Amazon Cutting 16,000 Jobs, ASML Reports Record Bookings - bloomberg-technology Recap

Podcast: bloomberg-technology

Published: 2026-01-28

Duration: 43 minutes

Guests: Spencer Soper, Christophe Fuget

Summary

Amazon is cutting 16,000 corporate jobs to streamline operations. ASML reports record fourth-quarter bookings fueled by AI demand, while SoftBank considers a $30 billion investment in OpenAI.

What Happened

Amazon is making significant cuts to its workforce, planning to eliminate 16,000 corporate jobs. This move is part of the company's strategy to streamline operations and increase ownership. Spencer Soper, a Bloomberg reporter covering Amazon, highlights the delicate balance Amazon's leadership must strike between reassuring employees and making necessary reductions.

ASML, a key player in the semiconductor industry, is also reducing its workforce by 1,700 jobs. However, the company reported record fourth-quarter bookings exceeding $13 billion, driven by strong demand for AI-powered chipmaking equipment. ASML's CEO Christophe Fuget noted that the sustained demand for AI-related products indicates confidence in the industry's growth potential.

The episode also delves into SoftBank's potential investment in OpenAI, which could reach up to $30 billion. This investment is part of a larger funding round targeting a valuation between $150 billion and $850 billion. SoftBank's interest underscores the growing importance of AI technologies and their transformative potential across industries.

The S&P 500 recently reached an unprecedented level above 7,000, signaling a strong market performance. Meanwhile, Texas Instruments reported a positive forecast for the first quarter, suggesting a recovery in chip demand. SK Hynix shares surged following strong earnings and plans to establish an AI data center in the US, further highlighting the optimistic outlook for the semiconductor industry.

Trade tensions are simmering between the US and South Korea over digital services regulations. This development raises concerns about potential impacts on global trade and technology partnerships. In other tech news, Wabi, a self-driving startup, secured $1 billion in new funding, signaling robust investor interest in autonomous vehicle technologies.

Elon Musk hinted that SpaceX's IPO might coincide with celestial events in mid-June, capturing public interest. Snap's creation of a subsidiary for augmented reality glasses reflects the company's ambition to enhance its technological capabilities and explore new fundraising opportunities. Microsoft's Azure platform is expected to exceed growth projections, driven by OpenAI training revenue, while its security portfolio is considered a key differentiator in the autonomous agents market.

Meta's capital expenditures are projected to reach $111 billion by 2026, with a strategic focus on AI and data centers. The episode underscores the shifting dynamics in the tech industry, with companies prioritizing AI investments and technological advancements to remain competitive.

Key Insights