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How to end Amazon’s “tricky” monopoly on books

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Booksellers and authors in the United States have united to request an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) into Amazon’s purported monopolistic control over the book industry.

This call for action comes as Amazon faces an imminent antitrust lawsuit, adding to the mounting pressure on the e-commerce behemoth.

In a letter signed by critics of Amazon, including the American Booksellers Association, the Authors Guild, and the antitrust nonprofit Open Markets Institute, concerns are raised about the company’s practices that are alleged to have enabled it to establish an iron grip on book sales and exert undue influence over the promotion and demotion of book titles.

The letter argues that the FTC should delve into how Amazon has leveraged “unfair methods of competition” to gain dominance in the book market.

This appeal coincides with reports that Amazon executives are scheduled to meet with FTC officials in what is colloquially termed a “last rites” meeting – a meeting seen as the final step before a formal federal antitrust action is taken against Amazon’s vast online retail operation.

Amazon’s tricks

Critics point out that Amazon’s algorithms and practices give the company an extensive control over what readers see when they browse for books.

The letter, addressed to Lina Khan, the FTC chair, and Jonathan Kanter, the Justice Department’s antitrust chief, highlights Amazon’s market position, drawing parallels to the monopolistic practices of railroads in the 19th century.

It notes that Amazon, much like railroads of the past, holds significant sway in the book market, influencing which products reach consumers.

The letter also highlights Amazon’s substantial sales dominance within the US publishing industry. Amazon is said to account for over 50% of all physical books sold in the retail marketplace, as well as more than 90% of physical books sold online and over 80% of e-books.

Strong-arm tactics

Accusations in the letter range from claims of Amazon using strong-arm tactics to enforce onerous contract terms on traditional publishers to allegedly promoting its own listings and pricing over others.

The authors of the letter point out that the number of brick-and-mortar bookstores in the US has dwindled significantly over the years, falling from approximately 12,000 in 1998 to just over 6,000 in 2019.

Amazon’s response to these allegations remains to be seen. The implications of a potential FTC or DOJ lawsuit targeting Amazon’s operations are still unclear.

Reports from June indicated that the FTC was preparing a comprehensive antitrust suit focused on Amazon’s core online marketplace.

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AI stocks surge amid market shifts and spending warnings

AI sector drives economic growth; Meta adjusts strategy, Palantir’s valuation sparks questions, and Nvidia leads amid rising competition.

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AI sector drives economic growth; Meta adjusts strategy, Palantir’s valuation sparks questions, and Nvidia leads amid rising competition.


The artificial intelligence sector continues to be a major driver of growth for both the U.S. and global economies. Companies at the forefront of AI innovation are influencing market trends and reshaping industries worldwide.

Meta’s stock has rebounded slightly following reports of potential cost-cutting measures and job reductions in its Reality Labs division. Investors are watching closely as the company adjusts its strategy to manage rising expenses and optimize innovation.

Palantir is trading at over 120 times forward sales and 180 times forward earnings, signaling investor confidence but also raising questions about valuation risks. Meanwhile, Nvidia maintains a market cap of $4.2 trillion as a leading AI chip supplier, yet competition is ramping up.

These moves highlight the growing tension between tech giants’ AI ambitions and the practical need to balance profits with heavy R&D spending.

Some analysts, however, warn that rapid growth may not be sustainable, with current levels of AI-related spending potentially overshooting realistic returns.

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#AIStocks #TechInvesting #Nvidia #Meta #Palantir #ArtificialIntelligence #StockMarket #TickerNews


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AI investments set to surge in 2026 as companies target productivity gains

Analysts forecast $500 billion AI investment by 2026, transforming corporate spending priorities and enhancing economic productivity.

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Analysts forecast $500 billion AI investment by 2026, transforming corporate spending priorities and enhancing economic productivity.


Analysts predict that artificial intelligence companies could invest over $500 billion in 2026, signaling a major shift in corporate spending priorities. This surge in capital allocation comes as businesses look to harness AI to drive growth and efficiency across multiple sectors.

Following strong third-quarter earnings, overall capital spending estimates for 2026 have been revised upward. However, investors are becoming more selective, focusing on companies that can clearly demonstrate revenue benefits from their AI investments, separating hype from tangible results.

AI adoption is expected to boost economic productivity, with significant investment already flowing into AI infrastructure such as semiconductors and data centres. The coming year could redefine how companies leverage technology to gain a competitive edge.

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#AIInvestment #TechGrowth #FutureEconomy #DataCenters #Semiconductors #ArtificialIntelligence #ProductivityBoost #CapitalSpending


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Stocks, AI and the economy: What to expect in 2026

2025’s market turmoil analyzed: AI hype, tariffs, global politics, and Federal Reserve impacts—tune in for expert insights!

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2025’s market turmoil analyzed: AI hype, tariffs, global politics, and Federal Reserve impacts—tune in for expert insights!


2025 has been a rollercoaster for investors, with AI hype, tariffs, and global politics shaking up markets. We break down what these trends mean for your portfolio and the risks ahead.

Joining us for insights is Kyle Rodda from Capital.com, who explains how Treasury yields, unemployment data, and inflation readings are shaping investor sentiment. We also dive into what the Federal Reserve’s recent moves could mean for 2026.

From the potential impact of a 43-day government shutdown to payroll numbers and market expectations, this episode gives you the clarity you need to navigate the next year in stocks.

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#StockMarket #Investing2026 #AIStocks #FederalReserve #EconomyWatch #MarketTrends #FinanceNews #TreasuryYields


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