Podcast Summary: The Rundown – “Spotify Sets Growth Record, TSMC Signals AI Demand Is Real”

Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Zaid Admani (Public.com)
Episode Focus:
A rapid-fire update on stock market movers, key corporate earnings (Spotify, Coca-Cola), international market trends, the latest on TSMC and AI chip demand, a notable short seller apology, and the surprising news of Mr. Beast buying a bank aimed at teenagers.

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode centers on three major stories:

• The record-setting growth of Spotify, a signal of continued international stock outperformance, and TSMC’s role as a bellwether for AI-driven chip demand.
• Additional discussions span a rare short seller apology impacting Applovin stock, Coca-Cola’s earnings stumble and leadership change, and the headline-grabbing fintech move by YouTuber Mr. Beast.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Market Recap & International Outperformance

[00:16–02:02]

• US Markets: S&P 500 up 0.5%, Nasdaq up 0.9%; tech rebounded after a tough previous week.
  • “It was the best performing sector yesterday, which was nice to see after the bloodbath from last week.” (Zaid, 00:29)
• Oracle surged nearly 10%; software ETF IGV up 7% in two days.
  • “Shout out to everyone that bought the dip last week.”
• International Markets: Europe, South Korea, and Japan have all outpaced the US so far in 2026.
• Japan’s Nikkei index hit a record high after Prime Minister Takaichi's election win.
  • “Japan’s Nikkei index hit a record high yesterday after their Prime Minister Takaichi won big in the election.” (00:51)
• Reasons for Outperformance: Weakening US dollar makes international stocks more attractive; US equities seen as expensive.
  • “When the dollar weakens, international investments become more attractive. Plus, it feels like US stocks might be too expensive and investors are chasing better deals overseas.” (01:07)
• Upcoming Economic Data:
  • January jobs report to be released; expectation is 68,000 new jobs.
  • CPI inflation report due Friday — both could set stocks up for new highs.

2. Spotify’s Blockbuster Quarter

[02:13–04:01]

• User & Subscriber Growth:
  • 38 million new users (biggest ever quarterly jump); total now 751 million monthly users.
  • Premium subscribers reached 290 million, up 10% year-over-year.
• Financial Results:
  • Revenue rose 7% to $4.5 billion in Q4.
  • Q4 profit hit $1.4 billion, triple the previous year; operating margins at record levels.
• Growth Drivers:
  • Spotify Wrapped drove huge engagement—over 300 million interactions, 630 million social shares.
    • “Spotify Wrapped is very popular. More than 300 million users interacted with the feature, generating 630 million social media shares. It basically turns into the best free marketing campaign in the world...” (Zaid, 03:12)
  • Enhanced free tier launched globally, particularly drawing in users outside the US; added audiobooks and music videos.
  • Price hikes: Premium now $12.99/month in the US (up from $11.99).
• Soft Spots:
  • Ad revenue fell 4% year-over-year; long-term risk as ad-supported users are a significant base.
• Stock Impact:
  • Shares surged 14% after earnings; a relief after being down 28% year-to-date.

3. TSMC & Intensifying AI Chip Demand

[04:08–05:35]

• Sales Growth: January sales up 37% YoY, signaling robust AI chip demand.
  • “A clear sign that AI chip demand isn’t slowing down.” (Zaid, 04:16)
• Tariff Developments:
  • Trump administration planning tariff exemptions on imported chips proportional to investment in US manufacturing by chipmakers like TSMC.
  • TSMC has committed ~$165 billion to US facilities.
    • “The more that TSMC invests in American manufacturing… the more chips that they can import to the US from Taiwan without having to pay tariffs.” (Zaid, 04:55)
  • Political pushback: Taiwan’s vice premier called the goal of moving 40% of chip supply chain “impossible.”
• Big Picture:
  • Underlines strength in chip demand and coming tariff relief.

4. Stock Movers: Applovin & Coca-Cola

[05:37–07:02]

Applovin

• Stock surging after short seller Capital Watch retracted claims of criminal ties and money laundering.
  • “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a short seller issue an apology.” (Zaid, 06:10)
• Details:
  • Applovin (ad tech for mobile games) saw its stock jump 14% after the apology, up an additional 3% at recording time.
  • The impact of public retractions on share price highlighted.

Coca-Cola

• Shares dropped after mixed Q4 earnings and weak 2026 outlook.
• Volume growth flat in 2025; sales missed Wall Street’s forecasts.
• Price sensitivity on the rise, echoing Pepsi’s earlier admission.
• Bright Spot:
  • Coke Zero Sugar up 13% in Q4.
  • “I guarantee the Admani household had a big role in that because I’m addicted to it.” (Zaid, 06:43)
  • Premium brands (Smart Water, Fairlife) still growing, suggesting health-focused consumers remain willing to pay more.
• Leadership Change:
  • CEO James Quincy stepping down, Henrique Braun taking over (at Coca-Cola nearly three decades).
  • Stock down about 3% at recording time.

5. Surprise Move: Mr. Beast Buys a Bank

[07:07–08:05]

• Mr. Beast (Jimmy Donaldson), the YouTube megastar, acquires Step Mobile, a banking app for teens.
  • Step offers fee-free banking, secured credit cards for credit building.
  • Last valued at $920M in 2021; actual price not disclosed, likely lower.
• Strategic logic:
  • Mr. Beast has a youthful, massive online audience well-matched to Step’s target market.
  • “You know, he has a growing portfolio of businesses and he uses his massive audience, a billion plus, to bring customers to his businesses.” (Zaid, 07:39)
  • Plans for a finance-focused YouTube channel to teach investing, IRAs, etc.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Shout out to everyone that bought the dip last week." — Zaid [00:36]
• “Spotify Wrapped is very popular... It basically turns into the best free marketing campaign in the world...” — Zaid [03:12]
• "I don’t think I’ve ever seen a short seller issue an apology." — Zaid [06:10]
• “I guarantee the Admani household had a big role in that because I’m addicted to [Coke Zero Sugar].” — Zaid [06:43]
• “Maybe [Mr. Beast] can come on the rundown to talk more about it.” — Zaid [08:03; joking about Mr. Beast’s growing banking ambitions]

Key Timestamps

• 00:16–02:02: Market recap and international outperformance
• 02:13–04:01: Spotify earnings and growth deep dive
• 04:08–05:35: TSMC, AI chip demand, and US tariffs policy
• 05:37–07:02: Applovin’s rebound after a short seller’s apology; Coca-Cola’s mixed results and CEO transition
• 07:07–08:05: Mr. Beast buys a bank; Step Mobile’s acquisition and fintech implications

Overall Tone and Takeaways

Zaid maintains a fast-paced, upbeat, and lightly humorous tone, delivering insights for investors in an approachable style. Industry jargon is explained, market news is contextualized, and fun facts (like Mr. Beast’s latest move) are woven in to keep things engaging for both seasoned investors and casual listeners.

This episode covers a mix of record-setting growth, global investing themes, shifting consumer and market behavior, and the crossover of online celebrity into fintech, making it both informative and relevant for anyone interested in the evolving financial landscape.