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Key Takeaways
Meta is facing its biggest legal challenge, an ongoing antitrust trial.
The FTC argues that its acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram violated competition laws.
U.S. tariffs on Chinese EVs have effectively blocked companies like BYD and NIO from entering the American market.
Palantir’s stock rose after NATO acquired its AI platform, Maven Smart System, for military decision-making.
April has been a defining month for several industries. Meta faces a landmark antitrust trial over its acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram, which could lead to a company breakup.
Meanwhile, U.S. tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles push brands like BYD and NIO to target the U.K. market.
In tech, Palantir saw a boost after NATO signed a deal to use its AI-driven Maven Smart System, solidifying its defense role.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) argues that Meta’s acquisitions of WhatsApp and Instagram violated antitrust laws, potentially forcing the company to break up.
The case dates back to a 2020 lawsuit, claiming the acquisitions were a strategy to eliminate competition and maintain a social media monopoly. Although a judge dismissed the initial complaint in 2021, an amended lawsuit proceeded.
META stock dropped last week after its biggest antitrust trial started. | Credit: Yahoo! Finance
Meta tried to settle, offering $450 million, but the FTC rejected it, seeking $30 billion. The trial will last eight weeks, with key witnesses like Mark Zuckerberg and former COO Sheryl Sandberg already testifying.
The FTC is also calling around 20 witnesses from companies like Google, TikTok, and X. If the FTC wins, it may push for the separation of Instagram, WhatsApp, or both.
Last week, the META stock dropped by 8.2%, decreasing below $500 for the first time this year.
EV Battle Intensifies Due to U.S. Tariffs
As of April 2025, the U.S. has imposed a 100% tariff on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China, effectively blocking brands like BYD and NIO from entering the American market.
In response, Chinese EV manufacturers are shifting focus to more trade-friendly regions, with the U.K. emerging as a key priority.
While Chinese firms initially struggled in the U.K. market, recent years have seen significant progress. BYD, for instance, secured a contract to build London buses, and Geely now owns the company making the city’s iconic taxis.
Over the past 12 months, Chinese electric vehicles have made a notable impact, with Omoda and Jaecoo brands expanding to over 70 dealerships and selling thousands of units monthly.
Leapmotor and XPeng have also entered the market, planning numerous new showrooms by year-end, while BYD’s luxury brand, Denza, is set to launch in 2026.
Meanwhile, the EU, which introduced levies on Chinese EVs in 2024, is exploring alternatives to protect domestic manufacturers, including potential minimum price agreements.
BYD stock, which is listed in Hong Kong, dipped by 0.7% last week, ending at HKD366.
NATO will use a custom version of Palantir’s Maven Smart System (MSS), a platform designed to enhance military decision-making and operational efficiency.
MSS evolved from Project Maven, a U.S. Department of Defense initiative to use AI to analyze drone footage and improve battlefield awareness. Initially collaborating with Google, the project shifted after employee protests against AI weaponization.
Palantir stock increased after NATO awarded it an AI contract. | Credit: Yahoo! Finance
NATO now aims to use the platform to improve agility and responsiveness to emerging threats.
The deal boosted investor confidence in Palantir, reinforcing its role in defense-related AI. Palantir stock has often surged on government contracts, especially those involving national security.
The NATO partnership signals a growing demand for AI technology beyond the U.S. and highlights a global trend of increasing investment in AI-driven defense technologies.
Giuseppe Ciccomascolo began his career as an investigative journalist in Italy, where he contributed to both local and national newspapers, focusing on various financial sectors.
Upon relocating to London, he worked as an analyst for Fitch's CapitalStructure and later as a Senior Reporter for Alliance News. In 2017, Giuseppe transitioned to covering cryptocurrency-related news, producing documentaries and articles on Bitcoin and other emerging digital currencies. He also played a pivotal role in establishing the academy for a cryptocurrency exchange website. Crypto remained his primary area of interest throughout his tenure as a writer for ThirdFloor.
