Too big tech: is Alphabet approaching a growth ceiling?
The Economist Podcasts
Fri, August 4, 2023
Podchat Summary

Quarterly Results and Future Growth of Tech Giants

In this episode, we dive into the quarterly results of tech giants Apple, Amazon, and Alphabet (Google's parent company) and analyze their implications for future growth. While Apple and Amazon show signs of improvement, the growth rate of Alphabet is slowing down, posing a challenge to its future expansion.

We explore how the core businesses of these tech giants, particularly digital advertising, are becoming more mature and less productive. To sustain growth, Alphabet is investing in AI tools and exploring new markets. However, the success of these efforts remains uncertain.

We also discuss Alphabet's "Other Bets" division, which focuses on moonshot projects. Unfortunately, this division has been losing money and struggling to create new markets. We examine the potential risks and rewards of such ambitious ventures.

Furthermore, we analyze Alphabet's biggest bet for sustained growth: corporate software and cloud computing. While this sector has shown promise, we also highlight its limitations and potential challenges.

Ultimately, we explore how the long-term growth of tech giants depends on the evolution of computing and artificial intelligence, as well as their ability to displace incumbent businesses. We discuss the potential impact of these factors on the future of the tech industry.

France's Economic Success and Social Support System

In the second part of this episode, we shift our focus to France's economy and its performance compared to its European neighbors. We highlight the strong growth in GDP and the thriving luxury goods sector that contribute to France's success.

We examine the factors behind France's economic achievements, including a more business-friendly environment and increased state interventionism. We discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of these approaches.

Despite concerns about education, healthcare, and public finances, we also explore how France's social support system remains relatively strong. We analyze the various aspects of this system and its impact on the overall well-being of French citizens.

Join us as we delve into the quarterly results of tech giants and their future growth prospects, as well as the economic success and social support system of France.

Original Show Notes

As the tech giant approaches its 25-year anniversary, there are questions of just how much more it can possibly grow. Investors are used to stratospheric returns. Is it time to manage expectations? Nested behind the appearance of social discontent in France is an economy that is actually thriving (10:51). And, a tribute to a true man of the woods (19:02). 


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