Money

Disney CEO tells staff “I am Sorry” over “Don’t say gay bill” response

Published

4 years ago

March 12, 2022

The under pressure Disney CEO is now backtracking and saying sorry after earlier sitting on the fence when it came to Florida’s contentious “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

“You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry,”
disney ceo Bob Chapek

Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Chapek apologised to employees for the company’s handling of Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Disney will now pause all political donations in the state.

Chapek also said that the company will be “increasing our support for advocacy groups to combat similar legislation in other states.”

“Thank you to all who have reached out to me sharing your pain, frustration and sadness over the company’s response to the Florida ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.”
disney ceo Bob Chapek

“Speaking to you, reading your messages, and meeting with you have helped me better understand how painful our silence was. It is clear that this is not just an issue about a bill in Florida, but instead yet another challenge to basic human rights. You needed me to be a stronger ally in the fight for equal rights and I let you down. I am sorry.”

“I missed the mark in this case but am an ally you can count on — and I will be an outspoken champion for the protections, visibility and opportunity you deserve,” Chapek added.

The company received pushback from employees over its (lack of) response, with staff in the TV animation and distribution writing letters to management about the issue.

The Animation Guild, which represents many Disney employees, voiced its anger over the issue.

Money

Alphabet launches $20B bond to fund AI expansion

Alphabet’s $20B bond offering highlights investor confidence in AI growth, enabling funding without shareholder dilution.

Published

21 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Alphabet’s $20B bond offering highlights investor confidence in AI growth, enabling funding without shareholder dilution.

Alphabet has launched a record $20 billion bond offering to finance its massive AI infrastructure build-out, signalling strong investor confidence in the company’s growth strategy. The oversubscribed sale shows that investors are betting on Alphabet’s AI potential and long-term returns.

By using debt instead of equity, Alphabet can raise funds without diluting shareholders. The money will support AI research, advanced computing, and other strategic projects, cementing the company’s leadership in the sector.

Brad Gastwirth from Circular Technologies explains how corporate debt is reshaping tech financing and how investors perceive AI-linked bonds. This record issuance could set a trend for other tech companies looking to fund innovation.

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Money

AI tax tool sparks market turmoil for financial firms

Major financial firms’ stocks fell sharply after an AI tax tool launch, raising investor fears of disruption in advisory services.

Published

22 hours ago

February 11, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Major financial firms’ stocks fell sharply after an AI tax tool launch, raising investor fears of disruption in advisory services.

Shares of major financial services firms tumbled after the launch of a new AI-powered tax planning tool. LPL Financial dropped nearly 11%, while Charles Schwab and Raymond James Financial fell more than 9%, signalling investor concern over AI disrupting traditional advisory services.

Morgan Stanley also saw a 4% decline as fears grow that AI could replace some of the most profitable offerings of established firms. Earlier this year, the introduction of other AI models already caused turbulence in software stocks, suggesting this could be a broader trend affecting multiple sectors.

The iShares U.S. Broker-Dealers and Securities ETF was down 4% on Tuesday, reflecting the market-wide uncertainty surrounding AI adoption in finance. Investors are closely watching whether AI will complement or cannibalise the industry’s core services.

#AIImpact #WallStreet #FinancialMarkets #InvestingNews #MorganStanley #CharlesSchwab #RaymondJames #FinTech

Money

RBA rate shock: ASX200, Gold and Crypto market

RBA’s interest rate shift impacts ASX200, AUD; gold/silver rebound analyzed amidst upcoming economic data and crypto market navigation.

Published

2 days ago

February 10, 2026

Harvey Vargas

RBA’s interest rate shift impacts ASX200, AUD; gold/silver rebound analyzed amidst upcoming economic data and crypto market navigation.

The RBA’s latest interest rate decision has sent ripples through the ASX200 and AUD, leaving investors weighing what comes next. We break down how these changes could affect global equities ahead of this week’s crucial non-farm payroll and consumer price index releases.

Zoran Kresovic from Blueberry Markets shares his analysis on the rebound in gold and silver after recent market turbulence, and what factors could drive further gains or sell-offs in the commodities market.

We also dive into the current state of cryptocurrencies, exploring how investors can navigate volatility and what to watch as economic data continues to shape market sentiment.

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#RBA #ASX200 #GoldMarket #SilverRebound #CryptoUpdate #InvestingTips #MarketVolatility #EconomicOutlook