Board News

🏛️ Senate passes stopgap spending bill to end longest US government shutdown.

• The Senate approved a stopgap spending bill to end the longest U.S. government shutdown, sending it to the House for final approval. This move promises to reopen federal operations soon.
• The bill includes funding through January 30 and reinstates federal workers laid off during the shutdown. Bipartisan support shows progress toward restoring government services and stability.
• Lawmakers express optimism as the shutdown ends, with plans to address healthcare costs next. The agreement marks a positive step toward cooperation and renewed focus on public needs.

🏛️ UK and China sign scaled-back scientific collaboration, excluding sensitive technologies.

• The UK and China have signed a new scientific collaboration agreement focusing on non-sensitive fields like health, climate, planetary sciences, and agriculture, promoting positive research ties.
• This scaled-back partnership excludes sensitive technologies such as satellites and robotics, ensuring security while maintaining valuable cooperation on global challenges.
• Both nations aim to foster innovation in safe areas, emphasizing shared goals in science without new funding, reflecting a balanced approach to collaboration and security concerns.

💰 SoftBank sells entire Nvidia stake for $5.83 billion to fund AI investments.

• SoftBank sold its entire Nvidia stake for $5.83 billion, aiming to fund its major AI investments, including a $22.5 billion commitment to OpenAI and other strategic ventures. The sale aligns with SoftBank’s asset monetization plan, maintaining financial strength while creating new investor opportunities. This move reflects SoftBank's focus on expanding its AI portfolio and backing innovative technologies.
• Despite selling Nvidia shares, SoftBank remains deeply connected to Nvidia through various AI projects that leverage Nvidia’s technology, such as the $500 billion Stargate data center initiative. The sale is not a negative signal on Nvidia but a strategic step to raise capital for ambitious AI investments, including acquiring ABB’s robotics unit and supporting Ampere’s growth.
• SoftBank’s Vision Fund continues to thrive, posting a $19 billion gain and doubling profits, driven by early investments in OpenAI. With OpenAI’s valuation hitting $500 billion, SoftBank plans to increase its ownership stake, reinforcing its commitment to leading AI innovation and supporting transformative technologies.

🏢 Microsoft to invest over $10 billion expanding AI data center infrastructure in Portugal.

• Microsoft is investing over $10 billion to expand its AI data center infrastructure in Portugal, boosting the country's tech capabilities and supporting global AI advancements.
• This investment will create numerous jobs and foster innovation, positioning Portugal as a key player in the AI and cloud computing sectors on the international stage.
• The expansion highlights Microsoft's commitment to sustainable technology growth, enhancing digital transformation while promoting economic development in Portugal.

📉 UK unemployment rises to 5%, increasing expectations for Bank of England rate cut.

• UK unemployment has risen to 5%, signaling shifts in the job market and prompting optimism for potential economic adjustments. This change reflects evolving labor dynamics in the country.
• The increase in unemployment has heightened expectations that the Bank of England may cut interest rates soon, aiming to support economic growth and stability amid changing conditions.
• Market watchers view the rate cut prospect positively, anticipating it could boost investment and consumer confidence, fostering a more resilient economic environment in the UK.

🛫 Flight disruptions expected to linger despite government reopening after record shutdown.

• Flight disruptions continue despite government reopening after a record shutdown, with efforts underway to restore normal operations and minimize passenger inconvenience. Progress is steady.
• Authorities remain committed to resolving delays by enhancing coordination and increasing resources, aiming for smoother travel experiences as systems recover from the shutdown impact.
• Passengers are encouraged to stay informed as airlines adapt schedules and improve communication, signaling a positive outlook for returning to reliable flight services soon.

🌐 EU mulls legal ban on Huawei and ZTE in member states’ telecom networks.

• The EU is considering a legal ban on Huawei and ZTE in member states' telecom networks to enhance security and reduce risks from high-risk vendors. This aims to protect critical infrastructure.
• The proposal would turn previous non-binding guidance into a binding rule, encouraging EU countries to align on security standards while promoting the deployment of advanced, secure fiber networks.
• By limiting reliance on Chinese vendors, the EU seeks to safeguard digital sovereignty and foster trust in telecom infrastructure, supporting a resilient, secure, and future-ready communications environment.