ASML, Europe's largest technology company, is offering eligible employees worldwide a one-time conditional share award worth €20,000, vesting in 2030, to support continued growth. This comes as other major chipmakers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC also provide significant bonuses to their workers.
ASML is reportedly offering eligible employees a one-time conditional share award worth €20,000, vesting from 2027 to 2030, to retain talent amid continued growth. This move comes as other major chipmakers like Samsung, SK Hynix, and TSMC also provide significant employee bonuses.
The US is expressing "serious concerns" about American companies using Chinese-made AI models, citing risks of Beijing's narratives and censorship. Companies are drawn to lower costs and comparable quality, with Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong highlighting use of GLM 5.2 and Kimi 2.7.
Major US companies like Intel, IBM, and Ford are urging the USTR to reconsider proposed tariffs of up to 12.5% on imports from 60 countries, including India. They argue it will increase costs for consumers and businesses, counteracting domestic manufacturing goals. India also requested reconsideration, citing insufficient evidence of unfair advantage.
Chinese AI models from companies like DeepSeek and Z.ai are becoming increasingly popular among U.S. businesses due to their significantly lower costs and competitive performance, narrowing the gap with leading American rivals. This trend is driven by rising token prices for U.S. models and the availability of cheaper open-source alternatives.
A House Judiciary Committee report alleges South Korea has discriminated against U.S. companies, particularly online retailer Coupang, through a "whole-of-government assault." The report details numerous investigations, fines, and threats against Coupang following a 2025 data breach, impacting its market capitalization.
US pharmaceutical company Indivior will withdraw its "life-saving" opioid dependency drug Sublocade from the Australian market by December 31, citing commercial reasons. The decision has alarmed doctors and pharmacists, who note Sublocade's effectiveness and patient preference over alternatives like Buvidal. This follows AstraZeneca's recent withdrawal of Zoladex, also due to commercial viability concerns.
Britain is considering intervening in the proposed US$110 billion takeover of Warner Bros Discovery by Paramount Skydance, potentially delaying the deal. The UK's culture minister cited concerns about the impact on British news, children's TV, and streaming services.
The US government has eased restrictions on Anthropic's Claude Mythos 5, allowing over 100 US organizations, including government agencies, to access the advanced AI model. This partial reinstatement follows the implementation of safeguards, though a broader rollout and access to Claude Fable 5 remain restricted.
US President Donald Trump threatened a 100% tariff on imports from any country that imposes a digital services tax on American companies. He specifically targeted European nations discussing such measures, stating the new tax would supersede previously negotiated trade deals.
The US Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that ExxonMobil can sue Cuban state-owned companies in US courts over property seized after Fidel Castro's rise to power. The decision, based on the 1996 Helms-Burton Act, reverses lower court rulings and allows claims for confiscated assets.
China's Commerce Ministry announced export controls on 10 US companies involved in defense, aerospace, and rare earth mining. This action is a direct response to the US expanding its blacklist of Chinese firms linked to the military, aiming to safeguard national security.
China has imposed export controls on 10 US defense and rare earths companies and banned government procurement of products from 46 other US firms, escalating economic tensions. This move is a direct response to the US expanding its blacklist of Chinese companies.
China has imposed export controls on 10 US defense and rare earths companies and banned government procurement of products from 46 US firms, escalating economic tensions. This move is a direct response to the US expanding its blacklist of Chinese companies.
Franklin Templeton filed with the SEC to launch two ETFs that would reinvest stock dividends into Bitcoin exposure, aiming to integrate crypto into traditional portfolios without direct upfront investment.
Syria's "Syrian Petroleum Company" has signed a major executive contract with US companies ConocoPhillips and Novaterra Energy to develop gas fields and increase production. This deal, considered the first major US energy deal in years, is supported by Gulf and European funding and aims to boost production, reduce import bills, and generate export revenues to address the country's financial deficit.
Syria's "Syrian Petroleum Company" signed a major executive contract with US companies "ConocoPhillips" and "Novatera Energy" to develop gas fields and increase production. This deal is the first major US energy deal in years and signals the start of "integrated implementation" supported by President Trump's decision to lift sanctions in July 2025. The contract aims to boost production, reduce import bills, and generate export revenues, contributing to Syria's economic recovery and reconstruction.
The EU's digital sovereignty package aims to reduce dependence on US tech, but faces challenges. Beti Hohler's experience with US sanctions highlights the risks of this reliance. The package's Cloud and AI Development Act (Cada) has flaws in enforcement and scope, potentially entrenching US dominance.
Bill Gates expressed concern about the US government's increasing practice of taking equity stakes in private companies, warning it could prioritize ownership over engineering and create policy unpredictability. The government's growing portfolio includes stakes in Intel, quantum computing firms, and critical mineral companies, raising questions about fair competition and contract awards.
Bill Gates expressed concern about the US government's increasing practice of taking equity stakes in private companies, warning it could prioritize ownership over innovation and create policy unpredictability. The government has acquired stakes in companies like Intel, IBM, and various AI and critical minerals firms, raising questions about fairness and long-term strategic planning.
Google's cybersecurity teams expose UNC3753's financially motivated data theft campaign targeting US professional, legal, and financial services via vishing and social engineering, with a 3-day ransom deadline.
Robert Agee, CEO of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Russia, stated at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) that the majority of American companies operating in Russia feel good and continue their work. He noted that while payment and logistics issues persist, they have eased compared to previous times.
Robert Agee, President and CEO of AmCham Russia, believes many US companies will return to Russia post-conflict due to ongoing sanctions. He spoke at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), themed 'Pragmatic Dialogue: the Path to a Stable Future.'
Robert Agee, President and CEO of AmCham Russia, stated that most American companies continue to operate successfully in Russia, contrary to a common misunderstanding that major brands have all departed. He highlighted the pharmaceutical sector as an example during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
