Tech Stocks Dominate Social Media This Week

Strategic Insights -

News of high-profile partnerships and acquisitions flooded social media channels, with many market experts and financial sources discussing the implications of these announcements on the tech industry. Notable stocks mentioned on Twitter and traditional media channels include IBM, ARM Holdings, Microsoft, Barnes & Noble, and Sanofi. Meanwhile, other companies such as Accenture and Johnson & Johnson faced criticism and scrutiny for their business practices. Here are the key takeaways and statistics from the top news stories of the week.

Key Takeaways:

  • IBM and ARM Holdings announced a partnership to integrate ARM's mBed chip system into IBM's cloud platform, enabling the storage and monitoring of data from IoT devices.
  • Microsoft acquired people analytics startup Volometrix for an undisclosed amount, further expanding its machine learning capabilities.
  • Barnes & Noble released the Galaxy Tab S2 Nook, a tablet featuring upgraded screen resolution and 32GB of built-in memory.
  • Sanofi partnered with Google Life Sciences to develop new treatments and monitoring systems for diabetes.
  • HSBC was ordered to remove its CEO in Argentina after accusations of aiding clients in tax evasion.
  • The International Trade Commission ruled that Microsoft-owned Nokia devices did not infringe upon patents held by InterDigital.
  • Johnson & Johnson was accused of hiding side-effects of Risperdal, an anti-psychotic drug.
  • Accenture announced a partnership with SOASTA, a performance analytics firm, and acquired Brazilian digital marketing agency A.D. Dialeto.

Statistics:

  • 500,677 shares of the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust were traded at $199.35 in a single block trade.
  • 32GB of built-in memory is featured in the Galaxy Tab S2 Nook.
  • Sanofi's partnership with Google Life Sciences aims to improve diabetes care through new treatments and monitoring systems.
  • Microsoft acquired Volometrix, a people analytics startup, for an unspecified amount.
  • HSBC's CEO in Argentina, Gabriel Martino, was ordered to be removed after accusations of tax evasion.
  • InterDigital CEO stated that the decision by the International Trade Commission would have a "limited impact" on the company's business.
  • $17 million was raised by Volometrix in funding before its acquisition by Microsoft.

Sources:

  • IBM: http://siliconangle.com/blog/2015/09/04/ibms-iot-platform-arms-itself-to-the-teeth-with-arm-chips/
  • Microsoft: http://techcrunch.com/2015/09/03/microsoft-acquires-volometrix/
  • Sanofi: http://www.sciencebusiness.net/news/77176/Google-life-sciences-teams-up-with-Sanofi-to-improve-diabetes-care
  • HSBC: http://en.mercopress.com/2015/09/02/argentina-revokes-license-of-hsbc-president-for-not-preventing-tax-evasion
  • InterDigital: http://ir.interdigital.com/releasedetail.cfm?releaseid=908842
  • Johnson & Johnson: http://blogs.wsj.com/pharmalot/2015/02/24/johnson-johnson-loses-trial-over-risperdal-and-male-breasts/
  • Accenture: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150902005457/en/Accenture-SOASTA-Form-Alliance-Deliver-Digital-Performance#.VepASlz6Q20