Tech

Alibaba.com is exploring tokenization for cross-border B2B payments, potentially partnering with financial institutions like JPMorgan. This move aims to streamline transactions using tokenized versions of currencies. Alibaba.com also launched “AI Mode,” an AI-powered subscription service to enhance search capabilities and create new revenue streams. New features such as “agentic pay” automate contract creation. This strategy combines AI and streamlined payments, with a phased approach to blockchain technologies, to improve global B2B e-commerce.

Top tech executives voiced concerns about a potential AI bubble at the Web Summit in Lisbon. High valuations, exceeding realistic revenue, are fueling apprehension, despite AI advancements. DeepL’s CEO Jarek Kutylowski and Picsart’s CEO Hovhannes Avoyan believe some AI company valuations are inflated. Michael Burry accused hyperscalers of underreporting depreciation, potentially overstating profits. Amidst the concerns, the industry remains optimistic about AI’s long-term potential and future demand from businesses. Accel estimates $4 trillion capex for AI data centers by 2030, but some believe the spending is overblown.

Wall Street saw its worst day since October 10th, with the Dow down 1.65%, S&P 500 down 1.66%, and Nasdaq plummeting 2.29%. Cooling AI enthusiasm, especially around Nvidia, Broadcom, and Oracle, contributed to the decline. Concerns about debt-funded AI development and uncertainty regarding a December Fed rate cut also weighed on the market. Conversely, DBS Bank projects significant revenue gains from its AI investments, expecting over $768 million USD in contributions this year.

U.S. markets experienced their worst day since October 10th, with the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq all significantly declining. This downturn was driven by cooling AI sentiment, concerns about interest rate policies, and Oracle’s debt-financed AI ambitions. Investors are reassessing tech valuations and the financial commitments required for AI infrastructure. Uncertainty surrounds a potential December interest rate cut by the Fed, coupled with a lack of comprehensive October economic data, further complicating market sentiment. Oracle saw a significant value drop, raising questions about its AI investment sustainability.

DBS Group CEO Tan Su Shan states the bank is already seeing significant returns from its AI investments, unlike many firms skeptical about AI profitability. DBS has integrated AI for over a decade, using 1,500 models across 370 use cases. AI is expected to boost revenue by over S$1 billion this year, up from S$750 million in 2024. DBS is leveraging AI to enhance financial services for institutional clients, improve risk management, and provide personalized financial advice through AI assistants like “DBS Joy.” Ongoing investment and employee reskilling are crucial to maximizing AI’s potential.

Apple announced a “Mini Apps Partner Program,” potentially reducing App Store commission fees to 15% for developers who deeply integrate with Apple’s technology, including user purchase history and in-app transactions. This initiative, allowing mini-apps built with web technologies, occurs amidst regulatory pressure to reduce App Store control. While prohibiting alternative app stores, Apple increasingly embraces mini-apps within its ecosystem, requiring developers to provide detailed information for review, ensuring oversight and platform control.

Oracle’s stock initially surged on bullish AI prospects and its OpenAI partnership, but has since relinquished significant gains. Investor sentiment is cooling due to concerns about the capital intensity of AI buildout, Oracle’s cash flow, and OpenAI’s commitment sustainability. Oracle is reportedly considering a large debt raise to fund its AI infrastructure expansion. Analysts highlight Oracle’s reliance on OpenAI and lower GPU rental margins compared to its core business. Upcoming earnings will be crucial for assessing Oracle’s AI strategy progress and financial health.

Major League Soccer (MLS) will transition to Apple TV+ in 2026, ending the separate MLS Season Pass subscription. This move, stemming from a 10-year media rights deal initiated in 2022, aims to broaden MLS’s reach and consolidate sports viewing, addressing the fragmentation of streaming services. The shift coincides with MLS’s effort to capitalize on soccer’s growing popularity in the U.S. and aligns its schedule with global leagues, starting in 2027. The league has seen fandom increase in recent years after global superstar Lionel Messi started playing for Inter Miami CF.

Tesla is recalling approximately 10,500 Powerwall 2 units due to a potential safety hazard: defective lithium-ion battery cells that can overheat, causing fire and burn risks. The issue, attributed to a third-party supplier, has led to 22 reports of overheating, including five fires. Tesla is replacing affected units free of charge. This recall could impact Tesla Energy’s growth, which saw a 44% revenue surge in Q3 2025, as Powerwall is a key component of its clean energy ecosystem. Newer Powerwall 3 is not affected.

Google swiftly disrupted a foreign-based cybercriminal group behind a massive SMS phishing campaign, known as the “Smishing Triad,” after filing a lawsuit. The group used a phishing kit called “Lighthouse” to target over a million people in 120 countries with deceptive SMS messages impersonating legitimate services. These messages led victims to fraudulent websites to steal financial information. Google acted within 24 hours, but details of the shutdown methods were not disclosed. This proactive approach highlights the fight against sophisticated phishing operations.