US Tries to Distance Itself From Israeli Strikes on Oil Infrastructure in Iran

Meta Plans 20% Layoffs To Divert Capital To Data Centers On Friday we noted that Meta has delayed the rollout of its latest AI model because it sucks - and may temporarily license superior models like Gemini to power the company's AI products.  Now, Meta is reportedly mulling a massive new round of layoffs that could affect more than 20% of its workforce as it accelerates spending on AI data center buildouts. The move comes as other hyperscalers consider similar workforce restructurings to redirect capital flows toward AI infrastructure. Reuters cited people familiar...

$100 Oil Is Solving Russia's Budget Problem Submitted by Charles Kennedy of OilPrice.com Russia is getting an unexpected windfall from the war in the Middle East. The Kremlin’s oil revenues this month hit a four-year high as oil prices jumped to $100 per barrel amid the Iran war and the de facto closed Strait of Hormuz. Moscow expects so much additional revenues from the oil price spike that authorities are unlikely to downgrade Russia’s economic prospects, hold off on planned budget cuts, and even boost military spending on the war...

President Donald Trump warned Americans that gas prices may continue to increase through the midterm elections later this year. The war against Iran has caused substantial disruptions to the oil market.  When asked about the possibility that gas prices will continue to increase, the President said, “It could be, or the same, or maybe a […]