Meta s stock declined after reporting strong Q3 results but forecasting significantly higher expenses in 2026 due to AI investments and talent acquisition. Despite the stock drop, analysts remain optimistic, viewing AI as a crucial growth engine for the company s advertising foundation. Meta also faces potential legal and regulatory challenges that could impact its financial performance.

Meta faced a substantial charge impacting its stock. The company is heavily investing in AI infrastructure, planning massive data centers. This aggressive spending, shared by major tech firms, raises concerns about an AI bubble. Meta is also streamlining its AI unit with job cuts. These moves signal a focus on long-term AI development despite current cost pressures.

Google-parent Alphabet surpassed revenue expectations for the third quarter. Its advertising and cloud computing divisions showed strong performance. Google Cloud s growth was fueled by enterprise demand for AI infrastructure. The company s advertising business also saw steady gains. This comes as competition in the AI and cloud market intensifies.

Microsoft announced impressive quarterly earnings, with revenue surging due to high demand for artificial intelligence services. This boosted its cloud computing business significantly. However, the company s stock saw a decline as investors worried about how quickly AI will generate profits. An Azure cloud service outage also impacted operations. Microsoft continues to invest heavily in AI, including its partnership with OpenAI.

Oil prices are steady as traders await crucial U.S.-China trade talks. Hopes are high for a de-escalation of trade tensions that have impacted global growth. Investors are also watching for signals from the U.S. Federal Reserve s recent interest rate cut. A significant drop in U.S. crude inventories also supports the market.

The dollar strengthened on Thursday. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell indicated a potential pause in rate cuts. This pushed the yen to an eight-month low. Markets await the Bank of Japan s policy decision. A meeting between US President Donald Trump and China s leader Xi Jinping is also scheduled. Investors anticipate discussions to ease trade tensions.

Gold prices saw a rise on Thursday. This was due to a weaker dollar and a quarter percentage point rate cut by the U.S. Federal Reserve. Investors are watching for a meeting between U.S. President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Other precious metals like silver, platinum, and palladium also gained. Economic data from Europe is also expected today.

OpenAI is reportedly planning a massive initial public offering. The artificial intelligence company could be valued at up to one trillion dollars. Preparations are underway for a potential listing as early as late 2026 or 2027. This move follows a significant restructuring. The company aims to raise substantial capital for future AI infrastructure investments.

Two-wheeler helmet major Studds Accessories launched its Rs 455.49 crore IPO today, an offer for sale with a price band of Rs 557–585 per share. The company, India s largest helmet manufacturer, reported steady growth with FY25 income at Rs 595.9 crore and PAT at Rs 69.6 crore.

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