Affirm Holdings stock was flat following Q4 earnings, despite beating revenue estimates and projecting strong future revenue. CEO Max Levchin noted consumers are using BNPL to manage higher gas prices and inflation, leading to increased demand for Affirm’s services. While consumer spending remains resilient, persistent inflation poses challenges for the Federal Reserve and requires careful monitoring by Affirm to manage credit risk amid evolving economic conditions and regulatory scrutiny.

Big Tech giants are facing unprecedented financial strain due to massive AI infrastructure investments. Companies like Meta, Amazon, and Alphabet are increasing debt and exploring new financing methods as capital expenditures surpass operating cash flow. While core businesses remain strong and credit ratings are currently high, escalating leverage and negative free cash flow trends are putting pressure on their financial health, prompting investors to closely monitor credit quality and the eventual return on AI investments.

Apple is increasing the price of Apple TV+ to $14.99 monthly and $119 annually, a move reflecting significant investment in its content library and a strategic shift. This price hike, effective immediately, aligns the service with competitors and also affects Apple One bundles. The adjustment underscores Apple’s growing reliance on its services division for revenue and profit, as evidenced by strong Q3 performance. This strategy aims to monetize content investments and maintain Apple’s premium brand image.

Despite past concerns about AI’s impact, Salesforce’s stock has surged following strong quarterly earnings and a partnership with AI leader Anthropic. The company is also seeing key AI talent return, reinforcing CEO Marc Benioff’s view that AI complements, rather than replaces, CRM platforms. Salesforce’s vast customer base and integrated AI products like Agentforce demonstrate the enduring value of its ecosystem. Analysts are re-evaluating, recognizing the synergistic potential between AI and established enterprise software.

BlackBerry has transformed from a mobile hardware maker into a software company, focusing on critical software for automotive and secure communications. Its QNX operating system powers millions of vehicles and is crucial for “physical AI” applications like robotics. This strategic pivot has led to significant investor confidence, with its share price doubling this year and a substantial backlog of QNX orders.

Traders are monitoring key developments as markets show mixed sentiment. The Fed’s Jackson Hole symposium, with Chairman Warsh’s address, is a focus for policy signals amidst hawkish undertones. Old Navy undergoes a leadership change as Gap Inc. realigns its retail strategy. AI firm Anthropic secures a legal victory against the Pentagon’s designation of it as a supply chain risk. SK Hynix breaks ground on a $4 billion advanced packaging facility in Indiana, boosting the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem. Finally, industry consolidation in the food sector raises concerns about food safety and traceability.

The “Grand Theft Auto VI” trailer launch caused unprecedented demand on streaming platforms, impacting Netflix and Twitch. Take-Two Interactive’s shares surged, with analysts forecasting massive sales. Despite digital-only release concerns, the trailer’s positive reception suggests strong commercial performance, potentially boosting the console market.

Marvell Technology’s shares dipped despite beating revenue estimates, as its fiscal 2028 outlook fell short of high investor expectations, amplified by a recent Google partnership. While Marvell reported strong Q2 revenue and projects 50% growth to $18 billion by FY28, investors anticipated even more. The company cited robust AI demand and accelerated data center revenue, but a lack of detailed long-term guidance tempered enthusiasm, despite a significant Google deal.

OpenAI is introducing ads on ChatGPT in India for free and lower-cost tier users to boost revenue ahead of its planned 2027 IPO. This move, already active in 38 countries, aims to support broader access and offset AI inference costs. India is a key market for OpenAI, and ads will be clearly labeled and separate from responses, while not appearing for users under 18. This strategy targets OpenAI’s primarily consumer user base, differing from rivals like Anthropic.

In the Massachusetts Democratic Senate primary, AI has become a central issue. Representative Seth Moulton is challenging incumbent Senator Ed Markey, framing Markey as out of touch with technology. Markey, however, has secured significant funding from AI firm Anthropic and advocates for AI regulation. Both candidates seek new regulatory frameworks, with Markey proposing an “AI Accountability Agenda.” Current polls show Markey with a substantial lead.