Saturday, 17 May 2025

[Post 1209] Why Airlines Are Betting Billions on More First-Class Flights | WSJ Booked


Summary

Air France just unveiled its new first-class suites, where for $11,000 round-trip from New York to Paris, customers can get five windows to themselves. These luxury airplane seats have become fiercely competitive in the aviation industry with companies like Emirates, Singapore Airlines and Etihad all offering lavish cabins. But these new planes have faced delays as Airbus and Boeing struggle to fulfill orders.

WSJ explores some of these investments in luxury upgrades in a period of increasing economic uncertainty and question the long-term demand for these kinds of seats.

[Post 1208] Dyson Founder on Products He Regrets Scrapping, Dyson EV and More | WSJ


Summary

James Dyson’s bagless vacuum built the international appliance powerhouse that is Dyson. He spent years building and testing more than 5,000 hand-made prototypes of Dyson’s cyclonic vacuum cleaner before it even hit the market. WSJ met him at Dyson’s new HQ in Singapore to discuss failure, what he wishes he’d invented first and why he has stayed so involved after 34 years. James also discusses Dyson’s EV car, why he hires inexperienced workers and more. 

Friday, 16 May 2025

[Post 1207] Are Tesla’s Biggest Fans Done With Elon Musk?


Summary

For years, many Tesla owners and investors ardently admired the company’s CEO Elon Musk and believed it was solving some of the world’s biggest problems. But now, they are selling their cars and dumping their stock. Musk’s controversial public behavior and involvement in politics, the shift from sustainable energy toward robots and AI, and troubles with the cars themselves have made fans weary. 

[Post 1206] Why Target Is Losing Against Competitors Walmart And Costco


Summary

Since the beginning of 2025, Target's foot traffic has declined 11 straight weeks and its stock has fallen more than 30%. Experts say much of its decline is due to operational or strategic mishaps happening before the Trump administration imposing 145% tariffs on China, the retailers largest exporter. A 40-day boycott after the company pulled back on Diversity Equity and Inclusion initiatives and a higher dependence on non-discretionary spending are other issues the company is dealing with. Watch the video above to learn more.

Thursday, 15 May 2025

[Post 1205] We Went To The Panama Canal To See Why Trump Is Hellbent On Taking It Over


Summary

Around 14,000 ships transit the Panama Canal annually. The U.S. uses it more than any other nation with 40% of all U.S. container traffic, valued at $270 billion, traveling through the 50 mile stretch of water each year. But tensions in Panama are rising. President Trump claims China has “influence and control” over the canal and that threat represents a “violation of the treaty” between the U.S. and Panama. In March, an investment group led by U.S. firm BlackRock announced it was trying to purchase two ports at either end of the canal as well as about 40 others from Hong Kong based-CK Hutchison. The outcome of that deal remains unclear. To better understand the issues facing the Panama Canal, CNBC’s Lori Ann Larocco boarded a tugboat to get a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges it faces.

[Post 1204] How China Could Retaliate Against U.S. Tariffs


Summary

President Trump's campaign to increase tariff rates on imports targets China in particular. In response, China's leaders have levied higher duties on imports of U.S.-sourced products. China has also identified U.S. companies to blacklist and limited access to rare earth elements, which enable many modern technologies. As traffic at U.S. ports slows, Chinese officials have demurred on the Trump administration's requests for negotiation.

Wednesday, 14 May 2025

[Post 1203] I Left The U.S. For India And Built A $23M Burrito Business



Summary

Bert Mueller, 35, moved from the U.S. to India in 2012 and ended up building one of the country's biggest Mexican-inspired food chains. He was able to turn a $250K investment into a $23 million business, all while learning how to navigate and thrive with life in India.