
Chinese AI startup Moonshot AI is planning its next frontier model, Kimi K4, and is seeking additional access to Nvidia's advanced Blackwell GPUs despite US export restrictions intended to keep such chips out of China, according to The Information. The report says K4 would be significantly larger than the recently launched Kimi K3, underscoring the growing computing demands of China's leading AI developers.
Advantest raised its outlook for the fiscal year ending March 2027 after demand for chip-test equipment tied to AI data centers strengthened, pushing results above market expectations. According to Bloomberg and Nikkei, the Japanese semiconductor equipment maker now expects operating profit to rise 70% in fiscal 2026, compared with a prior forecast of 26% and above the 42% average analyst estimate.
Meta Platforms' second-quarter results showed a widening gap between its fast-growing advertising business and the cost of building AI infrastructure. Free cash flow fell to US$784 million, while the company lifted the lower end of its 2026 capital expenditure forecast to US$130 billion.
Microsoft reported stronger-than-expected fiscal fourth-quarter results, driven by accelerating Azure cloud growth and rising adoption of its AI products, reinforcing investor confidence that the company's heavy investments in AI are generating commercial returns. Robust guidance for the current quarter and continued enterprise demand also eased concerns over spending on AI infrastructure.
Global automakers are facing slower market growth, the rapid rise of Chinese carmakers, and sustained EV investment, with Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz under strain in recent years. While German automakers still lead the global auto industry, revenue and profitability have come under broad pressure over the past two years as competition shifts from volume growth to product value and operating efficiency.


