BUSINESS

Micron shares fell for a second consecutive session as concerns over the cost and sustainability of AI investment overshadowed soaring memory chip prices and industry profits.

Intel shares fell more than 27% after the company forecast weaker fourth-quarter results and a prolonged PC downturn, overshadowing stronger-than-expected profit and rapid data centre growth.

SK Hynix shares fell nearly 7% as a global memory-chip sell-off overshadowed record quarterly results, with investors concerned about AI spending, valuation and future supply risks.

Binance is investigating an estimated $6.3 billion theft linked to North Korean hackers, as billions in assets are frozen and scrutiny intensifies over exchange security.

Alphabet shares fell 12.6% in their worst one-day decline after results raised concerns about slowing search growth, surging AI investment, negative free cash flow and broader technology-sector volatility.

CareDx shares climbed nearly 24% after third-quarter revenue rose 39% to $139 million, prompting the transplant diagnostics company to raise its 2026 revenue and adjusted EBITDA forecasts.

Capri Holdings shares rose sharply after quarterly revenue exceeded expectations, margins improved and the luxury group returned to profit, despite continued weakness at Michael Kors.

BrightSpring Health Services shares rose nearly 16% after third-quarter revenue and profit exceeded expectations, while the company raised its 2026 outlook and reported lower leverage.

FedEx Freight shares rose 13.4% after the newly independent carrier reported stronger pricing, higher adjusted operating income and an improved outlook in its first standalone earnings report.

Cavco Industries reported record fiscal second-quarter revenue and higher home sales, sending shares up 13%, while a growing backlog supported demand despite pressure on gross margins.

Binance says hackers stole about $6.3 billion in digital assets, freezing withdrawals and triggering a market sell-off. Investigators suspect North Korean-linked hackers, but attribution remains unconfirmed.

Alphabet shares plunged after its third-quarter report showed slower search growth, earnings below expectations and negative free cash flow amid surging investment in AI infrastructure.

DoorDash will acquire Instacart for about $17 billion, combining two major US delivery platforms in a deal expected to face extensive regulatory and antitrust scrutiny.

Crocs shares jumped nearly 20% after the footwear maker exceeded third-quarter earnings expectations, reported renewed HEYDUDE growth and raised its full-year 2026 forecasts.

Mesoblast shares surged in Australia and the US after Ryoncil revenue rose 44%, quarterly cash spending fell sharply and the company reported progress on adult trials and pipeline treatments.

Bausch Health shares rose 17% after the drugmaker reported strong third-quarter results, raised its 2026 guidance and reduced net debt, despite future Medicare pricing risks.

Glaukos shares surged after the eye-care company reported record third-quarter sales, raised its 2026 forecast and outlined a preliminary $1 billion revenue target for 2027.

South Korean shares fell after the KOSPI briefly exceeded 6,100, as Samsung Electronics' record profit failed to satisfy lofty expectations for its semiconductor division.

Japan's Nikkei climbed 1.1% for a third straight session, led by Advantest after its upgraded forecasts, while investors remained cautious ahead of the Bank of Japan's decision.

Indian equities rose after the US Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, with Adani Ports and consumer stocks leading gains despite pressure from oil prices, foreign outflows and a weaker rupee.

Zip shares rose 6.6% to A$1.86, extending their recovery after a fraud-related sell-off, as brokers backed the stock despite ongoing questions about US controls and bad debts.

Neuren Pharmaceuticals shares gained 6.3% as investors focused on potential milestone payments, DAYBUE sales growth, European expansion and upcoming Japanese trial results for trofinetide.

Mesoblast shares jumped 23.4% after quarterly Ryoncil revenue rose 44% to US$28 million and operational cash spending fell 86% to US$2.1 million.

GenusPlus shares rose 4.7% to A$8.41, extending a recovery from their October low despite no new company-specific announcement or clear trigger for the gain.

Lynas Rare Earths shares rose 4.2% after record prices lifted quarterly revenue 55%, despite the result missing expectations and sales volumes falling 17.7%.

Australian shares rose as Microsoft's strong Azure results eased concerns about AI spending, while investors assessed possible US and Australian interest rate increases and company news.

GameStop shares rose modestly after recent losses as investors weighed Ryan Cohen's proposed eBay takeover, shareholder support, Wall Street scepticism and weakness in the retailer's core business.

Micron shares rose nearly 5% after SK Hynix reported strong results and said demand for high-bandwidth memory used in AI processors could exceed supply through 2030.

Tesla shares fell after rising on speculation about a possible SpaceX merger. Investors are weighing the uncertain deal alongside weak earnings, high valuations and pressure on vehicle sales.