Latest Business News
Tech Drives Asian Stocks to New Heights
Technology sector leads Asian stock rally, with Japan's Nikkei up 2.28% and China's CSI 300 gaining 0.11%. South Korea's KOSPI remains flat while India's NIFTY 50 rises 0.32%.
Investors focus on AI-driven growth amid regional market optimism.
Alphabet Issues Rare 100-Year Bond for AI Funding
Alphabet launches global bond spree, including a 100-year bond since dot-com era, to fund massive AI spending plans. The company pitched investors in Switzerland and the UK for $20 billion.
This supports hyperscalers' capex up 24% to $117 billion more than last year.
$2 Trillion Software Stock Wipeout Fails to Derail AI Bull Market
$12 trillion was wiped from software companies' market cap last week due to AI fears, yet S&P 500 nears all-time high. 75% of S&P 500 firms beat Q4 earnings, with profits 12% higher year-over-year.
Hyperscalers plan $1.3 trillion AI facility spend through 2027.
IPBES Warns of Nature Loss as Systemic Business Risk
New IPBES assessment, endorsed by 150+ governments, highlights nature loss threatening economies, supply chains, and financial stability. Every business depends on and impacts biodiversity, urging nature-positive investments.
EU pushes private finance mobilization and real-world implementation.
China Urges Banks to Curb US Treasuries Exposure
China directs banks to reduce US Treasuries holdings due to market risks. This comes amid a faltering China tech rally as investors cut risk.
Tensions rise with Xi facing Japan dilemma post-Takaichi's mandate win.
Australia Consumer Confidence Falls 2.6% in February
Australian consumer confidence dropped 2.6% month-over-month to 90.5. UBS Australia's Richard Schellbach comments on earnings outlook ahead.
This signals weakening sentiment in the region.
S&P 500 Futures Up as Earnings Beat Expectations
S&P 500 futures rise 0.18% ahead of New York open after 0.47% close yesterday. Most companies beat consensus earnings estimates, boosting trader confidence.
Index hovers just below all-time high despite recent volatility.
Hyperscalers Eye $140 Billion Debt Issuance for AI in 2026
Big tech hyperscalers forecast ~$140 billion direct debt issuance for 2026, with upside risks. Funds will support AI firms like OpenAI in real estate, data centers, and power.
Debt-funded expansion below prior booms but accelerating.
IMF Chief Downplays US Dollar Short-Term Variations
IMF's Georgieva minimizes dollar's short-term fluctuations amid outlook discussions. DBS's Carie Li shares views on US dollar trajectory.
Fed’s Bostic notes confidence in dollar waning.
Harmful Biodiversity Subsidies Hit €6.12 Trillion in 2023
Financial flows harmful to biodiversity reached €6.12 trillion in 2023 vs. €184.58 billion for conservation. Public harmful subsidies total €2.01 trillion, led by fossil fuels at €948 billion.
Report calls for repurposing capital to close finance gap.
Japan's Takaichi Seeks Market Trust After Mandate Win
Japan's Takaichi aims to build trust with markets following historic mandate. Potential four leader meetings this year as trade truce holds.
Raises dilemmas for China's Xi on Japan relations.