Your morning briefing, the business news you need in just 15 minutes.On today's podcast:(1) Microsoft and Google owner Alphabet sent a clear message to investors on Thursday: Our spending on artificial intelligence and cloud computing is paying off. The companies trounced Wall Street estimates with their latest quarterly results, lifted by a surge in cloud revenue — fueled in part by booming use of AI services.(2) The Bank of Japan held interest rates steady and simplified its language on bond-buying, an outcome that prompted the yen to set a fresh 34-year low amid ongoing concerns of possible currency intervention.(3) UK consumer confidence edged higher this month as easing inflation and the prospect of further tax cuts made people more willing to spend, a survey found.(4) Israel is stepping up preparations for a potential all-out war with Hezbollah, as the risk of a devastating new phase in the country's conflict with Iran and its proxy militias grows more acute.  (5) The investor Peter Cowley has a third book out. "Public Success, Private Grief" charts the entrepreneur and angel investor's struggles through alcoholism, the loss of two of his sons and now a terminal cancer diagnosis. He joins us for an exclusive interview to discuss his life and what others can learn from his experiences. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.