Chinese businesses aim to power up their AI usage.

Earlier this year, Chinese artificial intelligence company DeepSeek shocked Silicon Valley when it unveiled a large language model rivaling U.S. leaders and produced at a fraction of the cost. It wasn’t just U.S. companies that sat up and noticed — Chinese businesses did too. DeepSeek catalyzed new enthusiasm for AI applications in China after a previously cautious reception from both businesses and the government. With potential productivity gains on the line, and a dash of anxiety around missing out, Chinese AI companies have been fielding a surge of customer requests.

Nothing glitters like a Hollywood star.

Gold has had a leading role in the recent financial market rally. Now, its star power is being matched. The World Gold Council, a trade group that represents gold miners, has been producing documentaries on how the mineral is mined, refined and used around the world. In 2023, it produced “Gold: A Journey with Idris Elba," featuring the British movie star, but now it's on to act two: It just announced another picture, this time featuring the renowned musician Elton John.

Luxury’s next chapter has begun.

After a post-COVID boom, the luxury goods sector has been cooling, with sales correcting toward pre-pandemic levels. In the U.S., demand is starting to stabilize, but challenges remain. A wave of aspirational shoppers helped fuel pandemic era growth — and made earnings more sensitive to economic swings. Most of the industry’s top family-run brands are navigating generational leadership changes. And with economic uncertainty, the industry’s recovery could take longer than expected.

Trade tensions cloud India’s outlook.

India’s economy has stayed resilient, buoyed by rising incomes and a brighter outlook in smaller towns. But shifts in spending, rising food prices and job market jitters are weighing on consumers, while businesses face rising competition and more regulations. U.S. tariffs remain a particular concern for export-led sectors. To help shore up domestic demand, the government is cutting taxes, though how far that stimulus will go remains to be seen.