Simply the latest news, updated on the hour.

Thu, Oct 29, 2026, 4:02 AM EDT

Tech

  • Apple's new touchscreen MacBook Pro is here, but it comes with a premium price tag, pushing laptop costs to new heights.

  • Microsoft has disclosed Azure's revenue at $33.2 billion and reported $10 billion in revenue from its partnership with OpenAI, marking 10 consecutive quarters of record revenue.

  • Google is expanding AI-powered search ads globally amid a slowdown in its core ad business, while also opening up Gemini and Search to more apps.

  • A significant data breach has exposed personnel information of thousands of Homeland Security employees, including sensitive data of CBP and ICE agents.

  • Concerns are rising about the potential disconnect between AI executives and the general public, with questions about whether AI is being developed with broad user needs in mind.

Money

  • Geopolitical tensions and diplomatic maneuvering are influencing oil prices, with concerns of Middle East conflict escalation alongside developments in U.S.-Iran diplomacy.

  • Latin American political landscapes are shifting, marked by the surprising ascent of left-wing leaders and the unexpected flight of former right-wing presidents.

  • The U.S. Federal Reserve has maintained its interest rates, opting for caution amid persistent inflation concerns and market volatility.

  • The burgeoning field of artificial intelligence is driving significant investment in the tech sector, with companies like Google and Microsoft outlining substantial capital expenditures.

  • The cryptocurrency market is experiencing a dynamic period, with increased ETF inflows, regulatory developments, and ongoing debates around tokenization and AI's impact.

Power

  • Global energy markets are seeing significant shifts with Russia's Putin praising Elon Musk's genius in satellite technology, potentially coordinating on Starlink-like ventures, while also engaging African leaders and criticizing Western "colonialism."

  • Geopolitical tensions remain high with Europe facing internal turmoil and external pressures, as seen in the EU's stance on associate member talks with Canada and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine impacting aid packages and diplomatic relations.

  • The power sector is experiencing complex challenges, including debates over energy support packages, potential impact of climate change on infrastructure, and calls for reviews of unapproved substances after a notable death.

  • Technological advancements and their market impact are under scrutiny, with Google facing a significant plunge due to AI costs and MSFT's Azure performance, while BYD vehicles are banned from a Japan military base due to security risks.

  • Economic instability and leadership changes are prevalent across continents, from Italy's Meloni freezing aid to Ukraine to Netanyahu's bloc falling short of a majority in Israel's election, and Brazil's Flavio Bolsonaro fleeing to Miami after a disputed election.