BUSINESS

Nvidia, TSMC, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have surged on AI demand, but differ significantly in valuation, supply-chain position, growth prospects and exposure to semiconductor cyclicality.

Microsoft shares rose 3.15% to $513.60 as easing Treasury yields, optimism over Strait of Hormuz negotiations and a recent Stifel upgrade supported a broader technology-market rebound.

Akamai shares rose sharply after Anthropic committed $11.6 billion over seven years for cloud capacity, with a possible $9 billion expansion, despite major capital spending requirements.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 99 points on Friday as easing Treasury yield pressure and hopes for a phased Strait of Hormuz deal supported US stocks.

South Korea's KOSPI gained 0.9% to 7,080.92, led by Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, as investors adjusted positions before the four-day Chuseok holiday break.

Musk's companies are pursuing major 2026 projects involving brain implants, Starship, humanoid robots, autonomous vehicles, semiconductor manufacturing and AI infrastructure, despite significant uncertainty around delivery timelines.

The ASX 200 fell 0.44% on Friday, extending losses as rising global bond yields, elevated oil prices and mixed Australian economic data clouded the outlook before the RBA's rate decision.

Dunkin' will offer 1 million free hot or iced coffees on Thursday, with a code released on social media, as part of promotions for National Coffee Day.

CareDx shares rose nearly 8% after BTIG maintained its Buy rating and raised its price target to $74, while investors weighed clinical progress, acquisitions and valuation risks.

Twist Bioscience shares rose 10.27% to $174.78, extending a near-493% annual rally after an Eli Lilly partnership, higher revenue guidance and improving operating trends.

Everpure shares climbed 17.44% after the former Pure Storage outlined strong fiscal 2028 growth targets, extending a rally fuelled by AI demand, earnings and S&P 500 inclusion.

LeBron James has invested in Mike's Red Tacos ahead of the birria chain's Pasadena opening, adding another consumer brand to his extensive portfolio as he approaches a possible final NBA season.

BSP Financial Group shares climbed 8.07% to $7.97 on the ASX, extending recent gains despite no specific company announcement being identified as the immediate catalyst.

The ASX 200 fell 0.76% as rising oil prices linked to uncertainty over a US-Iran peace deal outweighed stronger Australian employment data and hopes of easing rate pressure.

Australia's dependence on imported refined fuel and limited domestic reserves leave essential industries vulnerable to maritime disruptions, prompting calls for greater storage, refining capacity and energy self-reliance.

Moore Australia has appointed former Deloitte and EY tax executive Dmitri Filippov as Director of Tax Advisory in Melbourne, strengthening its international and corporate tax capabilities.

Sydney-based AGS Financial Group has completed its acquisition of Hartley Financial and Tax & Wealth, adding three offices, established advisers and approximately $2.6 million in annual revenue.

GameStop CEO Ryan Cohen bought about $26.4 million worth of shares, increasing his reported ownership as the retailer posted lower sales, higher profit and stronger collectibles revenue.

Chipotle is piloting Palantir's Foundry platform to assess food-safety risks across its restaurants, following a jalapeño withdrawal linked to a salmonella investigation.

Nvidia's DSX Ready programme qualifies battery storage and cooling products for AI data centres, extending the company's influence into the infrastructure supporting its computing hardware.

Lakefront Biotherapeutics shares rose 7.36% on Euronext Amsterdam as investors continued to assess the former Galapagos NV's rebrand, strategic changes and financial outlook.

Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 882.70 points to 65,018.95, led by semiconductor and technology shares, while the broader TOPIX fell and most constituents declined.

Contractors working on ChatGPT-related projects were reportedly removed after using AI to complete evaluation tasks, while internal rules prohibit tools such as ChatGPT, Grammarly and AI detectors.

Australia has launched the A$45 million PROGRESS programme in the Philippines, targeting offshore wind, carbon markets, infrastructure and inclusive economic development from 2026 to 2031.

RBA Monetary Policy Board member Iain Ross says Australia's current wage growth reflects recovering purchasing power, not an emerging wage-price spiral, citing enterprise bargaining and anchored inflation expectations.

South Korea's KOSPI traded above 7,100 for a third consecutive session, buoyed by Wall Street technology gains, semiconductor demand and easing Middle East tensions.

Australia's ASX 200 traded near flat as falling bank, energy and utilities shares offset gains in materials stocks after the RBA warned inflation risks may be increasing.

Micron shares extended their steep 2025 rally as investors focused on AI-driven memory demand, upcoming quarterly results and competitive pressure from China's CXMT.

Apple CEO John Ternus described Vision Pro as being in the early stages of a long technological journey, pointing to surgical applications despite limited mainstream adoption.