Author: The Business Worldwide

Samsung Electronics is expecting a record third-quarter operating profit as the global artificial intelligence boom continues to drive strong demand for advanced memory chips.

The South Korean technology giant said Thursday that its preliminary operating profit is expected to reach 107.40 trillion won, or about $80.2 billion. The figure marks the first time Samsung’s quarterly operating profit has crossed the 100 trillion won threshold.

The projected profit represents a 782% increase from the same period a year earlier. Samsung also forecast quarterly revenue of approximately 195 trillion won, up nearly 127% year over year.

Despite the record outlook, Samsung shares fell 0.7% during Thursday morning trading, reflecting investor concerns that the company’s results may not have exceeded already-high market expectations.

AI Demand Drives Memory Business

Analysts said Samsung’s performance highlights just how strong expectations have become across the semiconductor industry as companies continue to invest heavily in artificial intelligence.

Josh Gilbert, lead analyst for the Asia-Pacific region at investment platform eToro, said Samsung’s record profit still appeared insufficient to satisfy investors given the extraordinary expectations surrounding AI-related chip demand.

Josh Gilbert, lead analyst for the Asia-Pacific region at investment platform eToro, said Samsung’s record profit still appeared insufficient to satisfy investors given the extraordinary expectations surrounding AI-related chip demand.

The broader outlook for the memory chip industry remains strong, however. AI systems require significant amounts of memory, and limited supply has helped support demand and pricing.

The growth of AI agents could further increase memory requirements because these systems can handle more complex tasks and consume substantially more memory than basic chatbot applications.

Long-Term Chip Demand Provides Visibility

Another positive factor for Samsung is that memory buyers are increasingly entering multiyear supply agreements. Such contracts can give the company greater visibility into future demand and reduce concerns about sudden downturns in the memory market.

Samsung had already reported a record second quarter, with revenue reaching 171.5 trillion won and operating profit totaling 89.5 trillion won. Its memory business was a major contributor to those results.

Samsung Expands AI Investments

Beyond its chip operations, Samsung is also increasing its investments and partnerships in artificial intelligence. In September, the company announced a strategic partnership with French AI startup Mistral AI, with plans to deploy Mistral’s AI models across Samsung’s semiconductor operations.

Samsung is expected to release its complete third-quarter earnings later this month, including detailed results from its individual business divisions. Those figures will offer a clearer picture of how strongly AI-driven demand is contributing to the company’s growth.

Also Read :- Samsung Introduces Galaxy Watch Ultra2 and Watch9 with Advanced AI-Powered Health Features

Anthropic has announced that its Claude artificial intelligence model is now available within Google Workspace as an add-on, bringing Claude’s capabilities directly into popular productivity applications.

The company said the integration is designed to help users work with documents, spreadsheets, and presentations without constantly switching between different applications. Claude can assist with editing, restructuring, data analysis, and presentation creation while working within the existing Google Workspace environment.

Claude for Google Workspace is currently available in beta to users on all paid plans. The add-on can be installed through the Google Workspace Marketplace.

AI Assistance in Google Docs

In Google Docs, Claude can make edits directly within a document while preserving surrounding formatting. Anthropic said users can ask the AI to correct sentences, rewrite sections, or change the style of headings without disrupting the rest of the document.

For larger changes, Claude can present suggested edits through cards in the sidebar. Users can review individual recommendations, then choose whether to apply or dismiss them.

The tool can also handle more complex editing requests. For example, users can ask Claude to shorten an executive summary and convert a document’s next steps into a table, with both changes made directly within the document.

Spreadsheet Tasks in Google Sheets

Claude’s integration also extends to Google Sheets, where it can assist with formulas, pivot tables, charts, and the creation of new tabs.

Anthropic said Claude can work with source data and use Python for tasks such as joining datasets and cleaning information before returning the processed results to the spreadsheet. Users can also provide source files and ask Claude to create detailed reports.

For instance, the AI can produce a third-quarter budget-versus-actuals report, organize information by team, generate a summary chart, and identify spending that exceeds the budget.

Building Presentations in Google Slides

In Google Slides, Claude can create new slides using the presentation’s existing layouts and themes, helping generated content fit naturally into an established deck.

The AI can also review its work and identify potential presentation issues, including overlapping elements, content extending beyond slide boundaries, and text that may be difficult to read.

With the new integration, Anthropic is positioning Claude as a broader productivity assistant capable of handling writing, data, and presentation tasks directly within Google Workspace.

