China's manufacturing activity expanded more than anticipated in June, with the official PMI rising to 50.3. Growth was primarily fueled by surging global demand for AI technology and strong exports, offsetting weak domestic consumption and a struggling real estate sector. Economists note an imbalance between resilient supply and muted demand.
AI demand for data centers is causing price increases for Microsoft's Xbox and Surface, and Apple's MacBooks, Apple TV, HomePod, and Vision Pro. Separately, xAI's Grok chatbot reportedly sees "well over half" its traffic from NSFW activities, including generating porn and erotica, according to The Information.
Tech hardware prices, including Steam Machines, Surface devices, MacBooks, and Xbox consoles, are significantly increasing due to severe component shortages driven by the AI data center boom, making expensive products the new reality for consumers.
Micron Technology's stock surged after reporting blockbuster fiscal third-quarter earnings, with revenue more than quadrupling, driven by the AI boom's demand for memory chips. The company also secured $22 billion in long-term contracts, boosting confidence in the semiconductor sector.
LG Innotek plans to significantly expand its semiconductor substrate business, aiming for 1 trillion won in operating profit by 2031, driven by AI demand. The company unveiled new FC-BGA products for high-performance computing.
Chipmaker Nvidia is reportedly planning a $20 billion bond offering to fund AI investments and refinance debt. This move highlights strong investor appetite for AI infrastructure and benefits Bitcoin miners diversifying into AI hosting.
Zhipu's parent company, Knowledge Atlas Technology, saw shares jump 48% as JPMorgan and Bank of America raised ratings and price targets, citing Zhipu's ability to meet global AI demand amid US restrictions on foreign access to advanced models. Zhipu's open-source GLM-5.2 release contrasts with US curbs, positioning China for the value-for-money AI segment.
South Korea's ICT exports reached a record $47.79 billion in May, a 128.9% increase year-on-year. Driven by strong demand for semiconductors and AI-related products, this marks the third consecutive month exports have surpassed $40 billion.
Oracle's strong AI contract growth and infrastructure commentary signal robust demand for AI computing, benefiting chipmakers and infrastructure providers despite the company's fundraising plans and ongoing capital expenditure debates.
Broadcom reported record Q2 revenue and AI chip sales, beating estimates. However, the stock fell over 12% after hours due to a cautious long-term AI target and a Q3 AI chip outlook below aggressive forecasts, wiping out over $300 billion in market value.
AT&T faces an alarming rise in copper cable theft, driven by record-high prices fueled by AI data center demand. Thieves strip cables from infrastructure, costing companies tens of thousands in repairs. Authorities are collaborating to combat the issue, while AT&T seeks to transition away from copper networks.
New York stocks rose for the fifth consecutive day on May 2nd, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing at a record high of 51,307.79, up 228.91 points. The Nasdaq Composite also hit an all-time high, closing at 27,093.90, driven by expectations of increased demand for AI-related technologies.
Samsung maintained its lead in the NAND flash market in Q1 2026 with a 29% share, driven by AI demand. SK Hynix followed at 18%, while Chinese firm YMTC saw significant growth, reaching 13%.
HBM suppliers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron are expected to gain pricing power due to surging AI demand and HBM's lower profitability compared to standard DRAM. TrendForce predicts contract prices could rise significantly next year as demand outstrips supply.
Singapore's economy grew 6.0% year-on-year in Q1, boosted by strong AI demand in electronics and precision engineering. Despite geopolitical risks from US-Iran conflict, the full-year GDP growth forecast remains 2.0%-4.0%.
Global project finance (PF) loan amounts have doubled in five years, exceeding 100 trillion yen in FY2025, driven by supply chain restructuring due to US-China tensions and increased demand for AI data centers. Japanese megabanks lead in global PF lending.
Seagate shares dropped over 8% after CEO Dave Mosley expressed concerns about meeting AI-driven demand. Other memory chip stocks also fell, reflecting investor worries about production capacity and long-term demand capture.
An American soldier allegedly used classified info for profit, highlighting insider trading issues. Meanwhile, massive electricity demand from data centers challenges Texas's grid, and a California law pushing back school start times shows benefits for student sleep and grades.
An American soldier allegedly used classified info to profit over $400k. Meanwhile, AI demand strains Texas's power grid, and a California law pushing back school start times shows improved student grades and mental health.
Cisco CEO Chuck Robbins cites skyrocketing AI demand for a 'networking supercycle', driving shares up 14% after beating AI infrastructure guidance, lifting forecasts to $9B, and announcing a 5% workforce cut to focus on AI, silicon, and optics.
SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor anticipate increased Q2 sales driven by AI demand and memory supply shortages, despite US export controls, with potential easing hoped from Xi-Trump meetings.
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has surpassed Michael Dell on Forbes' real-time billionaires list, with Huang's net worth reaching $191.5 billion. This shift occurred as Nvidia's stock surged due to AI demand, while Dell Technologies saw a decline following President Trump's public praise and encouragement to buy Dell products.
Nvidia's upcoming earnings report is anticipated to showcase robust growth fueled by AI demand. However, investors' sky-high expectations, as seen with Palantir's recent stock dip despite strong results, signal potential market jitters. While Nvidia leads the AI chip race, rising competition and the long road to AI profitability pose challenges.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon a annoncé dimanche 3 mai être candidat pour La France insoumise à l'élection présidentielle de 2027, sa quatrième campagne élyséenne. Le fondateur de LFI, âgé de 74 ans, a été approuvé par les élus du mouvement et prévoit un premier meeting le 7 juin à Saint-Denis. Il se positionne face au Rassemblement national, qu'il considère comme son « adversaire principal », malgré des sondages prédisant une présence de l'extrême droite au second tour.
