Tobias

AI investment remains strong, despite stock volatility. Microsoft and Nvidia are set to invest $15B in Anthropic, driving AI innovation. Google launched Gemini 3 with improved contextual awareness. However, recent tech stock declines, including Nvidia, impacted the S&P 500. Nvidia’s upcoming earnings are crucial for gauging AI sector health. Furthermore, diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing threaten Japan’s economy.

Tesla received a permit to operate a ride-hailing service in Arizona, a step toward launching a robotaxi network. Further approvals are needed before deployment. Tesla aims to remove safety drivers in Austin by year-end and expand to other cities by 2026, despite safety concerns highlighted by recent collisions. The company faces competition from Waymo and Baidu, who have established autonomous services. Elon Musk envisions a future where people can “text and drive,” but achieving full autonomy requires overcoming technological hurdles.

Intuit has partnered with OpenAI in a multi-year deal exceeding $100 million to integrate OpenAI’s LLMs into its financial products like TurboTax and QuickBooks. This integration, powered by Intuit’s AI system GenOS, aims to enhance user experience with personalized insights and automated tasks. Users will be able to securely link their accounts to ChatGPT for tax and financial actions, like receiving refund estimations. This deal validates OpenAI’s valuation and signifies the growing importance of AI in the finance sector. Intuit emphasizes data security within its ecosystem.

Google has launched Gemini 3, its latest AI model, intensifying competition with OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Gemini 3 aims to provide more nuanced and efficient responses with less user input, integrating across Google’s services like the Gemini app and AI-powered search. It’s designed to be more intuitive and understand complex contexts. Google reports strong user engagement across its AI platforms, while also introducing “Google Antigravity” for developers and generative interfaces for users. Gemini 3 will cater to various business needs, and is driving substantial capital investments in AI infrastructure among tech giants.

Microsoft has introduced Agent 365, a tool for IT specialists to manage and govern the proliferation of AI agents within corporate environments. Agent 365 provides visibility into all AI agents, regardless of origin, allowing administrators to approve new agents, track usage, quantify time savings, and mitigate security risks. This centralized platform supports agents from various vendors, including Adobe, ServiceNow and those built on Azure AI Foundry. EY is an early adopter. The tool addresses the growing need for structured AI governance due to increasing AI agent adoption for task automation.

The S&P 500 faces headwinds amid AI sector valuation concerns, leading to its worst streak since August. Jim Cramer advises strategic investment during market dips, exemplified by the CNBC Investing Club’s increased position in Home Depot despite an earnings miss, while trimming Disney shares, anticipating housing demand and interest rate reductions. Microsoft’s $30B Azure commitment to Anthropic, alongside Nvidia’s $10B investment, sparks debate over AI spending sustainability. Honeywell faces a Bank of America downgrade countered by Cramer’s optimism for its aerospace spinoff. Rapid-fire stocks include Cloudflare, Kroger, Medtronic, Axalta, and MP Materials.

Waymo, Alphabet’s autonomous driving arm, plans to launch its robotaxi service in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, Miami, and Orlando by 2026. This expansion follows successful testing and deployment in other major US cities. Initially, rides will be offered to employees, followed by a public launch. Waymo aims to operate vehicles without human safety drivers and build on its 10 million+ paid ride experience, despite increasing competition in the autonomous vehicle market. The strategic move targets markets with favorable regulations and tech-savvy populations.

Meta Platforms won a U.S. District Court ruling against the FTC in an antitrust case. The judge found the FTC failed to prove Meta currently holds a monopoly in social networking, particularly after acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp. The court cited the rise of TikTok and YouTube as evidence of increased competition. The FTC expressed disappointment and is reviewing options. Meta’s stock experienced a slight dip following the ruling while Meta maintains that the ruling acknowledges that it faces fierce competition.

Stocks declined, pressured by tech valuation concerns. The Club increased Home Depot, reduced Disney, capitalized on Eli Lilly, and added Nike. P&G was initiated for defensive exposure. Salesforce closed the Informatica deal early but faces investor skepticism. Meta won its antitrust battle, boosting its stock. Apple saw a surge in China iPhone 17 sales. Key events this week include earnings from TJX, Nvidia, and Palo Alto Networks, plus the Fed minutes release.

Klarna (KLAR) reported its first earnings post-NYSE debut, exceeding revenue expectations with $903 million for Q3, a 26% increase YoY. While revenue grew, the company reported a net loss of $95 million, reflecting investments in growth and a competitive BNPL landscape. US expansion fueled GMV growth significantly. The Klarna Card has gained 4 million customers. Elliott Investment Management will acquire $6.5B of Klarna’s “fair financing” loans. Klarna projects continued growth for Q4, exceeding FactSet estimates. The company is also integrating AI to improve customer service.