Economy

Asian markets boosted by tech rally, traders eye US inflation
Asian markets boosted by tech rally, traders eye US inflation

Tech firms led an Asian market rally Thursday on renewed optimism about demand for AI equipment following a strong earnings outlook from US chip giant Micron. Tech shares have been the main driver of a surge in global markets this year -- pushing several to record highs -- as demand for all things AI heats up.

OpenAI chief technology officer Mira Murati leaving company
OpenAI chief technology officer Mira Murati leaving company

OpenAI chief technology officer Mira Murati on Wednesday said she is leaving the company behind ChatGPT, adding to a growing list of high-level departures. OpenAI chief Sam Altman replied to Murati's post with his thanks for what Murati has helped the company build, and promised details on a transition plan soon.

Meta unveils star-studded AI assistants
Meta unveils star-studded AI assistants

Meta launched AI chatbots voiced by Hollywood celebrities like John Cena and Judi Dench on Wednesday, betting that its billions of users are eager to embrace artificial intelligence. Like other chatbots, it can suggest recipes from food photos or edit images based on simple user requests.

Workers 'disappointed' as Volkswagen remains vague on turnaround plan
Workers 'disappointed' as Volkswagen remains vague on turnaround plan

Unions on Wednesday criticised Volkswagen for failing to make specific proposals in the first round of talks over the German auto giant's drastic cost-cutting plan, as thousands of workers picketed the meeting. But workers representatives said Volkswagen had failed to put any proposals on the table.

US new home sales slow slightly in August
US new home sales slow slightly in August

Sales of new homes in the United States cooled less than expected in August, according to government data released Wednesday, with lower interest rates potentially boosting the market going forward. This could, in turn, boost the market for home sales further.

Google files EU complaint over Microsoft cloud services
Google files EU complaint over Microsoft cloud services

Google said Wednesday that it had filed a complaint against Microsoft at the European Commission, accusing its rival of "anticompetitive" licensing practices to force customers to use its cloud service. The complaint was filed on Tuesday.

Unions vow 'bitter resistance' as Volkswagen talks begin
Unions vow 'bitter resistance' as Volkswagen talks begin

Volkswagen bosses and workers' representatives started crunch talks Wednesday about the ailing German auto titan's drastic cost-cutting plans, with thousands of staff staging a protest and unions vowing "bitter resistance". "Anyone who sows fear and gambles with the future of our colleagues will reap bitter resistance," vowed Groeger.