Artificial intelligence (AI) news

Artificial intelligence is transforming finance. AI algorithms analyse data, predict trends, and automate trading. Companies involved in the development of artificial intelligence are impacting market efficiency and potentially increasing volatility in the global economy.

Asia open: Middle East tensions drive oil higher as S&P 500 snaps winning streak

Global markets retreated as renewed U.S.-Iran tensions disrupted ceasefire hopes and pushed oil prices higher. The S&P 500 snapped a nine-day winning streak while technology shares came under pressure after Broadcom issued weaker-than-expected AI growth guidance. Meanwhile, rising energy costs, strong labour markets, and persistent inflation reinforced expectations of further monetary tightening from major central banks, weighing on investor sentiment worldwide.

04-06-2026 06:16 GMT by Kelvin Wong

Asia open: AI exuberance rotates into small caps amid sticky inflation and looming central bank tightening

Global stock markets climbed to record highs as AI-driven investment expanded beyond mega-cap technology firms into small-cap industrial and infrastructure companies. Alphabet’s surprise US$80 billion capital raise underscored the enormous funding demands of the AI supercycle, while stronger U.S. labour data and rising Eurozone inflation reinforced expectations for tighter monetary policy. Investors are now balancing growth optimism against mounting interest-rate risks.

03-06-2026 04:54 GMT by Kelvin Wong