Kakao Corp. has partnered with OpenAI, becoming the first South Korean tech firm to do so, aiming to integrate advanced AI models into its platforms like KakaoTalk and the AI assistant Kanana. This collaboration marks OpenAI’s strategic expansion into Asia, enhancing AI-driven innovation in a market with high digital adoption. The partnership also coincides with SoftBank’s plans to invest significantly in OpenAI, further solidifying the AI landscape in the region.
about OpenAI Partners with Kakao to Enhance AI Services in South KoreaSoftBank Corp.
0 in Finance and 0 in Crypto last weekIndia poised for record IPO year amid economic challenges
India is poised for a significant year in IPOs, with at least seven companies, including Groww and Pine Labs, aiming to raise over $1 billion each, despite a slowing economy. The total equity fundraising could exceed $23 billion in 2025, driven by strong domestic investor interest, even as foreign investments decline. However, concerns linger over the quality of recent listings and the economic backdrop, with the Nifty 100 index down 12% since September amid weak corporate earnings.
about India poised for record IPO year amid economic challengesMarket Reactions to Trump Tariff Threats and Big Tech Earnings in Asia
Asian markets brace for volatility as President Trump threatens 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, with potential implications for China. Amid mixed performances from major tech companies, Japanese markets remain active, focusing on key economic data while other regional markets close for the Chinese New Year. The global outlook remains stable, with major indices holding near all-time highs despite recent turmoil.
about Market Reactions to Trump Tariff Threats and Big Tech Earnings in AsiaKey Market Updates and Major Events Ahead of Thursday Trading
Stock futures rose as investors reacted to major tech earnings, while the Federal Reserve maintained its key interest rate. An American Airlines flight collided with a military helicopter near D.C., marking a significant air disaster. In earnings news, Microsoft faced a drop in shares due to weak guidance, while Meta reported strong results, and Tesla’s shares fluctuated after missing estimates. SoftBank is in talks for a potential $25 billion investment in OpenAI, aiming to become its largest backer.
about Key Market Updates and Major Events Ahead of Thursday TradingSoftBank Plans Up to 25 Billion Investment in OpenAI’s Future
SoftBank is in talks to invest up to $25 billion in OpenAI, potentially making it the largest backer of the AI firm, surpassing Microsoft’s $13 billion stake. This comes alongside a $500 billion Stargate project aimed at enhancing U.S. AI infrastructure, involving major players like Oracle and Microsoft. Meanwhile, concerns arise over Chinese firm DeepSeek’s rapid advancements in AI, prompting U.S. government scrutiny regarding potential intellectual property theft.
about SoftBank Plans Up to 25 Billion Investment in OpenAI's FutureWall Street Declines Amid Fears of Chinese AI Competition
Wall Street is experiencing a significant downturn, with the S&P 500 down 1.9% amid fears that a Chinese company, DeepSeek, has developed a competitive AI model at a lower cost, threatening U.S. tech giants. Nvidia plummeted 11.5%, dragging the Nasdaq down 3.2%, while the Dow Jones fell 0.4%. The market’s reaction reflects skepticism about DeepSeek’s ability to navigate U.S. chip restrictions, leading to increased investor nervousness and a shift towards safer bonds.
about Wall Street Declines Amid Fears of Chinese AI CompetitionHedge Funds React to Deepseek’s Impact on Tech Stock Markets
The Chinese AI model Deepseek has disrupted markets, requiring less energy and computing power than US counterparts while delivering superior results. Following its emergence, hedge funds began selling off tech stocks, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping 3% and Nvidia down 12%. Despite ongoing investments by major US tech firms in AI infrastructure, skepticism remains about the necessity of such expenditures to develop leading AI models.
about Hedge Funds React to Deepseek's Impact on Tech Stock MarketsTrump’s AI Infrastructure Initiative and Memecoin Surge Post Inauguration
President Trump’s inauguration has sparked significant activity in the crypto sector, highlighted by the launch of the TRUMP memecoin, which quickly became a top cryptocurrency. World Liberty Financial, backed by Trump, made a substantial $48 million investment in Ether and other cryptocurrencies, signaling a strong commitment to the market. Additionally, U.S. asset managers are now seeking approval for memecoin-based ETFs, anticipating a more favorable regulatory environment following changes in leadership at the SEC.
about Trump's AI Infrastructure Initiative and Memecoin Surge Post InaugurationTrump’s Crypto Executive Order Sparks New Opportunities in Digital Assets
Trump’s recent executive order prioritizes crypto by halting persecution of lawful activities, supporting dollar-backed stablecoins, and establishing clear regulations while opposing central bank digital currencies. The SEC has also scrapped the anti-crypto SAB 121 bill, signaling a bright future for the crypto market.Emerging projects like MIND of Pepe ($MIND), Meme Index ($MEMEX), Virtuals Protocol ($VIRTUAL), and XDC Network ($XDC) are positioned for significant growth, particularly with the anticipated rise in AI and meme coins under the new administration. January 23 could become National Crypto Day, marking a pivotal moment for blockchain innovation and adoption.
about Trump's Crypto Executive Order Sparks New Opportunities in Digital AssetsVertiv Stock Surge Driven by AI Demand and Growth Prospects
Vertiv Holdings Co has seen its stock surge over 10,462% in two years, driven by its critical role in cooling systems for generative AI technologies. With a strong earnings report and optimistic growth forecasts, the company anticipates a 12-14% CAGR through 2029, supported by the $500 billion Stargate AI project aimed at enhancing U.S. AI infrastructure. Despite some analysts viewing the stock as slightly overvalued, mutual fund interest is rising, positioning Vertiv to benefit from increasing demand for data center cooling solutions.
about Vertiv Stock Surge Driven by AI Demand and Growth ProspectsStock Market Update S&P 500 Hits Record CNN Plans Layoffs and More
The S&P 500 reached a new all-time high, marking its third consecutive winning session, driven by tech sector gains and strong earnings. Meanwhile, Elon Musk questioned the financial commitments of major tech firms backing President Trump’s AI investment project, and CNN is set to lay off hundreds of employees to cut costs. Additionally, Electronic Arts shares plummeted 15% after the company lowered its full-year guidance due to underperforming games.
about Stock Market Update S&P 500 Hits Record CNN Plans Layoffs and MoreAsian markets mixed as China implements stock market boosting measures
Asian shares showed mixed results as China implemented measures to boost its stock markets, including requiring pension and mutual funds to increase share purchases. The Shanghai index rose 1%, while Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained 0.6%, driven by technology stocks like SoftBank, which surged 3.7%. In the U.S., major tech companies like Netflix and Oracle reported strong profits, lifting the S&P 500 by 0.6% despite rising Treasury yields.
about Asian markets mixed as China implements stock market boosting measures