World’s most vital oil chokepoint back in focus amid possible U.S. action against Iran
In an extreme escalation scenario, where tankers are unable to pass or energy infrastructure is damaged, oil prices could surge by double digits, said analysts.
European markets close higher; Dutch chip stock BESI pops over 7% after posting fourth-quarter prelim order jump of 195%
European stocks moved into cautiously positive territory on Monday as investors weigh geopolitical developments and pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
What a U.S. intervention in Iran could look like as Trump weighs options
The unrest in Iran, which started in late December over soaring prices and the collapse of Iran’s currency, has intensified and morphed into wider antigovernment protests.
China’s AI and robotics push isn’t enough to kickstart its economy, leaving growth more exposed to trade risks
New tech sectors still account for a far smaller portion of China’s economy than the gap left by the real estate slump.
Malaysia and Indonesia block Elon Musk’s Grok due to nonconsensual sexual content
Malaysia and Indonesia blocked access to Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok over the weekend due to concerns that the tool was being used to generate sexually explicit and obscene content.
CNBC Daily Open: Trump has Iran in his sights — watch for oil prices
White House officials have shown Trump plans on how he can carry through with his threat to intervene in Iran, according to media reports.
South Korea’s Kospi closes at a record high as Asia-Pacific markets rise
Investors will be keeping an eye on oil prices as protests continue in Iran and U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly is weighing options to intervene.
S&P 500, Dow climb to closing records as traders look past Fed independence risk: Live updates
Stocks rebounded Monday afternoon as traders shook off concerns around the Justice Department’s investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
Walmart teams up with Google’s Gemini to make it easier for shoppers to find and buy products
The retail giant also has a similar deal with OpenAI’s ChatGPT and has its own AI-powered chatbot, Sparky.
Google bolsters bet on AI-powered commerce with new platform for shopping agents
As retailers create AI agents for shopping and customer service, Google wants to secure its place in the ecommerce market.
