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As of January 2026, the FTSE 100 surpassed 10,000 for the first time, capping a 21.5% gain in 2025 driven by mining, defence, and financial sectors. This milestone coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and President Trump's ambitions to acquire Greenland, prompting investor interest in defence stocks, gold, and Venezuelan debt, while oil prices face downward pressure.
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As of December 2025, major tech firms including HP, Amazon, Meta, and IBM are accelerating AI adoption, leading to thousands of job cuts and workforce shifts. HP plans to cut up to 6,000 jobs by 2028, citing AI-driven productivity gains. Meanwhile, AI-assisted "vibe coding" has been named Collins Dictionary's 2025 word of the year, reflecting a transformative shift in software development and workplace culture.
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Anthropic reports disrupting a Chinese-backed cyber operation using AI to automate hacking, targeting 30 entities globally. The attack involved minimal human oversight, raising concerns about AI's role in cyber warfare. The incident highlights escalating AI-enabled cyber threats and the potential for automation to expand cyberattack capabilities.
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The European Commission is moving to delay and relax key digital regulations, including AI and data privacy laws, citing the need to boost competitiveness. Critics warn this marks a retreat from Europe's leadership in digital rights, amid US and Chinese competition. The changes aim to simplify rules for businesses, especially startups, but raise concerns over privacy and innovation.
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The US government announced a $550 billion funding commitment to nuclear projects, including restarting Three Mile Island and supporting new reactors in Japan. The move aligns with US priorities on energy security and climate change, amid a global nuclear renaissance.
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US employment increased by 119,000 jobs in September, exceeding forecasts, but underlying weaknesses persist. Rising layoffs, hiring decoupling, and economic risks continue to shape the labor market outlook as analysts debate AI's impact and recession signals.
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Bank of England's Greene signals potential rate cuts if economic weakness persists, citing weak employment and consumption data. Markets expect a rate cut to 3.75% by end-2025 amid mixed economic signals, with inflation and wage growth key factors.
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Yandex founder Arkady Volozh, sanctioned in 2022 over Russia-Ukraine conflict support, has successfully transitioned to leading Nebius, a Dutch tech company. Nebius secured major AI deals with Microsoft and Meta, marking a significant turnaround in his career and international business presence. This story highlights resilience amid sanctions.
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The Biden administration has introduced new visa policies, including a weighted lottery favoring higher-paid applicants and a $1 million 'Gold Card' for wealthy immigrants. These changes aim to prioritize high-skill, high-wage workers and raise billions, amid ongoing legal challenges and policy debates.
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Nvidia's AI chip dominance faces scrutiny amid US-China tensions, export controls, and market shifts. The company’s close ties with US regulators and Chinese illicit channels complicate its global position, while industry rivals seek alternatives to Nvidia’s CUDA ecosystem. Market confidence fluctuates as geopolitical risks grow.
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In early 2026, AI continues to reshape technology, with vibe coding revolutionizing software development, government launching a major tech talent initiative, and societal concerns rising over AI's influence on human behavior and security. These developments highlight rapid progress and emerging risks.
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As of early 2026, Australia has implemented a ban on social media access for children under 16, prompting France to prepare similar legislation banning under-15s from social media starting September 2026. Other countries including Denmark, Norway, and Malaysia are considering comparable measures amid rising concerns over youth mental health and online harms. The bans target platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and X, aiming to protect young people from exposure to harmful content and addictive behaviors.
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Despite ongoing conflicts, Israeli multinational tech companies are expanding their operations in Europe and maintaining strong investment levels at home. The sector's resilience underscores Israel's strategic focus on AI, cybersecurity, and R&D, even as diplomatic relations face challenges.
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CES 2026 highlighted advances in autonomous vehicles, AI chips, and robotics, with companies like Nvidia, Hyundai, and Boston Dynamics unveiling new technologies. Nvidia announced its Vera Rubin AI platform, promising significant performance gains, while other exhibitors showcased humanoid robots, smart home devices, and immersive health tech. The event signals AI's rapid integration into consumer and industrial sectors.
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Recent articles detail how AI is transforming jobs, hiring practices, and corporate strategies. Firms like McKinsey are integrating AI agents to boost productivity and redefine roles, while experts warn of potential workplace challenges and uneven impacts across industries and regions. The future of work hinges on policy, skills, and adaptation.
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Despite concerns over AI-driven overvaluation, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley forecast continued US stock growth in 2026. Goldman expects a 7% return, citing strong earnings and economic resilience, while Morgan Stanley predicts a 13% rise driven by global cyclical recovery and commodity demand. Experts warn of potential risks, including a possible market correction and shifts in investor confidence.
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Microsoft commits to covering full electricity costs, minimizing water use, and paying taxes for its AI data centers amid rising community opposition and concerns over energy and water consumption. President Trump supports these efforts, emphasizing that tech companies should pay their own way to prevent higher utility bills for Americans. The move aims to address local protests and environmental impacts.