Technology

ASE Technology Holding reported strong 2025 results, with consolidated net revenues reaching approximately US$20.8 billion, an 11.8% increase year-over-year. The fourth quarter also saw robust growth. Demand for advanced packaging and testing services, driven by AI, 5G, and complex ICs, fueled this performance. The Advanced Technology Materials segment showed significant year-over-year revenue growth, highlighting its critical role in next-generation chip manufacturing.

Investors navigate mixed market signals as Nasdaq dips while Dow shows resilience. Jim Cramer advises caution, emphasizing transient early-year jitters. Cantor Fitzgerald upgrades Alphabet (GOOGL) to “buy” on its strong AI positioning, highlighting Gemini models. Texas Roadhouse (TXRH) rebounds but faces headwinds from rising beef prices, prompting earnings risk awareness. Other stocks like Constellation Brands and Ford were also mentioned.

Knowledge Atlas Technology (Zhipu), a Chinese AI startup, debuted on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after a $558 million IPO. The company, recognized as an “AI tiger,” is a leading developer of large language models and aims to compete globally. Despite U.S. restrictions impacting its AI model training capabilities, Zhipu plans to allocate a significant portion of its IPO funds to R&D. Another AI firm, MiniMax, is also expected to go public soon.

CNBC is now accepting applications for the 2026 Disruptor 50 list, focusing on AI companies deploying technology at scale for tangible business value. Submissions are due February 23rd. Companies founded after January 1, 2011, are eligible. The selection process will evaluate scalability, growth, and technology implementation, reflecting a shift towards pragmatic, enterprise-centric disruption and public market readiness, even for capital-intensive ventures.

Ambarella will host a Product and Technology Briefing on January 6, 2026, to discuss advancements in edge AI semiconductors. The event will cover innovations in areas like ADAS, autonomous driving, and robotics, focusing on their CVflow AI SoC architecture. Investors can expect insights into the company’s strategic direction and how it plans to leverage the growing demand for AI processing at the edge. A live webcast will be available.

While AI dominated Wall Street, defense and space stocks soared. Companies like Planet Labs and EchoStar saw significant gains due to renewed interest in national security, lunar exploration, and the burgeoning “orbital economy.” Government investment in defense, alongside commercial ventures in satellite imagery, connectivity, and drone technology, fueled this growth, demonstrating lucrative opportunities beyond traditional tech hubs.

Gatekeeper Systems Inc. reported lower revenue and a loss for fiscal 2025 due to a non-recurring contract, but core business grew. Strategic investments in sales and technology are fueling expansion, evidenced by significant new contracts like the $27M MTA deal. The company raised $25M, strengthening its financial position. Despite increased expenses impacting profitability, Gatekeeper is transforming into a Platform-as-a-Service model with a focus on recurring revenue and global growth.

Wall Street rallies into a shortened week, extending holiday gains and approaching record highs. Investors eye Federal Reserve minutes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and a significant winter storm impacting travel. The tech sector sees strategic licensing deals, while restaurants focus on value to retain customers. Markets look for economic signals to shape the new year.

The November U.S. jobs report presented a mixed picture, with an unexpected rise in unemployment and slowing job creation, yet also strong November job growth. This ambiguity led to a cautious market reaction, with slight adjustments to interest rate cut expectations. While some see economic cooling, others highlight continued resilience. Technology stocks, like Tesla, outperformed, signaling ongoing investor interest in innovation, even amidst broader market fluctuations. The report underscores a bifurcated market, where headline figures may not capture dynamism in specific growth sectors.

Walmart’s Nasdaq move signifies a major tech transformation, leveraging purpose-built AI and proprietary platforms like Element. The retail giant is deploying specialized AI agents for tasks like fashion production, customer support, and supply chain optimization, demonstrating measurable ROI in data operations, efficiency, and customer experience. While addressing workforce shifts through reskilling, Walmart seeks tech company valuations, though market reception remains divided on the extent of its genuine tech-centricity versus traditional retail operations.