BUSINESS

Australia's ASX 200 index saw modest gains as oil prices surged due to US-Iran tensions, while semiconductor stocks faced a global selloff, impacting market sentiment.

Leaks suggest Apple's iPhone 18 Pro will feature a new Dark Cherry colour, improved battery capacity, advanced A20 Pro chip, and enhanced camera capabilities, though official details remain unconfirmed.

Explore the top 10 cryptocurrencies of 2026, highlighting market leaders like Bitcoin and Ethereum, and emerging contenders such as Sui, amidst a volatile and rapidly evolving crypto landscape.

XRP's price forecasts for 2030 vary widely, with predictions ranging from $5 to $28. Analysts highlight regulatory outcomes and market adoption as key factors influencing the cryptocurrency's future value.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is projected to generate $13 billion in revenue, marking it as the most financially successful tournament. However, host cities face challenges in realising substantial economic benefits.

Apple Music has increased its subscription prices globally, citing rising music licensing costs. The Individual plan now costs $11.99 per month in the US, with similar increases worldwide.

Tesla showcased a gold-coloured autonomous vehicle fleet, advancing its robotaxi ambitions. The company aims to revolutionise urban transport with AI, despite regulatory and safety challenges.

The collapse of a US-Iran ceasefire has reignited conflict in the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global oil markets and maritime traffic as both nations resume military actions.

Facebook faced a global outage, affecting millions and sparking discussions on digital dependency and infrastructure resilience. The incident underscores the challenges of maintaining reliable global services.

AI spending is set to exceed $2.5 trillion by 2026, with key players like Nvidia, Microsoft, and OpenAI driving innovation across infrastructure, software, and frontier labs.

Moonshot AI's Kimi K3, the largest open-source AI model, boasts 2.8 trillion parameters and innovative features, outperforming rivals and impacting global tech markets amid political tensions.

A cyclosporiasis outbreak linked to Taco Bell's lettuce has sickened thousands across 34 states. The CDC advises against consuming the lettuce, while Taco Bell and Taylor Farms take corrective actions.

Honda announces the return of the CB400 Super Four and CBR400R with E-Clutch technology, launching in Japan this summer. The models feature a 399cc engine and modern connectivity options.

Investors in 2026 face a choice between SK Hynix's AI memory demand and SpaceX's space ambitions, each offering distinct growth potential and risk profiles in transformative technology sectors.

Samsung's Freestyle+ projector, priced at $1,199.99, introduces AI-driven features like 3D Auto Keystone and Wall Calibration, enhancing image correction and portability for diverse projection environments.

Apple has reclaimed its position as the world's most valuable company, surpassing Nvidia, as investors favour its AI strategy and capital spending model. This marks a shift in tech market dynamics.

SpaceX shares have dropped over 45% since their IPO, driven by Starship launch failures and investor concerns. Despite setbacks, analysts remain optimistic about the company's long-term prospects.

Trevi Therapeutics' stock rose 13.10% following positive data presentation at a European conference, highlighting Haduvio's potential in treating chronic cough, boosting investor confidence and analyst ratings.

NVIDIA's shares dipped amid market fluctuations, reflecting investor caution despite strong AI demand. The company's robust growth in AI infrastructure positions it as a key player in the evolving tech landscape.

SK Hynix's ADRs have experienced significant volatility since their Nasdaq debut, with dramatic price swings reflecting investor uncertainty and high demand. Analysts remain bullish despite the turbulence.

Wall Street faces turbulence as semiconductor stocks plunge and Netflix's forecast disappoints, amid geopolitical tensions and mixed economic signals, leading to significant market declines.

OpenAI launches its first hardware product, the Codex Micro keyboard, alongside unique merchandise like a $70 basketball, marking its entry into retail and sparking mixed reactions.

4DMedical shares dropped 15.57% this week, continuing a downward trend as investors reassess the company's valuation. Despite recent commercial successes, market sentiment remains cautious amid broader volatility.

Hacked code from AI music company Suno reveals data scraping from platforms like YouTube Music and Deezer, intensifying a copyright lawsuit by major record labels over alleged infringement.

South Korea's stock markets, including KOSPI, are closed for Constitution Day, impacting global investors tracking semiconductor stocks. The holiday marks a return to the national calendar after years of absence.

Google Vids now features AI avatars and enhanced video creation tools using Gemini Omni, allowing users to generate personalised avatars and edit videos with ease, while ensuring content authenticity.

Chuck Bentley's column highlights Warren Buffett's reading habits as a model for overcoming financial stress, emphasizing belief change over budgeting techniques for lasting financial freedom.

A potential cyclospora outbreak linked to Taylor Farms' lettuce has affected Taco Bell locations, with nearly 7,000 cases reported nationwide. Investigations are ongoing to confirm the source.

Australian shares closed lower with the S&P/ASX 200 falling 0.70% due to weakness in mining and energy stocks, influenced by global market volatility and declining commodity prices.