2026-04-30
4 分钟The Economist.
Meta reported revenues of $56.3 billion in the first quarter, up 33% year-on-year and ahead of expectations.
The social media giant also lifted its capital spending outlook to as much as $145 billion this year as it ramps up investment
in artificial intelligence, raising concerns about how quickly those costs
will pay off and pushing shares lower in after-hours trading.
Results from Microsoft, Alphabet and Amazon were also strong.
Jerome Powell said he had no choice but to remain on the Federal Reserve's board until the Justice Department's criminal investigation
into America's central bank was, quote, well and truly over.
The outgoing Fed chair was speaking after the board voted to hold interest rates steady.
The move drew four descents, three from regional presidents who objected to language suggesting the Fed
would eventually resume cutting rates.
The price of Brent crude, the global oil benchmark,
rose to nearly $120 a barrel, its highest level since 2022, as fears of escalation in the Middle East intensified.
Donald Trump said he would maintain a naval blockade of Iran's ports until it agrees to curb its nuclear program.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon said the war in Iran has cost about $25 billion so far.
America's Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to weaken the Voting Rights Act.
Which forbids racially discriminatory voting practices.
In striking down a Louisiana electoral map designed to protect minorities' voting power,
the court decided the VRA did not entitle states to consider race when redistricting.
Elena Kagan, a dissenting liberal justice,