Also Read :- OpenAI and Anthropic Find Common Ground on Chinese AI Models

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has cleared the way for Sri Lanka to access around $345 million in additional financing, providing further support to the country as it continues its economic recovery and implements reforms under its IMF-backed programme.

The latest funding approval is expected to strengthen Sri Lanka’s financial position while helping the government maintain progress on measures aimed at restoring economic stability, improving public finances and rebuilding investor confidence.

Support for Economic Recovery

Sri Lanka has been working through a difficult period of economic adjustment after facing severe financial and foreign exchange pressures. The country’s International Monetary Fund programmed is designed to help address these challenges through fiscal reforms, stronger revenue collection, debt restructuring and measures to improve the resilience of the economy.

The latest release of funds will give the government additional financial resources at a time when maintaining stability remains a key priority. IMF support has also been an important part of Sri Lanka’s efforts to restore access to international financing and strengthen its external position.

Reforms Remain Central to International Monetary Fund Programme

Access to IMF funding is linked to Sri Lanka’s progress in implementing agreed economic reforms. These measures include improving government revenue, managing public spending and strengthening the country’s financial institutions.

The IMF has stressed the importance of continuing reforms to ensure that the economic gains achieved so far are sustained. While economic conditions have improved from the crisis period, Sri Lanka still faces challenges related to debt, living costs and the need to maintain long-term growth.

The government’s continued cooperation with the IMF is therefore expected to remain important as it works toward meeting the programme’s targets and creating a stronger foundation for economic expansion.

Funding Adds Financial Cushion

The additional $345 million will provide Sri Lanka with greater financial flexibility as it manages its economic recovery. IMF disbursements can help support foreign exchange reserves and provide confidence to international lenders and investors.

For Sri Lanka, the latest financing represents another step in its broader recovery programme. Continued progress on reforms, combined with external financial support, will be critical as the country seeks to strengthen its economy, manage debt obligations and improve conditions for businesses and households.

The IMF’s decision also signals continued international backing for Sri Lanka’s economic reform efforts, while placing renewed emphasis on maintaining fiscal discipline and completing the measures required for sustainable recovery.

Also Read :- NYSE and Blockchain.com Explore Opportunities in Tokenised Stock Trading

The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and crypto brokerage Blockchain.com have announced a strategic collaboration to explore the development and distribution of blockchain-based versions of US-listed stocks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs). The initiative reflects growing interest among traditional financial institutions in tokenisation, a process that converts real-world assets into digital tokens that can be traded on blockchain networks.

Bridging Traditional and Digital Markets

Under the partnership, the two organizations will assess opportunities to offer tokenised representations of stocks listed on the NYSE. These digital assets would be built on blockchain technology, the same infrastructure that supports cryptocurrencies.

The collaboration highlights an emerging convergence between conventional capital markets and dAsian Stocks Rise as Oil Prices Ease After BOJ Rate Hike. As financial institutions seek new ways to improve market accessibility and efficiency, tokenisation is increasingly being viewed as a potential avenue for expanding investment opportunities.

Blockchain.com described the partnership as a strategic move that reflects evolving market dynamics and the long-term direction of global capital markets.

Expanding Data and Market Intelligence

Beyond tokenised securities, the agreement also includes a data-sharing component. Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), the parent company of the NYSE, will distribute Blockchain.com’s cryptocurrency market data and analytics. In return, Blockchain.com will incorporate NYSE market data into its platform and applications.

The arrangement is designed to strengthen information flows between the traditional finance and digital asset sectors, providing investors with broader access to market insights across both asset classes.

Growing Momentum for Tokenisation

The announcement comes amid increasing industry interest in tokenised financial products. Supporters argue that blockchain-based securities can make investing more accessible by allowing fractional ownership and enabling trading beyond standard market hours.

Blockchain.com has already launched tokenised stock offerings for customers in Europe, underscoring the growing commercial interest in the segment. However, the company has not disclosed adoption figures or customer participation levels.

Regulatory and Investor Protection Considerations

Despite their potential benefits, tokenised stocks continue to raise regulatory and investor protection concerns. Unlike traditional equities, blockchain-based stock tokens often do not grant holders direct ownership rights in the underlying company. As a result, investors may not receive the same privileges typically associated with shareholding.

Regulatory developments are nevertheless supporting innovation in the sector. The US Securities and Exchange Commission recently introduced an exemption allowing certain platforms to offer tokenised versions of stocks and other securities without complying with many of the regulations that govern traditional stock exchanges.

