Super Micro Computer lost $50 billion in valuation due to a combination of factors, including accusations of selling servers with Chinese spyware, temporary delisting from NASDAQ for not filing financial statements, and SEC charges for accounting violations. Additionally, a report by activist short sellers Hindenburg exposed ongoing bad accounting practices and potential bypassing of export bans to countries like Russia and China. The resignation of their auditors, Ernst & Young, further signaled red flags in the company's financials, leading to a significant stock drop.
Goldman Sachs predicts that U.S. stocks are headed for a 'lost decade,' with returns expected to drop from an average of 11% to around 3% over the next 10 years. This is based on high current valuations of stocks, which would require companies to become significantly more profitable to sustain growth. The report suggests that investors should expect lower returns compared to the past decade.
When a company's auditor quits, it is a major red flag indicating potential financial irregularities or accounting issues. Auditors are typically incentivized to maintain contracts with companies, so their resignation suggests serious concerns about the company's financial health. In the case of Super Micro Computer, the resignation of Ernst & Young led to a 33% stock drop on the same day.
The finance bro outfit, characterized by quarter-zip sweaters, spread-collar shirts, and chinos, evolved from the traditional suit-and-tie attire of finance professionals. Over time, the rise of tech millionaires and the digital economy shifted the status symbol from formal wear to casual attire. However, finance professionals still need to signal professionalism, leading to the adoption of business casual styles like quarter-zip sweaters and tech vests.
Derek Guy advises wearing a tailored jacket to create a flattering silhouette, paired with a button-down collar shirt, jeans, or chinos. A navy sport coat is particularly versatile for dressing up a business casual outfit without going full suit. This approach balances professionalism with modern, casual styles.
Dress sneakers, such as those by Common Projects, emerged in the early 2000s as a way to blend comfort with professionalism in knowledge-intensive sectors. These luxury sneakers, often minimalist and branded subtly, signaled reliability and middle-class respectability. They became a status symbol, allowing professionals to dress comfortably while maintaining a polished appearance.
Goldman Sachs just put out a report predicting a stock market permafrost. On this week’s TLDR, we ask how scared we should be. Plus, long-time listeners know that TLDR co-host Matt Karasz loves his quarter zip sweaters. Menswear guru Derek Guy — @dieworkwear on X — puts Matt’s outfit of choice into sociological context. And, we take a look at why an AI superstock lost 50 billion USD in valuation.
This episode was hosted by Devin Friedman, business reporter Sarah Rieger and former hedgefunder Matthew Karasz. Follow us on other platforms, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter: linkin.bio/tldr
The TLDR Podcast is offered by Wealthsimple Media Inc. and is for informational purposes only. The content in the TLDR Podcast is not investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell assets or securities, and does not represent the views of Wealthsimple Financial Corp or any of its other subsidiaries or affiliates. Wealthsimple Media Inc. does not endorse any third-party views referenced in this content. More information at wealthsimple.com/tldr.