Latest news with #Lucent
Mint
3 days ago
- Business
- Mint
Chanos Warns of AI Pullback, ‘Absurd' Bitcoin Treasury Companies
(Bloomberg) -- Enthusiasm for all things artificial intelligence has helped propel stocks to another all-time high, but the AI ecosystem is getting close to a potential pullback, warned legendary short-seller Jim Chanos. The founder of Chanos & Co. likened the dominance of AI companies to networking giants such as Cisco and Lucent which characterized the market of the 1990s and saw their stocks soar as companies upgraded their systems to handle the new internet age. At a live recording of the Odd Lots podcast in New York, he cautioned that a potential pullback in demand from corporate customers for AI-related goods and services could spark a contraction in both corporate earnings and economic growth. The risk is that customers who are spending billions of dollars on everything from data center space to semiconductors could end up unexpectedly curbing their capital expenditure. In the early 2000s, at the height of the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) bubble, companies like Cisco and Lucent saw their massive order backlogs suddenly evaporate and their valuations plummet. Now, with some signs of a slowdown in the labor market and potential disruptions from tariffs, it's possible that big corporate customers cut back on their spending plans once again. 'There is an ecosystem around the AI boom that is considerable as there was for TMT back in '99 and 2000,' Chanos said. 'But it is a riskier revenue stream because if people pull back, they can pull back CapEx very easily. Projects can get put on hold for six months or nine months, and that immediately shows up in disappointing revenues and earnings forecast if it happens.' 'We're not there yet, but that's one of the risks out there that I think a lot of people are underestimating,' Chanos said. As stocks surge, Chanos has been warning of other market absurdities including the proliferation of Bitcoin treasury companies which raise money to buy and hold the cryptocurrency. He's been beefing with Michael Saylor, founder of Strategy, in a high-profile dispute over the value of the company. Strategy's market cap of more than $100 billion far outstrips the roughly $60 billion value of the cryptocurrency on its balance sheet. Saylor has justified Strategy's lofty valuation by arguing that the company's ability to raise funds at a premium essentially means its business model is 'risk-free.' 'There's a wonderful sales job that's being done about the fact that this is an economic engine in and of itself,' Chanos said. 'And so therefore, terms like 'Bitcoin yield' are used and I've called them financial gibberish because they are.' When asked for his thoughts on Tesla Inc., whose stock Chanos has previously shorted, he drew on the Cisco parallel once again. 'There's always one stock in every bull market that has that, at least that imprimatur of, I call it hopes and dreams,' he said. 'Everyone can really project their hopes and dreams onto that company and then value it any way they want. And Cisco was that company, by the way, in '99. And [now] it's undoubtedly Tesla.' 'You could see Elon robbing a Brinks truck with a mask on or whatever [and people would say] 'Oh, that's Elon. I'm sure they're going to have a new business of robbing Brinks trucks. And we'll put a trillion [dollar] valuation on that,' he said. More stories like this are available on
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
New & Noteworthy: The 10 Buzziest Beauty Products To Launch This Year (So Far)
Local beauty brands and global conglomerates have brought their A-game so far this year. Here's the new launches worth knowing (and trying) in 2025 and beyond. Put down a finger if you've caught yourself exclaiming: 'How is it June already?' at least twice so far this month. Yes, we're hurtling through 2025 at record speed - and faster still is the rate at which beauty brands are innovating and unveiling new products to simplify routines. This year alone, we've seen the reformulation of a mascara from one of the country's top clean makeup brands, a citrussy scent range from a cult-favourite fragrance maker, and a luxurious new haircare line which prioritises scalp and hair health. But that's not all that's impressed us this year so far. Below, beauty editor Ashleigh Cometti charts the 10 best products to land on her desk in 2025, from a XXL plumping lip gloss to a hybrid exfoliating mask. The Cleanser Bioderma limited-edition Victoria Beckham Sensibio H20 Micellar Water, $35 It's been 30 years since Bioderma released its now-iconic micellar water, the first of its kind back in 1995. To mark the auspicious occasion, the French pharmaceutical brand has teamed up with fashion designer and long-time fan of Bioderma, Victoria Beckham. 'When I was a teenager, I suffered from serious skin problems and it had a significant effect on me. Today, it's essential that I take great care of my skin,' Victoria says. 'Bioderma's Sensibio H20 has been a must-have product for me for years. It's been at my side every day for as long as I can remember.' While the gently cleansing formula remains unchanged, the limited-edition offering is bedecked in hot pink with the former pop-star's initials 'VB' emblazoned on the front. Available from Chemist Warehouse or The Exfoliant Aesop Lucent Facial Refiner, $133 In a world-first for the brand, Aesop has unveiled its new and only chemical exfoliant, one which is applied like a mask and removed after a 15-minute period. The new Aesop Lucent Facial Refiner, $133, is a gently exfoliating mask which sees PHAs and BHAs combine with vitamins B, E and F to improve both skin texture and appearance, while leaving it smooth, supple and hydrated. The twice-weekly exfoliant is the second product to be added to the artisanal brand's Lucent range, following in the successful footsteps of its Lucent Facial Concentrate. When used together, the Lucent Duo is designed to reveal skin that appears more luminous and even-toned, said to address hyperpigmentation with ongoing use. Available from Aesop signature stores, selected department stores or The Serum Osmosis StemFactor Growth Factor Serum, $269 As the next 'big thing' in beauty, expect to see exosomes cropping up both in-clinic and in topical skincare over the coming months. One brand which has cottoned on to the benefit of these buzzy, nano-sized cell messengers