BUSINESS

eBay users report intermittent access issues, with mixed outage reports and no confirmed widespread disruption. Monitoring services suggest checking local connections before assuming a platform-wide problem.

Vodafone shares rose 13% after Emirates Telecommunications sold its 16.2% stake to Vega, owned by Xavier Niel. The $5.95 billion deal positions Niel as Vodafone's largest shareholder.

Meta Platforms' stock surged as investors reacted to its AI infrastructure's cost efficiency. The company plans to expand AI capacity and explore new revenue streams, despite regulatory challenges.

Congo Brands Australia, behind Prime drinks, enters administration due to financial woes, with debts of $7.92 million and only $85,000 in cash. Legal actions and declining sales compound challenges.

AI adoption in eCommerce marketing has doubled, enhancing ROI and conversions. Brands focusing on audience retention over ad spending are poised for success, as AI democratizes capabilities and reshapes industry dynamics.

US stocks rose as semiconductor gains and easing oil prices offset US-Iran tensions. Investors focused on uninterrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, boosting financial and tech sectors.

SpaceX shares rose 2.76% after a brief dip due to a legal dispute over a data center tied to a major AI contract. Despite volatility, analysts remain optimistic about the stock's potential.

In 2026, corporate headquarters are increasingly relocating to Sun Belt cities like Dallas, Austin, and Miami, drawn by lower taxes, affordable real estate, and business-friendly environments.

Lupin Pharmaceuticals recalls over 2.5 million bottles of Prednisolone Acetate eye drops due to potential contamination, urging patients to verify their prescriptions against FDA's recall list.

Micron Technology's stock surged over 7% following the announcement of a $250 billion U.S. investment plan, boosting investor confidence and attracting bullish analyst upgrades despite ongoing market challenges.

The Dow Jones rose over 170 points, driven by positive corporate earnings and a resilient U.S. economy, despite inflation pressures. Technology and financial sectors led gains, with cautious optimism prevailing.

South Korea's KOSPI index rebounded after a steep selloff, driven by strong investor demand for SK Hynix's Nasdaq listing, boosting confidence in the semiconductor sector despite ongoing market volatility.

Australian shares fell as the ASX 200 index dropped due to U.S.-Iran tensions and rising oil prices, despite gains in energy stocks. Investors remain cautious amid geopolitical uncertainties.

US forces conducted strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz following attacks on commercial vessels, escalating tensions and impacting global energy security.

Starbucks shares dipped slightly as the company implements strategic changes to enhance customer experience and address market challenges, including competition and evolving consumer preferences.

McDonald's shares fell due to softening U.S. traffic and index removal, yet remain attractive as a defensive investment amid market volatility.

Amazon's stock fell 1.7% amid AI investment concerns and a $25 billion bond sale. Analysts remain optimistic about its long-term growth in e-commerce and cloud services.