Author: Jack Mulligan

Apple has rolled out a new software update that automatically enables Apple Intelligence for users with supported devices. The updates—iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3, and macOS Sequoia 15.3—mark a major step in Apple’s AI integration across its product ecosystem. Apple Intelligence Now On by Default Previously, users with supported iPhones had to manually activate Apple Intelligence during setup, a process that involved downloading AI models. With this update, the feature will be turned on by default upon installing the latest software. “For users new or upgrading to iOS 18.3, Apple Intelligence will be enabled automatically during iPhone onboarding,” Apple stated in…

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 0.5% on Friday, marking the highest level since 2008. The long-awaited move signals the central bank’s intent to normalize monetary policy amid rising inflation and wage growth. A Divided Decision The decision was approved by an 8-1 vote, with board member Toyoaki Nakamura dissenting. Nakamura argued that the BOJ should wait for corporate earnings data before adjusting its policy. Following the announcement, the Japanese yen strengthened 0.6% to 155.12 per dollar, while Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index saw a modest gain. Meanwhile, yields on 10-year…

Robust Revenue and Profit Growth GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) shares jumped in premarket trading on Thursday after the company reported a 16% year-over-year adjusted revenue increase in the fourth quarter, reaching $9.879 billion. GAAP revenue came in at $10.812 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $9.604 billion. GE shares climbed 8.04% to $203.51 in premarket trading on Thursday. Strong Performance Across Business Segments Commercial Engines & Services revenue rose 19% Y/Y to $7.650 billion, while Defense & Propulsion Technologies revenue increased 4% Y/Y to $2.523 billion. Total orders soared 46% Y/Y to $15.5 billion, with Commercial Engines & Services up 50% and…

What Happened South Africa’s inflation rate rose by 3% in December, slightly up from 2.9% in November but below the 3.2% forecast by economists. The lower-than-expected increase supports expectations that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) may cut interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting. Why It’s Important Key Details Outlook and Market Reaction Bloomberg Economics predicts that inflation will remain near the lower end of the target range until mid-2025 before ticking up to the midpoint by year-end. However, growing global economic uncertainty could shorten the rate-cutting cycle. The upcoming inflation report will also reflect methodological revisions, including updates…

What Happened Shares of Moderna Inc. (NASDAQ: MRNA) surged on Tuesday, gaining 5.75% to $36.02 with a session volume of 8.0 million, according to Benzinga Pro. The rally follows the company’s announcement of continued support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to accelerate the development of mRNA-based pandemic influenza vaccines. Why It’s Important The funding, provided through the Rapid Response Partnership Vehicle (RRPV) Consortium and Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), will support Moderna’s late-stage development and licensure of pre-pandemic mRNA-based vaccines. Additionally, the agreement includes expanded clinical studies for up to five additional subtypes…

What Happened As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to begin his second term in office, investors are closely analyzing how his proposed economic and trade policies will impact the stock market. While uncertainties remain, one thing is clear—the market is in a remarkable position as Trump takes office. The S&P 500 (^GSPC) has recorded back-to-back annual gains of over 20%, a feat last achieved in 1997-1998. Several factors contributed to this historic rally, including the Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts, accelerated corporate earnings growth, and investor enthusiasm over artificial intelligence (AI) stocks. Why It Matters Several trends have fueled the market’s…

Equities Rally as Economic Optimism Grows Global equities rose on Friday, with Wall Street and European markets posting strong weekly gains, as upbeat economic data and corporate earnings boosted investor confidence ahead of the U.S. presidential inauguration. The MSCI global stock index climbed 0.81%, while Wall Street’s major indexes extended gains: Phil Orlando, Chief Equity Strategist at Federated Hermes, commented:“There’s an expectation that the economy is not as weak, and inflation is not as big a problem as previously thought.” Economic Data Boosts Confidence Encouraging economic reports fueled optimism: “Given the oversold nature of the market, we’ve enjoyed a nice…

Stocks and Bonds Rally on Lower Core Inflation A moderate U.S. inflation report triggered a sharp relief rally in both stocks and bonds on Wednesday, as investors welcomed signs of easing price pressures. The consumer price index (CPI) for December rose at a faster-than-expected pace, but markets focused on the core CPI—which excludes volatile food and energy prices—rising just 0.2%, compared to 0.3% in the previous four months. The S&P 500 surged 1.8%, while the 10-year U.S. Treasury yield reversed earlier losses and dropped to 4.66%, as bond prices rose. “This reading beat expectations modestly, but traders pounce aggressively on…

First Step: Initial Ceasefire and Hostage Release Israel and Hamas have agreed to a phased ceasefire, signaling a potential end to the 15-month war in Gaza that has caused immense devastation. The agreement’s first phase, lasting six weeks, includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages, prioritizing women, children, and elderly individuals, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This phase also ensures a temporary cessation of violence and the influx of much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza. Hamas has confirmed its approval of the deal, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism despite unresolved details. “Several items…

OpenAI’s New Feature: Tasks OpenAI, the leading name in generative artificial intelligence, announced on Tuesday the launch of a beta feature called Tasks for ChatGPT, marking its entry into the competitive virtual assistant market. This move positions OpenAI alongside established players like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa. The Tasks feature will allow ChatGPT users to: Generative AI’s Competitive Landscape The release of ChatGPT in late 2022 sparked a surge in investment in AI technology. This trend has driven competitors like Amazon and Apple to enhance their own offerings: Rollout and Availability OpenAI said it will roll out the Tasks beta…