Advanced Micro Devices Inc. $AMD is intensifying its push into artificial intelligence (AI) by cultivating deep partnerships with emerging AI startups and enhancing its software capabilities. As the demand for alternatives to Nvidia's $NVDA dominant GPU offerings grows, AMD is working to position itself as a credible contender in the AI semiconductor space. The company’s recent acquisitions and platform developments reflect a strategic pivot aimed at accelerating adoption of its AI hardware and software ecosystem.
Virgin Australia, a leading Australian airline owned by private equity firm Bain Capital, has announced plans to return to the Australian stock market through an initial public offering (IPO) valued at AUD 685 million (approximately USD 443 million). According to the prospectus reviewed by Reuters on Wednesday, Bain Capital intends to sell about 30% of its stake in Virgin Australia at a fixed price of AUD 2.90 per share. This move marks a significant step in Bain’s strategy to partially divest from the airline following its financial restructuring and recovery.
The Bank of Korea (BOK) is poised to reduce its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points on Thursday, reflecting the contraction in economic activity during the first quarter of 2025 and inflation figures that remain close to the central bank’s target. A Reuters survey of 36 economists unanimously anticipates this move, marking a significant step in South Korea's monetary easing cycle as inflation moderates and the Korean Won (KRW) gains strength.
The European Commission has intensified its antitrust investigation into payment processing fees charged by Visa $V and Mastercard $MA, expanding its inquiry to include feedback from terminal providers and payment firms. This move follows an initial questionnaire distributed to retailers and merchants last month, reflecting growing scrutiny over alleged anti-competitive practices related to card transaction fees across the EU market.
In a move underscoring its evolving global portfolio strategy, Shell Indonesia $SHEL.L announced the sale of its fuel retail business to a joint venture between Citadel Pacific Limited and Sefas Group. The transaction involves approximately 200 petrol stations and a fuel storage terminal in Gresik, East Java. Shell will, however, retain its lubricants business in the country, emphasizing its continued presence in high-margin segments of the energy market.
Medtronic Plc $MDT, a global leader in medical technology, announced on Wednesday its decision to separate its diabetes business into a standalone public company. This move comes alongside a lowered adjusted earnings forecast for fiscal 2026, signaling a major realignment of its corporate strategy to concentrate on more profitable operations such as cardiovascular and surgical technologies.
On April 22, 2025, Marks & Spencer $MKS.L, a leading British retailer, disclosed a significant cybersecurity breach. Hackers infiltrated the company’s systems by deceiving employees of a third-party contractor, circumventing advanced digital defenses. This cyberattack is expected to disrupt M&S’s retail operations for several months. CEO Stuart Machin highlighted that all companies remain vulnerable to such threats despite intensified efforts to enhance IT security.
In a notable move underscoring the growing integration of genomic data into pharmaceutical R&D, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc. $REGN announced on Monday its acquisition of the bankrupt consumer genetics company 23andMe Holding Co. $ME for $256 million USD. The deal was concluded through a court-supervised bankruptcy auction, granting Regeneron access to one of the world's largest privately held DNA databases—over 15 million individual genetic profiles obtained via direct-to-consumer (DTC) saliva test kits.
Sony Corporation $6758.T revealed on Wednesday its forecast for a slight increase in operating profit to 1.28 trillion yen (approximately $8.7 billion) for the fiscal year ending March. This projection incorporates an estimated 100 billion yen loss attributed to tariffs stemming from the ongoing U.S.-China trade tensions under former President Donald Trump’s administration. Despite these headwinds, Sony’s performance demonstrates resilience in a turbulent geopolitical and economic landscape.
A wave of major artificial intelligence (AI) agreements between top-tier American tech companies and Saudi Arabia has underscored the intensifying competition for global AI dominance. During a high-profile diplomatic visit to the Gulf, the U.S. administration unveiled a $600 billion framework aimed at bolstering American corporate interests in the region. Central to this initiative are ambitious AI-related deals between Nvidia $NVDA, Advanced Micro Devices $AMD, and Qualcomm Inc $QCOM with Humain, a newly launched Saudi AI startup backed by the nation’s sovereign wealth fund.
Leasys, a leading player in the European long-term car leasing market, has announced its bold strategy to nearly double the proportion of low-emission vehicles—electric and hybrid—in its fleet by the end of next year. The move comes as the automotive industry faces rapid technological advancements and a growing push towards sustainability. As an established joint venture between Stellantis $STLAM.MI and Credit Agricole $ACA.PA, Leasys is keen on adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of electric mobility, addressing both the growing demand for green alternatives and the increasing pressures on the automotive industry to embrace more sustainable practices.
Yes Bank $YESBANK.NS saw its shares rise by 4.6% on Monday, following the announcement of a landmark cross-border banking deal. The Japanese financial giant, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), part of the Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group $8316.T, revealed its intention to acquire a 20% stake in the Indian lender. This marks the largest-ever cross-border banking transaction in India, signaling potential shifts in the banking landscape. The deal is set to reshape Yes Bank's future, while also strengthening the ties between Japan and India’s financial sectors.
