In case you missed it, last week a federal judge ruled Google (GOOG) illegally preserved its search monopoly.
What?
Did you think Google was doing everything above board?
It was also discovered that Google was paying Apple (AAPL) $20 billion/year to make its search engine the default on the iPhone.
The judge said these “backhander” payments must stop.
LOL!
Oh, really?
First off, this is bad for Apple.
Why?
That $20 billion was pure profit.
So, roughly one-fifth of Apple’s earnings just went up in smoke.
As a result, this ruling practically guarantees 2024 will be a down year…just like the last three years for Apple.
But Google fans need not worry.
This ruling does not mean Google will disappear from your iPhone. What will likely happen is you will have a menu of options to choose from instead of one.
That’s fair.
Ironically (or NOT) the last time a federal judge ruled a tech giant was illegally using its market power was back in the early 2000s with Microsoft (MSFT).
As a result, Microsoft’s stock went nowhere for 12 years after that decision.
There’s no doubt we’re in a different market environment today, but these rulings usually mean trouble.
Apple and Google have been two of the best stocks to own over the past decade.
And they have been stock market “MVPs” year after year.
But their best days are behind them.
Google Search vs Chatbots
Like it or not AI and especially Chatbots (robots that chat with you and supply answers to a multitude of problems) are here to stay.
And if you are looking for the next Amazon/Apple/Google winner you should be asking yourself: “What’s not going to change in the next 10 years?”
One simple answer to that is how Uncle Sam is NOT going to turn off the money printer.
So, where does that present opportunity?
Without naming specific companies (you can find them in our monthly newsletter HERE) remember, the value of the dollar will keep sliding as we print more money.
And just like your morning coffee and grocery bill is priced in dollars, so too are stocks.
Translation: Dollar down means stocks up.
And except for a possible sharp downturn before the election (possibly early September into October) we remind you that we’re still in The Most Hated Bull Market in History.
So, learn how to prosper AND thrive every month by becoming a member of our Free Thinkers Group (HERE).
Share this with a friend. Even if they say they will never use a Chatbot. They’ll thank YOU later.
And tell them:
We’re Not Just About Finance
But we use finance to give you hope.
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