Technology

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.

First Trust Advisors announced that its First Trust Income Opportunities ETF (FCEF) will make a $0.1350 per‑share monthly cash distribution, with an ex‑dividend and record date of Dec 11, 2025 and payable on Dec 31, 2025. The fund, managed by First Trust Advisors, targets income‑focused investors through a diversified mix of dividend‑paying equities, REITs, and short‑duration bonds, leveraging algorithmic creation/redemption for tax efficiency. Investors should consider market, sector, liquidity and cybersecurity risks before investing. Source: First Trust Advisors L.P.

Broadcom (AVGO) shares surged, fueled by investor enthusiasm for AI-linked stocks, particularly due to its key role in enabling Alphabet’s (GOOGL) AI ambitions. As a supplier of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) for hyperscale computing, Broadcom is benefiting from Google’s increasing demand for custom AI chips like Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). Analysts are raising price targets, citing the growing importance of ASICs in AI infrastructure as companies seek performance and efficiency gains beyond general-purpose GPUs.

GE HealthCare (GEHC) declared a Q4 2025 cash dividend of $0.035 per share, payable February 13, 2026, to shareholders of record on January 9, 2026. This decision reflects the company’s commitment to shareholder value amidst increasing demand within the healthcare industry and technological advancements. GE HealthCare, a $19.7 billion global leader, focuses on medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics, and AI-enabled solutions. The company aims to optimize hospital efficiency and improve patient outcomes.

The 2025 ISG Paragon Awards™ Asia recognized organizations strategically deploying AI, digital technology, and innovative operating models for business success. Winners, selected by an independent panel, were announced at a Singapore gala. Awards highlighted excellence in areas like Best-in-Class delivery (Avanade with Country Foods), Innovation (Tech Mahindra with Mahindra Auto and Farm), Transformation (TCS with Plaza Premium Group), and AI Pacesetter (Avanade with Alexandra Group). iCompaz and Temasek Holdings received Honorary Distinction for Partnership Excellence. The awards reflect the growing importance of the Asia Pacific region in leveraging AI and other technologies.

With tech giants investing heavily in AI data centers, depreciation of AI GPUs is a crucial accounting concern. Unlike traditional servers, the lifespan of these rapidly evolving components is uncertain, impacting profitability and investment decisions. While some, like CoreWeave, see long-term value, short seller Michael Burry suggests companies may be inflating useful life for earnings. Factors like new chip releases and wear-and-tear could accelerate depreciation. Companies are adopting varied strategies, and auditors are scrutinizing depreciation claims closely.

Northstar Clean Technologies has launched its first asphalt shingle reprocessing facility in Calgary and secured a five-year contract with the City to process discarded shingles. The Empower Calgary Facility will help divert waste from landfills by reprocessing up to 80,000 tonnes of shingles annually using its patented technology, recovering asphalt, aggregate, and fibre for reuse. The facility expects to reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by approximately 60%. This aligns with Alberta’s circular economy goals and positions Northstar as a leader in shingle recycling in North America.