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Good morning, Quartz readers!
Here’s what you need to know
Amazon’s Alexa is getting some new friends. The tech giant will launch a fresh lineup of gadgets, alongside an updated model, this fall.
… Also in Jeff Bezos’ orbit, Blue Origin’s first all-female crew is prepping for takeoff. The six-person team includes Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sanchez, who reportedly spearheaded the mission.
Nvidia’s annual revenue owes much to three anonymous customers. These secretive spenders accounted for over 30% of the chipmaker’s yearly earnings, which surpassed $130 billion.
… In another key development, Nvidia’s AI-spending spree continues. The company is setting its first-quarter guidance above Wall Street’s expectations, though that didn’t keep its stock from slipping.
Microsoft’s got a bone to pick with President Trump’s new AI chip restrictions. The company warned that the limits could drive allies toward Chinese suppliers. Amazon’s taking on Google and Microsoft with a new chip.
Google says it’s got you covered when it comes to deleting personal info. An update to the company’s “Results About You” tool now scans for sensitive data.
Papa John’s is slicing through the competition. The pizza maker posted strong profits, while its rival Domino’s struggled and warned that tariffs on a key ingredient could push up pie prices.
Trump’s tariffs are imminent. New rules could raise prices on goods from the U.S.’s top trade partners, including China, Canada, and Mexico.
Eli Lilly wants to make drugs in America – if it gets a tax cut
Eli Lilly is planning to invest billions into building four new drug manufacturing plants in the U.S., which could create thousands of jobs. But there’s a catch: The pharma giant wants tax cuts before moving forward.
The company says it aims to boost domestic drug production, especially key ingredients that are currently sourced overseas. With demand rising for weight-loss drugs, Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks emphasized the need for tax policies, such as those from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Job Act, to be extended or improved in order to make this happen.
How much is Eli Lilly planning to invest to build these new plants? Quartz’s Bruce Gil takes a closer look.
Tariffs and rising costs bite
The U.S. economy is showing signs of a slump, made worse by President Trump’s tariffs. With inflation high and interest rates rising, the outlook is bleak for many Americans.
New reports reveal slowing growth, as a spike in jobless claims points to a weakening labor market. Meanwhile, the housing market is struggling, with pending home sales dropping to their lowest level in over two decades.
To make matters worse, Trump’s tariffs on steel and aluminium are driving home prices even higher, making it harder for buyers.
How should the latest economic reports be interpreted? Quartz’s Vinamrata Chaturvedi has the details.
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