Investment

A DayTrading.com report suggests the AI frenzy shows signs of overvaluation, echoing the dot-com era despite AI’s transformative potential and real-world applications. While acknowledging AI as a legitimate boom, the report highlights concerns like inflated stock prices, AI “washing,” and reliance on high-risk financing. Optimistic investor sentiment, coupled with potential inexperience, could also fuel a bubble. However, unlike the dot-com era, AI is delivering productivity gains, though profitability remains limited to a few key players, suggesting long-term investments over immediate returns.

DayOne, a Singapore-based data center developer, invests EUR 1.2 billion in a hyperscale data center campus in Lahti, Finland. The 98,901 square meter facility will have a 128 MW IT load capacity, starting with a 50MW building. Construction begins in Q3 2025, with operations in 2027. DayOne aims for LEED Gold certification, employing air cooling and waste heat integration. The project creates 100 skilled positions and 1,000 construction jobs, underpinned by a Growth Partnership Agreement including a EUR 2.5 million commitment to LUT Universities.

Former Intel CEO Craig Barrett argues that Intel’s survival is crucial for U.S. chip manufacturing dominance. He believes underinvestment hinders Intel’s ability to compete with TSMC and Samsung. Barrett proposes a $40 billion collective investment from Intel’s major customers like Apple, Google, and NVIDIA to secure domestic chip supply and potential price advantages. He also urges adoption of advanced technologies and tariffs on imported chips to boost demand. Some of his suggestions align with current U.S. policies and Intel’s existing technology investments.

DISA Technologies Inc. secured $30M in an oversubscribed Series A2 round led by Evok Innovations with a strategic investment from Constellation Technology Ventures. The funding will scale DISA’s High-Pressure Slurry Ablation (HPSA) technology. HPSA enhances critical mineral recovery for mining and cleans up Abandoned Uranium Mine waste, recycling uranium and vanadium. Constellation’s investment highlights uranium remediation, and DISA expects an NRC license decision by September. Valor Equity Partners, Veriten, and Halliburton Labs also participated in the round.

TSMC faces pressure from potential U.S. tariffs and demands for significant investment. The U.S. is considering a 20% tariff on Taiwanese exports, prompting negotiation for a rate closer to South Korea and Japan’s 15%. Reports suggest the U.S. seeks a $300 billion investment from TSMC for a massive Arizona fabrication plant, potentially housing future 2nm and 1.4nm processes. This investment, exceeding 30 times TSMC’s equity, follows a prior $165 billion U.S. expansion commitment. TSMC has declined to comment on the rumors.

ECGI Holdings’ Uplist Ventures gained affiliate membership to TCA Venture Group, granting access to a network that has invested $280M in 545 companies, yielding $2.1B in follow-on funding and 126 exits. Uplist gains curated access to early and growth-stage startups, diversifying its portfolio which currently includes AI (Payday Fantasy), apparel (TrueToForm), equestrian lifestyle (Pacific Saddlery), and agri-tourism (Vintner’s Caldera Ranch). This alliance aims to enhance investment opportunities, rollup strategies, and potential IPOs.

JD.com launched its “Wan Dian Plan,” investing over 10 billion yuan ($1.4 billion USD) in the food delivery sector. This ambitious initiative signifies JD.com’

Strategic Storage Growth Trust III (SSGT III) and SmartStop Self Storage REIT are launching Blue Door Property II, DST, a new investment vehicle targeting the self-storage market. Blue Door II offers accredited investors access to three debt-free properties in Orlando, Florida, and Pasadena and Corinth, Texas, seeking to raise $64.8 million. The DST structure provides potential tax advantages, particularly for 1031 exchanges. SSGT III focuses on acquiring growth-oriented self-storage facilities, while SmartStop owns or manages 229 properties across the US and Canada. This is not an offer to sell securities.

The Global Property Expo, organized by JLL, will be held at the Sands Expo & Convention Centre in Singapore from July 18-20, 2025. This event provides Singaporeans with opportunities to explore international residential properties from over 20 countries. Attendees can access expert-led talks and connect with developers, legal advisors, and mortgage specialists. The expo aims to equip buyers with the knowledge and resources needed for overseas property investment, including insights into market trends, financing, and legal considerations, and residency implications.

Taobao Flash Deals launched a RMB 50 billion subsidy program, leading to over 100% order growth for 589 brands on day one. Sectors like food, electronics, and apparel saw significant increases. Summer essentials, including heat-relief products and swimwear, are particularly popular. The initiative aims to boost consumer and merchant growth through coupons, red envelopes, and reduced commissions, fostering a collaborative consumption ecosystem.