is Osmosis, with the launch of its new StemFactor harnessing the next generation is exosome tech to allow the high-performance growth factor serum to better penetrate skin. The patented formulation contains more than 600 different types of growth factors and peptides to strengthen skin's structure, while supercharging its ability to heal, repair and regenerate, meaning its particularly effective on ageing, dry or sensitive skin types. Not to mention it's excellent to smooth on after invasive skin treatments such as micro-needling, to support wound healing and skin regeneration. The Moisturiser Murad Heartleaf Calming Cream, $159 Skin feeling inflamed? Irritated? Itchy? Enter Murad's newest innovation - an ultra-soothing cream-based moisturiser which is geared toward those with sensitised or eczema-prone skin in mind. The calming, hypoallergenic formulation is free from both alcohol and fragrance, rendering it safe to use on skin that appears red, dry, itchy or tight. It does so thanks to the use of fermented heartleaf extract, an antioxidant-rich ingredient revered in K-beauty for its ability to soothe and hydrate, alongside ceramides and microalgae to calm an angry complexion and boost moisture levels once more. Available at Caci clinics nationwide or see or The Primer Smashbox Photo Finish Pore-Vanishing Primer, $67 It's the newest in Smashbox's stable of skin-smoothing primers, and now the new Photo Finish Pore-Vanishing Primer joins the party to help blur the appearance of pores while gripping makeup for up to 12 hours. It promises soft-focus skin, and can be worn alone, on top of moisturiser to prime for the makeup steps to follow, or patted over top of makeup for a diffused effect. Not to mention the oil-free formulation won't leave behind a white cast or pore-clogging deposits on skin, leaving skin feeling smooth, velvety and mattified. The Mascara Aleph Lift/Lengthen Mascara, $68 Renowned for its clean, innovative formulations, local beauty brand Aleph has reimagined its signature Lift/Lengthen Mascara to include a host of new ingredients which position the product as a lash growth serum as much as it does a cosmetic. The next-generation mascara still lengthens, volumises and defines lashes like the original, but this time sees fresh ingredients added to support lash growth and long-term lash health. The reformulation includes lash serum peptides like trifolium pratense and vigna radiata sprout extract, alongside organic mung bean and clover sprout extracts to stimulate lash length and density across a 28-day period. Not to mention the category-defining product helps to anchor lashes at the root, reducing fall-out and supporting overall lash vitality. With sustainability at its core, the refillable glass vessel is able to be cleaned and reused as part of the brand's circular packaging model. The Lip Gloss YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss, $80 It's only just hit shelves, but all eight shades of YSL's new Plumping Lip Oil Gloss have already sold out online. Promising to create a glossy, plumped-up pout, the oil-infused hybrid is said to drench lips in glass shine for up to eight hours' wear, while leaving lips hydrated and nourished for up to 24 hours. Unlike other glosses which can feel tacky, YSL's newbie promises shine (not stickiness) thanks to its blend of hyaluronic acid and fig pulp from the YSL Beauty Ourika Community Gardens. The plumping effect it offers lips is courtesy of ginger and pepper oils, which stimulate blood flow and give that signature 'tingle' sensation on application. Available from Sephora or The Scent Diptyque L'Eau Des Hespérides 100ml eau de toilette, $335 Trust Diptyque to unveil a summer-ready collection in the depths of Southern Hemisphere winter. Designed to pull even the most hardened person out of seasonal stagnation, the new Diptyque Summer Garden collection has us daydreaming of wandering a luscious orchard in high-summer, with its selection of seven products spanning fragrance and body spray through to candles and hair mists. Viva loves L'Eau Des Hespérides, a sparkling, verdant eau de toilette which sees fresh citrus combine with spicy elements for a refined, elegant finish. A scented reminder that sunny days are coming. Available from Mecca or The Body Product Clinique Moisture Surge Body Hydrator, $73 It's the cult-favourite skincare range known for drenching skin in 48-hour hydration (and keeping it there). Now, Clinique has ushered in the next chapter in its Moisture Surge story with the new Moisture Surge Body Hydrator. Designed to offer skin a much-needed drink, this fast-absorbing body lotion works to refresh skin with a layer of lightweight hydration, without leaving any oily residue behind. If your skin is feeling parched from too-hot showers and exposure to the cold weather, then this dermatologist-tested body lotion could be just the ticket to restore skin to its glowing, hydrated best once more. The Shampoo & Conditioner Duo Commune Seymour Shampoo & Conditioner Set, $302 Offer tresses a little indulgence with new-to-Mecca brand Commune's Seymour Shampoo & Conditioner Set, which is designed to gently cleanse hair without stripping it of its natural oils. The enriching two-step system promotes optimum hair health and vitality, rebuilding strands from the inside out. For a truly sensorial experience, allow the signature Seymour scent to whisk you away to Somerset, with notes of heady botanicals, ripe fruits and warming woods, which make hair washing a pleasure. More beauty From the award-winning products in this year's Viva Beauty Awards, to expert tips on how to apply foundation on mature skin. Introducing The 30 Viva Beauty Awards Winners 2025, As Voted For By You. Discover every winning brand, person and product from this year's Viva Beauty Awards 2025. How To Apply Foundation On Mature Skin, According To A Makeup Artist. A flawless foundation finish on mature skin? It's within reach, says celebrity makeup artist Rae best-selling author and founder of her eponymous makeup brush line shares her top tips. 8 Of The Best Nourishing Hair Masks & Treatments To Hydrate & Restore Hair In editor Ashleigh Cometti surveys the most hydrating hair care to restore strands in winter. Rich, Juicy Berry Hues Are The Beauty & Fashion Shades Of The Season. Here's How To Wear Them. From rich merlot to punchy cherry, these pieces look set to incorporate the season's cosiest hue into your wardrobe and beauty rotation.
