OpenAI signed a multiyear deal with Broadcom to build and deploy 10 gigawatts of bespoke AI accelerators and networking gear starting in the second half of 2026. The move diversifies OpenAI’s supply away from off‑the‑shelf GPUs, tightens control over its stack, and underscores the industry’s massive infrastructure needs; Broadcom shares surged on the news. The pact sits alongside OpenAI’s separate long‑term GPU agreement with AMD, highlighting a multi‑vendor strategy.
Source: Finance Magnates
Gold smashes a new record above $4,100 as investors seek safety; BofA lifts target to $5,000
Spot gold hit an all‑time high above $4,100 per ounce and silver notched its first record since 1980 as trade tensions and rate‑cut expectations fueled safe‑haven demand. Bank of America raised its 2026 gold forecast to $5,000, citing deficits, de‑dollarization and easier policy, while technicals point to the $4,300–$4,470 zone as near‑term resistance.
Source: Finance Magnates
Markets whipsaw on U.S.–China tensions, then rebound as tone softens
Global stocks bounced after a steep selloff when President Trump signaled a willingness to ease rhetoric toward China following tariff threats and Beijing’s export curbs. European markets edged higher and Wall Street stabilized, but Asia underperformed as investors weighed the risk of a renewed trade war and the implications for supply chains and commodities.
Source: South China Morning Post
JPMorgan unveils $1.5T “security and resiliency” push into critical U.S. industries
JPMorgan plans to mobilize $1.5 trillion over a decade toward sectors deemed vital for national security—such as rare earths, pharma precursors, and robotics—adding as much as $500 billion beyond its baseline activity. The initiative dovetails with renewed industrial policy and helped ignite rallies in strategic‑tech names, including quantum computing plays.
Source: American Banker
EU readies T+1: ESMA finalizes settlement changes; UK regulator urges firms to prepare
ESMA published its final report to streamline settlement discipline and support the bloc’s move to T+1 by October 2027, mandating features like auto‑partialing and same‑day allocations to boost efficiency. In parallel, the UK FCA warned firms that timelines are tighter than they appear, urging upgrades to processes, data and liquidity management ahead of the shift.
Source: Finance Magnates
France clears blockchain stock venue for SMEs under EU pilot regime
France’s AMF approved the rulebook for LISE, a fully tokenized multilateral trading facility and settlement system allowing direct retail trading of tokenized shares, with real‑time on‑chain settlement. Targeting companies under €500 million market cap and capped at €6 billion of tokenized securities, the platform will operate under the EU’s experimental DLT market framework.
Source: Finance Magnates
Visa and Mastercard agree to pay nearly $200M to settle merchant chargeback suit
Visa and Mastercard will pay a combined $199.5 million to end a decade‑long class action alleging merchants unfairly shouldered fraud costs after chip‑card rules shifted liability. The settlement—without admission of wrongdoing—follows earlier agreements by Discover and American Express and comes as payments networks face intensifying legal and regulatory scrutiny.
Source: Finance Magnates
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