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Think Netflix – for gaming: Microsoft buys Activision Blizzard

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In a move that is sending shockwaves throughout the gaming space, Microsoft has laid plans to purchase the video game development studio: Activision Blizzard

Microsoft plans to buy major games company Activision Blizzard in a deal worth $US68.7 billion

It would be the biggest acquisition in the company’s history and is expected to be finalised next year.

The move means Microsoft will take ownership of gaming franchises like Call of Duty, Warcraft and Overwatch and will provide building blocks for the metaverse.

The deal comes with a slew of popular franchises both old and new, meaning more exclusivity in favour of Microsoft and their Xbox Game pass subscription service.

Think Netflix – for gaming.

Activision Blizzard has in recent months seen a concerning pattern of allegations and lawsuits. With several issues afflicting the company in relation to employee treatment, sexual harassment and, a quote “frat boy culture” which ravaged the reputation of the popular studio.

Enraged employees staged walkouts in response to the poor conditions and lack of leadership surrounding these issues last year.

Microsoft’s takeover sees an important opportunity present itself for the company as they will now need to improve the culture dramatically.

This trend of developer acquisition has seen the gaming space evolve from the traditional “console wars” of the 90s and early 2000s into a world where content is king.

Where this leaves competitors like Sony and Nintendo remains to be seen but as 2022 kicks off and the gaming industry shows no signs of slowing, there is plenty to play as gamers assess where to get their gaming goodness moving forward.

However for XBOX and PC owners their gaming offerings have expanded dramatically as of the signing of this deal.

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Markets watch RBA, tax talks, and Nvidia surge

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Investors are eyeing a possible rate cut from the Reserve Bank of Australia as inflation cools. In the US, Trump’s sweeping tax bill is dividing Congress ahead of the 2026 race. Nvidia gears up to report earnings next week, with markets hopeful the AI boom continues. Meanwhile, Bitcoin has hit fresh record highs, driven by ETF momentum and global demand.

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Trump’s “big beautiful bill” takes centre stage

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Donald Trump is back in Washington, rallying Republicans around his sweeping new budget plan—nicknamed the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” It promises to tackle inflation, border security, and government waste, while proposing a bold new Department of Government Efficiency—possibly led by Elon Musk. With U.S. debt over $36 trillion, Trump’s push comes at a tense economic moment. Supporters say it’s about fiscal discipline; critics say it’s far-fetched. As 2026 looms, the question remains—can Trump deliver real reform, or is this more political theatre?

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Tech, trade & tariffs reshape global economic landscape

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The global economy is undergoing rapid change — with breakthroughs in technology, shifts in trade policy, and renewed inflationary pressures all colliding.

In the U.S., the autonomous vehicle sector is accelerating after Waymo received key regulatory approval to expand its driverless services. The move could give Alphabet a competitive edge over rivals like GM’s Cruise, with the prospect of robotaxis generating real revenue on the horizon.

At the same time, fresh tariff threats are sparking alarm in the retail sector. Walmart has warned that new duties could trigger double-digit price hikes, putting pressure on consumers and potentially reshaping spending patterns, especially in electronics and apparel.

Meanwhile, the UK and EU have struck new trade agreements aimed at reducing red tape around food and emissions. The deals mark a step toward improved cooperation and could provide a modest economic boost for exporters.

With uncertainty still hanging over global markets, investors are once again turning to precious metals. Gold and silver are gaining attention as safe havens, with silver’s industrial use giving it added appeal in an uncertain climate.

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