Outlook

As established financial institutions and digital asset firms deepen their collaboration, tokenisation is gaining momentum as a potential next phase in market evolution. The NYSE-Blockchain.com partnership signals growing confidence that blockchain technology could play an increasingly significant role in the future structure of global capital markets.

Also Read :- Asian Stocks Rise as Oil Prices Ease After BOJ Rate Hike

A new real estate investment cycle is taking shape in 2026, but the recovery is far from uniform. As institutional capital returns to the market, investors are increasingly looking beyond large,acheadline-making deals for opportunities in overlooked and complex assets.

According to Morgan Stanley’s latest market outlook, the global real estate market is reaching an important inflection point, with institutional and private capital returning after a prolonged period of limited activity. CBRE’s US Real Estate Market Outlook 2026 also expects commercial real estate investment activity to increase significantly this year. However, investors are being forced to rethink traditional strategies as pricing remains uneven and opportunities vary widely across asset classes.

The Middle-Market Opportunity

For investors willing to look beyond major institutional transactions, the middle market is emerging as an important area of opportunity. Deals valued below $50 million can offer greater pricing inefficiencies because they often attract less institutional competition and face tighter access to capital.

Many of these properties are fundamentally strong but come with complicated histories, financing challenges, leasing gaps or management issues. Sellers may also be motivated by immediate liquidity requirements or personal circumstances, rather than waiting for market conditions to improve.

These factors can create opportunities to acquire quality assets below replacement cost. Investors with the expertise to address operational problems, improve management and strengthen leasing can potentially create value that is less dependent on broader market movements.

Local Expertise Matters

The middle-market segment is also increasingly being driven by well-capitalised local operators. Their knowledge of individual markets, tenants and property conditions can provide an advantage when identifying assets that larger institutions may overlook.

Rather than competing directly for highly sought-after institutional properties, these investors can focus on complex assets where operational improvements and disciplined capital deployment can unlock value.

Family Offices Shift Toward Real Assets

Another important development is the changing strategy of family offices. Many are increasing their exposure to real estate and other real assets as they seek stable income, inflation protection and potential tax advantages.

Instead of relying primarily on fragmented or indirect fund structures, some families are moving toward building direct, carefully selected real estate portfolios.

As the new cycle develops, the investment landscape is therefore becoming less about broad market exposure and more about identifying specific assets where complexity, pricing gaps and operational challenges can create opportunities for long-term value creation.

Also Read :- JPMorgan Sees Mag-7 Valuation Reset Nearing Completion

JPMorgan is signalling that the valuation decline affecting the so-called Magnificent Seven stocks may be approaching its later stages after months of relative underperformance.

The group, which includes Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Alphabet, Meta and Tesla, has historically traded at a premium to the broader stock market. However, that premium has narrowed considerably as investors have reassessed valuations across the technology sector.

JPMorgan’s equity strategy team, led by Mislav Matejka, said the group’s 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio relative to the broader market has fallen to around one standard deviation below its historical median. According to TradingView, that puts the relative valuation at a 10-year low.

Technology Stocks Under Pressure

The bank described the decline as part of a broader valuation adjustment affecting large technology companies rather than an isolated move involving the Magnificent Seven.

For much of the recent period, investors had been willing to pay higher valuations for the group because of its strong earnings growth, market influence and exposure to areas such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. The subsequent decline in relative valuations indicates that investors have become less willing to pay the same premium.

JPMorgan’s analysis suggests that much of this repricing may already have taken place. The bank said the de-rating across the Magnificent Seven and other technology stocks has largely run its course.

What It Means for Investors?

The development is significant because the seven companies represent a substantial portion of major stock-market indexes and are widely held through index funds and other investment products.

A further shift in their relative valuation could therefore influence how investors view the broader technology sector and the overall market.

JPMorgan assessment does not mean the stocks are guaranteed to rise or that valuation risks have disappeared. Instead, it indicates that the gap between the Magnificent Seven and the broader market has narrowed substantially following an extended period of adjustment.

The group’s future performance will continue to depend on factors including corporate earnings, interest rates, economic conditions and investor expectations surrounding artificial intelligence.

For investors, the latest analysis highlights how dramatically the valuation relationship between the market’s largest technology companies and the broader market has changed. What was once a persistent premium has now moved close to its lowest relative level in a decade.

Also Read :- Wells Fargo and Citigroup Could Pursue Major Regional Bank Acquisitions