Beijing appears to be reviving several antitrust investigations against US big tech companies.
Financial Times reported on Tuesday that antitrust investigations into Google and Nvidia were being considered, while a new probe against Intel was pending. Bloomberg now reports that China’s antitrust watchdog is mulling over opening a formal probe against Apple. These investigations should be viewed as a strategic move by Beijing to increase leverage ahead of upcoming trade talks between President Xi Jinping and President Donald Trump.
Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the matter, reported that China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) is considering a potential probe into the world’s most valuable company over the 30% fee it charges app developers. The potential investigation will also review how Apple blocks third-party payment services in the App Store.
The report continued:
The conversations stem from long-running disputes between Apple and developers such as Tencent Holdings Ltd. and ByteDance Ltd. over iOS store policies — a source of tension between the US company and regulators worldwide.
…
Chinese regulators believe that Apple may be charging local developers unreasonably high fees, the people said. They think the barring of third-party app stores and payment methods also hinders competition and hurts local consumers, the people said. If Apple resists making changes, the government may launch a formal investigation, the people added.
“Last year, the company revamped its store practices in the European Union to meet the requirements of the Digital Markets Act. That’s led to third-party app marketplaces and outside payment methods,” Bloomberg noted. […]
— Read More: www.zerohedge.com
At Last, a Company With Integrity in the Gold IRA Industry
For several years, I’ve been vetting out precious metals companies in search of the best. I believe in gold and silver but it’s hard to find integrity in the Gold IRA industry. The vast majority operate with shady tactics and gigantic spreads that take advantage of Americans who simply want to protect their life’s savings.
I’ve found a handful that I like and I’ve worked with some of them. By no means would I “unrecommend” them because, again, I vetted them out and found them to be above the fold. Unfortunately, it isn’t hard to be better than the rest when the rest are so darn awful.
After years of searching, I finally found a company that truly operates with integrity. Augusta Precious Metals has three important attributes that set them far above the competition:
- Non-Commissioned Sales Team: I cannot stress how important and unique this is. With just about every other company in the Gold IRA industry, the sales teams make commission from every account they open. This means they steer their clients toward the gold and silver products with the highest commission. With Augusta Precious Metals, the team is solely focused on putting the best gold and silver for their clients into their IRA. They get paid to serve the best interests of the Gold IRA client, NOT their own commission pay.
- Incredibly Low Fees: Most Americans would be shocked if they knew the spread other Gold IRA companies charge. Augusta charges just 5% versus up to 45% elsewhere.
- No Pressure, No Gimmicks: There’s an understanding among most in the Gold IRA industry that fear and pressure is the way to go. Augusta Precious Metals takes a sober approach when working with clients because they hold integrity in the highest possible regard. This is why they don’t offer gimmicks like “free” or “bonus” silver. It’s also why they do not apply pressure tactics to get quick sales. Their educational and transparent approach to doing business is exceedingly rare in the Gold IRA industry.
