Becker Business Podcast: "5 Stories We Are Following Today 9-4-25"

Host: Scott Becker
Date: September 4, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Scott Becker delivers concise, rapid-fire commentary on five major business stories making headlines. He analyzes the shifting job market, market-moving developments at Google, AI-driven turbulence at Salesforce, surprising results from Macy’s, and performance of key AI stocks. The episode maintains a fast-paced, informative tone, offering valuable perspective for anyone tracking business, private equity, or technology sector news.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The U.S. Job Market Weakening

[00:34]

• The latest jobs report shows fewer open positions and fewer new jobs created than anticipated.
• Implication: "This indicates a worsening job market and increased likelihood that the Fed will cut rates more aggressively."
• Market reaction: Markets are rallying in response, expecting loosening monetary policy.

Notable Quote:

• "This is leading the markets up today in a not insignificant way." — Scott Becker [00:45]

2. Alphabet (Google) Surges On Antitrust Ruling

[00:52]

• Alphabet (Google) stock jumped 9.14% following an antitrust ruling that was less damaging than many investors feared.
• The Nasdaq rose 1% on this news and continued to climb the following day.
• Alphabet is up 21% year-to-date.

Notable Quote:

• "Alphabet Google jumped yesterday 9.14% on the basis of an antitrust ruling, which was not as bad as many feared it would be." — Scott Becker [00:54]

3. Salesforce Slumps Amid AI Challenges

[01:12]

• Salesforce stock is down nearly 7% pre-market due to "slowing AI wins and slowing deployment."
• The company's revenue forecasts have weakened, and momentum is not meeting expectations.

Notable Quote:

• "They're weaker revenue forecasts and not going as well as they expected." — Scott Becker [01:18]

4. Macy’s Delivers a Big Surprise

[01:26]

• Macy’s stock soared more than 21% after reporting strong results—its best performance in several quarters.
• Factors: Successful store closures, operational streamlining, and positive same-store sales growth for the first time in years.
• The jump was unexpected, catching Wall Street off guard.

Notable Quote:

• "Macy’s knocked it out of the park yesterday... It's their best results in several quarters." — Scott Becker [01:27]

5. Mixed Performance Among AI Stocks

[01:42]

• Three AI-related stocks tracked by Becker:
  • Soundtown: Down 35% year-to-date.
  • Palantir Technologies: Up 105% year-to-date.
  • Tempest AI: Up 125% year-to-date.
• Quick snapshot underscores both the volatility and opportunity in the AI sector.

Notable Quote:

• "Three of the AI related stocks that we follow are performing as follows..." — Scott Becker [01:42]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:34] U.S. Jobs Report and Market Reaction
• [00:52] Alphabet/Google Antitrust Ruling Impact
• [01:12] Salesforce AI-related Weakness
• [01:26] Macy’s Strong Quarterly Results
• [01:42] AI Stock Performance Update

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• "The Nasdaq rose 1% yesterday based on this ruling and it's up again today." — Scott Becker [01:01]
• "No one really saw that coming." (on Macy’s 21% jump) — Scott Becker [01:28]
• "Same store growth is actually picking up for the first time in a few years." — Scott Becker [01:32]
• "More on AI and some of these other things a little bit later. Thank you for listening..." — Scott Becker [01:45]

Episode Tone

Scott delivers analysis with a crisp, authoritative, and informative style, perfect for business leaders and investors who want actionable news highlights without fluff.