RingCentral and Five9 shares surged following strong earnings reports that assuaged investor fears about AI disruption. Both cloud communications firms specializing in customer engagement reported robust financial results and optimistic guidance. RingCentral’s stock jumped 34% as AI became a tailwind, doubling ARR from AI-enhanced features. Five9’s stock rose 14% with AI bookings more than doubling and its AI portfolio reaching $100 million ARR. These companies demonstrate a successful integration of AI, suggesting adaptation rather than obsolescence in the evolving software sector.

APAC’s retail sector is rapidly integrating AI into daily operations, driven by urban density and competition. Consumers show strong interest in AI recommendations. Computer vision and machine learning are automating stores, like Japan’s cashier-less Lawson Go and South Korea’s Fainders.AI MicroStore. AI optimizes inventory and reduces waste through systems like Coop Sapporo’s Sora-cam, improving promotion efficiency. Agentic AI personalizes shopping by handling complex requests, planning meals, and managing shopping carts, aligning with APAC’s home-cooking culture. Key challenges include data consent, accuracy, and localization.

In California, a housing crisis fuels homelessness, forcing thousands into RVs. Tech wealth exacerbates the shortage, leaving many without affordable options. While RVs offer autonomy, informal “vanlord” markets emerge, exploiting renters. Some cities are creating “safe parking sites” as a transitional solution, but demand overwhelms supply. Experts suggest reconsidering RV parks as a component of the housing strategy to provide immediate, safer options while addressing the root cause of insufficient permanent housing.

Stock futures are steady as markets anticipate inflation data and potential trade policy shifts. Amazon has surpassed Walmart in revenue, highlighting a changing retail landscape. Meanwhile, AI stocks show signs of stabilization after recent sell-offs, and the housing crisis in Silicon Valley is leading to a rise in RV living. The trend of significant pay bumps from job hopping is also diminishing.

Tech giants Meta and Apple face landmark lawsuits in California, New Mexico, and West Virginia concerning child safety. CEOs Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook are being questioned about user privacy, free expression, and platform safety. Internal Meta documents reveal concerns about child sexual abuse material (CSAM) reports following the implementation of end-to-end encryption. West Virginia is also suing Apple over its handling of CSAM on devices and iCloud. These legal battles highlight the growing debate on tech companies’ responsibilities for user welfare.

Investors are watching several key market themes. Private credit’s landscape is evolving, with Blue Owl’s capital return strategy drawing attention but not signaling a systemic crisis. Slower Q4 GDP growth and persistent inflation present a challenge for the Fed. Texas Roadhouse faces cattle market pressures despite strong demand. Cybersecurity stocks, like CrowdStrike, are seeing valuation adjustments. GE Aerospace is strong, while pharma giants like Pfizer and Eli Lilly are focused on obesity treatments. Costco navigates tariffs, and Molson Coors faces lower guidance. Live entertainment, led by Live Nation, shows resilience, while BNPL sector challenges persist with Klarna’s weak results contrasted by Affirm’s appeal.