Becker Business Podcast

Episode: Seven Stories to Follow Today 8-22-25

Host: Scott Becker
Date: August 22, 2025

Brief Overview

In this episode, Scott Becker presents seven key business stories shaping the market landscape on August 22, 2025. Topics range from the Federal Reserve's openness to potential rate cuts following the Jackson Hole meeting, to sector-specific news such as Nvidia’s performance, Zoom’s continued growth post-COVID, and analysis of major stocks like Microsoft and Apple. The episode also touches on trends in healthcare stocks and the ongoing geopolitical challenge of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Reserve Hints at Rate Cuts

• [00:10] The most significant story is the Federal Reserve’s announcement at the Jackson Hole meeting, signaling they are open to rate cuts.
• This news is pushing markets higher:
  • NASDAQ up about 1.66%
  • S&P up about 1.5%
• “[The Fed’s openness to rate cuts] is driving the markets higher today. And we’re watching how the markets close.” (Scott Becker, 00:10)

2. Nvidia Faces Headwinds on China Chip Sales

• [00:28] Nvidia stock is down about 4% this week due to challenges with chip sales to China.
• Despite this, Nvidia's market capitalization remains over $4 trillion.
• “Nvidia is seeing some headwinds this week with chip sales to China, and it’s down about 4% this week. Though it’s going to recover a little bit today.” (Scott Becker, 00:28)

3. Zoom Surges on Demand

• [00:40] Zoom, the conferencing platform, is experiencing significant growth, projecting annual revenue between $4.83 and $4.84 billion.
• The stock is up more than 5% today.
• Becker highlights Zoom’s user-friendliness:
  • “I find Zoom to be by far the easiest platform to work with. In fact, we’re working on it now.” (Scott Becker, 00:55)

4. Microsoft Praised as Top Dividend Stock

• [01:05] Motley Fool designates Microsoft as its favorite dividend stock for its stability, not necessarily for its high dividend yield.
• “Motley Fool calls Microsoft its favorite dividend stock by far, not because of a high dividend necessarily, but because of its stability and where it’s at.” (Scott Becker, 01:05)

5. Berkshire Hathaway Sells Most of Its Apple Shares

• [01:15] Berkshire Hathaway has sold approximately 70% of its Apple shares over the last two years.
• Apple had been one of Berkshire’s largest holdings, making this a notable shift in portfolio strategy.
• “Berkshire has sold more than about 70% of its Apples for the last two years. Apple had long been one of its largest holdings. That’s sort of fascinating to watch as well.” (Scott Becker, 01:15)

6. Healthcare Stocks at Historical Lows

• [01:27] Barron’s reports healthcare stocks are at their lowest in 30 years — possibly signaling buying opportunities.
  • United down 40% YTD
  • Centene down 52% YTD
  • Surgery Partners up 8% YTD
  • HCA up 34% YTD
• “Healthcare stocks are at the lowest point in 30 years, and it may be time to start buying.” (Scott Becker, 01:27)

7. Russia-Ukraine Negotiations Remain Stalled

• [01:46] The president is struggling to find common ground between Russia and Ukraine:
  • “The president is finding it a lot harder to find common ground between Russia and Ukraine than he would like. The sides remain entrenched. We give him a lot of credit here for being fully engaged and trying, but he is finding it more intractable than he might have expected.” (Scott Becker, 01:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On market optimism:
  “The Fed says they’re open to rate cuts. They have their Jackson Hole meeting today. This is driving the markets higher today.” (Scott Becker, 00:12)

• On user experience with Zoom:
  “I find Zoom to be by far the easiest platform to work with. In fact, we’re working on it now.” (Scott Becker, 00:55)

• On presidential efforts in diplomacy:
  “We give him a lot of credit here for being fully engaged and trying, but he is finding it more intractable than he might have expected.” (Scott Becker, 01:52)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:10: Fed’s rate cut openness and market impact
• 00:28: Nvidia’s China headwinds
• 00:40: Zoom’s revenue rise and stock performance
• 01:05: Microsoft as a preferred dividend stock
• 01:15: Berkshire’s Apple selloff
• 01:27: Healthcare stocks overview
• 01:46: Russia-Ukraine negotiations update

Summary

Scott Becker concisely highlights crucial business news, offering context, key figures, and analysis in his straightforward, business-minded style. This episode is ideal for listeners seeking an efficient update on key business stories and market movements as of August 22, 2025, with illuminating comments on both industry shifts and geopolitical challenges.