#AI

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.

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.

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.

SoftBank sold its entire Nvidia stake for $5.83 billion in October, not necessarily due to valuation concerns. Instead, the move signals a strategic shift, with proceeds reinvested into generative AI, specifically OpenAI. This reallocation underscores SoftBank’s confidence in generative AI’s long-term potential over a diverse tech portfolio. The decision highlights a concentrated approach, prioritizing transformative AI solutions and reflecting their conviction that substantial investment is needed to unlock these technologies.

Oura, the smart ring maker, projects sales near $2 billion next year, doubling its 2024 revenue. This surge is driven by women’s health features, international expansion, and AI integration. The company has sold over 5.5 million rings since 2015 and is focused on preventative health, incorporating glucose monitoring and researching blood pressure. Oura leverages AI to provide personalized health insights and has launched Oura Advisor, an AI-powered health chatbot. While an IPO is speculated, no immediate plans have been announced.

Honeywell and TotalEnergies are piloting Honeywell’s AI-powered Experion Operations Assistant at TotalEnergies’ Port Arthur Refinery. The system provides operators with predictive insights for real-time, data-driven decisions. A pilot at the Delayed Coking Unit successfully predicted operational events, reducing downtime and emissions. TotalEnergies anticipates enhanced safety and efficiency. The collaboration highlights the increasing adoption of AI in the energy sector for improved operational performance and resource allocation.

SoftBank Group divested its entire $5.83 billion stake in Nvidia, selling 32.1 million shares in October. This move aims to bolster SoftBank’s AI investments, including its significant backing of OpenAI. While Nvidia shares saw a slight dip, analysts suggest the sale is driven by SoftBank’s need to rebalance its portfolio and fund ventures like the $500 billion Stargate AI data center project. SoftBank’s Vision Fund reported a $19 billion gain, contributing to doubled profits in the fiscal second quarter, reflecting its aggressive expansion in the AI sector.

Heartflow (HTFL) reported FISH&CHIPS results at AHA 2025, showing AI-driven Plaque Analysis and total plaque volume (TPV) staging predict long-term coronary risk. In nearly 8,000 symptomatic patients, the highest TPV stage had a hazard ratio of 5.10 for major cardiovascular events. DECIDE registry data showed management changes with a LDL reduction of 18.7 mg/dL at 90 days. Plaque Staging is investigational; Plaque Analysis is FDA-cleared.

AI tools are emerging as a significant benefit for neurodiverse professionals, fostering workplace equity. A UK study showed 25% higher satisfaction among neurodiverse workers using AI assistants. AI excels in communication, time management, and automating repetitive tasks, addressing challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia. Inclusive organizations can see up to 20% higher revenue, leveraging unique neurodiverse skills. Ethical AI implementation, incorporating diverse voices and addressing biases, is crucial to maximize AI investment returns and prevent unintended harm.

Subsea cables, carrying over 95% of global data, are experiencing explosive growth driven by AI and data center expansion. Big Tech companies like Meta, Amazon, and Google are heavily investing in new cables, with investments projected to double between 2025-2027. Security concerns are rising due to potential sabotage, prompting increased surveillance efforts. Geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S., China, and Russia, are influencing regulations and supply chain decisions in this critical infrastructure sector.