Becker Business Podcast: “5 More Stories We Are Following Today 11-25-25”
Host: Scott Becker
Date: November 25, 2025
Episode Overview
In this episode of Becker Business, host Scott Becker delivers rapid-fire commentary on five noteworthy business stories from late November 2025. He highlights dramatic market capitalizations shifts among tech giants, breaking healthcare sector news, major crypto legal developments, accounting controversies around AI, and a tongue-in-cheek warning about seeking weight loss advice from AI. The episode blends hard news with Becker’s characteristic wit and succinct analysis.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Tech Market Capitalizations: Apple vs. Nvidia, Google’s Surge
- Apple holds strong with a staggering $4.1 trillion market cap, maintaining its leadership.
- Contrast with Nvidia: Nvidia has recently lost about $400 billion in market cap. This decline is attributed to:
- Investor concerns about inflated valuations.
- Increased competition, particularly Google’s aggressive entry into the chip business.
- Google's rebound: Google is set to reach approximately $4 trillion in market cap, thanks to renewed momentum in the chip sector.
- Notable moment: Becker highlights Google’s comeback as particularly significant in the tech race.
“Apple is now at 4.1 trillion in market cap and really holding its own. In contrast, we're seeing Nvidia give up some market cap...Google has come on so strongly, it's going to be right at about 4 trillion in market cap by the end of the day.”
— Scott Becker [00:15–00:40]
2. Healthcare: Oscar Health Jumps on Policy Rumors
- Oscar Health, a major Medicare Advantage insurer, saw its stock jump 22% in one day.
- This surge is tied to rumors that the President may continue some ACA (Affordable Care Act) subsidies.
- The potential continuation of subsidies is highly controversial, especially among Republicans.
“Oscar Health...jumped about 22% yesterday. And rumors that the president may try and continue some ACA subsidies. Again, this is a very unpopular plan by the president on the right side of his party…”
— Scott Becker [00:42–01:00]
3. Crypto: Binance Founder Allegations
- Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, is accused of facilitating payments to Hamas—a grave and high-profile allegation.
- The story was originally reported by the Financial Times.
- Becker doesn’t editorialize, but notes the seriousness of the report, calling it “ugly.”
“The Binance founder Changpeng Zhao is accused of facilitating payments, facilitating payments to Hamas. That's ugly. That's covered by the Financial Times.”
— Scott Becker [01:01–01:10]
4. AI and Accounting: Meta Under Scrutiny
- Heightened concerns about the intersection of AI and accounting practices at large companies.
- Meta’s “gigantic new data center” is spotlighted by the Wall Street Journal for its aggressive accounting practices in connection with AI efforts.
- Indicates growing media scrutiny of how AI investments are reflected financially.
“There is growing concern about AI efforts in the accounting treatment at some of the large companies. A great story in the Wall Street Journal. See AI meets aggressive accounting at Meta’s gigantic new data center.”
— Scott Becker [01:12–01:23]
5. Lighthearted Close: AI for Weight Loss and Golf Scores
- Becker wraps up with a self-deprecating joke about using ChatGPT or Google for quick weight loss tips, suggesting it’s always a “bad sign.”
- He muses about using AI for golf tips next time.
“The fifth story I’m following today is add Google or Chat GPT how to lose a few pounds quickly and that's always a bad sign. I hope I can execute on the plan…the next Chat GPT that may be how to improve my golf score…”
— Scott Becker [01:25–01:40]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Apple is now at 4.1 trillion in market cap and really holding its own.” [00:15]
- “Nvidia has lost about 400 billion in market cap in the last few months.” [00:35]
- “The Binance founder Changpeng Zhao is accused of facilitating payments to Hamas. That's ugly.” [01:01]
- “AI meets aggressive accounting at Meta's gigantic new data center. That was at the Wall Street Journal.” [01:16]
- “Add Google or Chat GPT how to lose a few pounds quickly and that's always a bad sign.” [01:25]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Tech Market Cap News (Apple, Nvidia, Google): 00:00–00:40
- Oscar Health & ACA Subsidies: 00:42–01:00
- Binance Founder Allegations: 01:01–01:10
- AI, Meta & Accounting Concerns: 01:12–01:23
- AI for Personal Tips (Weight Loss, Golf): 01:25–01:40
Becker’s rapid roundup is filled with sharp, relevant business news, spiced with his trademark dry humor and accessible clarity.