, I am not confident that Nvidia today is reasonably priced. I think it may turn out to be either very overpriced – or selling for a song. The one big question for Nvidia That is because I reckon Nvidia's valuation down the line ultimately hinges on one key question: how big will the future market for AI-related chips be? In my view, if it is as big as today or bigger and Nvidia maintains its dominant position, the current Nvidia stock price could be a bargain. But if that total market size shrinks, I think Nvidia is badly overvalued. You will notice I am focusing mostly on market size here. That is because I reckon Nvidia has a strong chance of maintaining or growing its market share over time. Barriers to entry are high. Nvidia has a talented workforce, proprietary technology, a large installed user base, and a proven business model. That could change, especially over time. Competitors may prove to be more nimble, or outsmart Nvidia when it comes to chip design. But I think it is credible to think that Nvidia will maintain a powerful market position. Its economies of scale and pricing power already make it massively profitable. If it can grow sales volumes, its profit margins could get even fatter thanks to greater economies of scale. That could help propel the Nvidia stock price far above today's level — if it happens. Everything to play for It may not happen, of course. Sometimes a key technology comes along and sparks a sales boom, only for it to later fall in popularity or become obsolete. If all those companies paying top dollar for Nvidia chips decide they already have enough from their initial installation, or land on an alternative technological solution for their AI dreams, the market could collapse. Personally I do not expect that to happen, but it could do. The sort of spending we have seen in the past couple of years from large tech companies seems hard if not impossible to sustain over the long term in the absence of transformational business results, I reckon. There is also a risk that Nvidia could lose market share regardless of what happens to the market size. While I see its position as fairly secure for now – in the absence of curveballs like export bans – over time I have less confidence. Plenty of rivals would be thrilled if they could eat Nvidia's breakfast and the more time they have, the more likely it is that at least one of them will figure out how to do it. The risk of a demand collapse puts me off buying Nvidia stock at its current price. But I would be surprised if the price is the same five years from now. I think it is most likely to be markedly higher – or a lot lower. The post I think Nvidia stock is now either very expensive – or very cheap appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool C Ruane has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Nvidia. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025 Sign in to access your portfolio