World News

Microsoft's cloud growth, cash flow offer respite from AI spending fears

Microsoft's Azure cloud business grew 48% in the September quarter, while free cash flow reached $18.6 billion, easing investor concerns over mounting AI infrastructure spending.

Israel seeks election probe after Netanyahu alleges Arab vote rigging

Israel's election watchdog has sought a probe into alleged foreign interference after Netanyahu questioned high Arab voter turnout, as his bloc fell short of a parliamentary majority.

Microsoft eyes to raise at least $25 billion in first US bond since 2017

Microsoft is seeking to raise at least $25 billion through its first US bond sale since 2017, testing investor appetite for AI-linked debt amid rising borrowing costs and spending concerns.

Datanomics: Will US replace Singapore as India's top FDI destination?

Indian investment commitments of over $330 billion in the US could boost outward FDI flows, potentially challenging Singapore's position as the top destination for Indian investments.

US economy expands 3.4% in Q3 as consumer spending, AI investment rise

The US economy grew at an annualised rate of 3.4% in Q3, beating forecasts of 3.2%, as resilient consumer spending and AI-driven investment offset the impact of higher oil prices.

Christine Lagarde to step down as European Central Bank chief in Feb 2027

Christine Lagarde, who took charge of the ECB in 2019, steered the eurozone through the Covid pandemic, the Ukraine war, an energy crisis and inflation pressures linked to the US-Iran war

Nvidia chief Jensen Huang reportedly targeted in Chinese spy plot

US intelligence agencies reportedly identified a Megaspeed executive with ties to Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang as a Chinese intelligence asset, raising concerns over AI chip exports.

Netanyahu alleges election fraud, rules out cooperation with Arab parties

The Israeli prime minister accused foreign entities of funding and influencing Arab-led parties after the election produced no clear majority in the 120-member Knesset

How Trump's immigration crackdown could backfire in the midterms

Biden's immigration policies remain a regular target for Republicans this year. Trump said at a recent Florida rally that Democrats let migrants pour across our borders from all over the world

Shell beats expectations with $10.8 billion profit, hikes buybacks

Shell beat analyst estimates and increased share buybacks as stronger refining margins and higher LNG prices lifted quarterly net profit from $5.43 billion a year earlier

North Korea fires 10 ballistic missiles towards sea amid border tensions

South Korea said it detected about 10 short-range missiles launched from Wonsan, days after Pyongyang threatened to resume propaganda broadcasts and deploy new weapons along the border

Trump and Obama trade barbs in closing week of US midterm election

Trump has stepped up rallies amid Republican concerns over losing Congress, while Obama has criticised the president and campaigned for Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff ahead of Tuesday's vote

Chinese AI model completes complex cyberattacks in tests, raises concerns

Z.AI's GLM-5.3 completed three of 13 multi-stage cyberattack scenarios in controlled simulations, according to Irregular, though it trailed leading US models in separate tests

Putin seeks new tax revenue to fund Russia's war as budget deficit swells

The deficit hit 5.8 trillion rubles ($72 billion) through August, almost 50 per cent higher than last year's figure and above the already revised target of 4.8 trillion rubles

Samsung sees AI memory demand outstripping supply, raising cost concerns

Samsung Electronics said AI infrastructure spending could reach a historic level in 2027, with demand for memory chips expected to outstrip industry supply by a wider margin

Taiwan suspects China behind Pakistan's brief airspace ban for its airlines

Taiwan's Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi said Pakistan's move sent a dangerous message, as Taiwanese commercial flights resumed over the country on Thursday after permits were approved

Student enrolment in US computer science programmes falls as AI takes jobs

Undergraduate computer science enrolment fell over 12% and postgraduate numbers more than 10% this autumn, with declines over two years reaching 18.4% and 27.1%, respectively

Trump admin warns Gulf states of likely renewed Iran war after US midterms

The Trump administration is preparing for possible renewed strikes after the November midterms, even as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict remain ongoing

Oil prices fall as hopes of US-Iran peace talks ease supply fears

Brent crude fell 1.1% to $114.10 a barrel and WTI dropped 1.3% to $101.45, paring Wednesday's gains as reports of renewed diplomatic efforts eased concerns over supply disruptions

Hegseth fires top military planner even as Trump plans fresh Iran strikes

Army Lt Gen Brett Sylvia is the second officer to be removed as head of strategy, plans and policy under Hegseth, as Trump weighs renewed strikes on Iran