Simply the latest news, updated on the hour.

Sun, Oct 18, 2026, 6:02 PM EDT

Tech

  • Venture capital firms, exemplified by Benchmark, are navigating a highly competitive and fast-paced investment market, focusing on their San Francisco base without external pressures.

  • Anthropic has pledged a portion of its shares to a public benefit fund, highlighting a commitment to social responsibility alongside its AI development.

  • The Elizabeth Holmes documentary, 'You Can See Everything,' is garnering significant attention, with comedian Nathan Fielder also drawing parallels to her story.

  • Disney is set to integrate a substantial portion of Character.AI's talent, likely to bolster its own AI and creative endeavors.

  • Rivian is charting its future course in the electric vehicle market, with a focus on its next phase of development and offerings.

Money

  • Global markets brace for volatility as geopolitical tensions escalate, with Ukrainian drone strikes hitting Russian oil facilities and French riots disrupting domestic stability.

  • The AI sector is a focal point at the World Financial Summit, with discussions ranging from boom-or-bust scenarios to the potential for export controls by China, while new AI devices push legal boundaries.

  • Central banks worldwide remain cautious, with the Bank of Japan focused on inflation targets and the Bank of England deeming it premature to signal rate cut intentions.

  • The cryptocurrency space is navigating regulatory scrutiny and technological advancements, from stablecoin adoption in emerging markets to concerns over quantum computing threats and AI's role in transactions.

  • US political rhetoric intensifies, as Trump's endorsements and comments on international conflicts, including Ukraine and Canada, draw significant attention and shape foreign policy discussions.

Power

  • The power sector is grappling with the increasing integration of renewable energy sources, leading to grid stability challenges and discussions around grid modernization investments.

  • Energy security remains a paramount concern globally, with geopolitical tensions impacting supply chains and driving interest in diversified energy portfolios, including nuclear power.

  • Technological advancements, particularly in battery storage and AI-driven grid management, are poised to revolutionize energy distribution and consumption patterns.

  • Policy and regulatory frameworks are evolving to support the transition to cleaner energy, with governments worldwide introducing incentives and mandates for emissions reduction.

  • The demand for critical minerals essential for renewable energy technologies is surging, prompting concerns about sustainable sourcing and geopolitical competition.