South Korea’s benchmark KOSPI index soared past the 7,000 mark for the first time on Wednesday, powered by a strong rally in artificial intelligence-linked semiconductor stocks that also lifted Samsung Electronics into the $1 trillion market-cap club. The index closed 6.45% higher at 7,384.56 after briefly hitting an intraday record of 7,426.60, while also triggering a rare “sidecar” trading curb during volatile trade. The surge followed gains in U.S. chip stocks overnight, with the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index rising 4.2%, boosting investor sentiment across global markets.

Leading the rally were Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix, which jumped 14.4% and 10.6% respectively to record highs. Together, the two companies now account for nearly 44% of the KOSPI’s total market capitalization. Samsung’s valuation crossing $1 trillion makes it only the second Asian firm after Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company to reach the milestone.

The market rally reflects growing global demand for AI infrastructure and semiconductor chips, which has driven South Korea’s tech-heavy index to become one of the world’s best-performing major markets this year. The gains also followed strong manufacturing data and continued optimism around semiconductor exports.

So far in 2026, the KOSPI has surged 75%, following a 76% rise in the previous year, marking its strongest performance since 1999. Analysts attribute the rally to sustained foreign investment inflows and government-led market reforms aimed at boosting investor confidence. The South Korean won also strengthened sharply, reaching its highest level since February, reflecting increased capital inflows.

Market sentiment was further supported by upbeat earnings forecasts from global technology firms such as Advanced Micro Devices, which reported strong demand for AI-driven data center chips. Despite broad gains, most stocks in the index declined, highlighting the concentrated nature of the rally. However, financial and securities sectors also posted solid gains on expectations that a booming equity market will lift earnings.

Analysts remain divided on the outlook, with some suggesting the index could continue rising if AI chip demand remains strong, while others warn of potential volatility if global economic conditions weaken. Foreign investors played a key role in the rally, recording their largest-ever single-day net purchases of South Korean equities, further fueling the historic market surge.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

A trial beginning Monday in New Mexico will examine allegations that Meta’s platforms—Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp—have negatively affected the mental health of young users. The case also seeks a court order that could require significant changes to how the company operates its services.

The hearing, taking place in Santa Fe, follows a lawsuit brought by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez. The complaint argues that Meta intentionally designed its platforms to keep young people engaged in an addictive way and failed to adequately protect minors from risks such as sexual exploitation online.

This trial represents the second stage of the legal action. Earlier in March, a jury ruled that Meta violated the state’s consumer protection laws by misleading users about the safety of Facebook and Instagram for children and teenagers. That ruling also resulted in $375 million in damages against the company.

Now, the court will consider whether Meta’s platforms qualify as a “public nuisance” under state law. If the judge agrees, it could open the door to sweeping remedies aimed at reducing potential harm to young users. State officials are reportedly seeking additional damages in the billions, along with platform-level reforms. Proposed changes include stronger age verification systems, adjustments to recommendation algorithms to reduce harmful content exposure for minors, and disabling features such as autoplay and infinite scrolling for younger users.

Meta, however, maintains that it has already implemented strong safeguards for teens. The company disputes the claims and argues there is no conclusive scientific proof linking social media use directly to mental health disorders. It also suggests that some of the proposed restrictions may be impractical and could even lead to service disruptions in the state. The case is part of a broader wave of lawsuits across the United States accusing Meta and other tech companies of intentionally designing platforms that encourage excessive use among teenagers, contributing to concerns about youth mental health.

Meta has also cautioned investors that increasing legal pressure in both the U.S. and Europe could have a significant impact on its business performance and financial outlook. Attorney General Torrez has stated that the goal of the case is not only to hold the company accountable in New Mexico but also to establish broader standards for how social media platforms should protect young users in the future. Meta argues that focusing on a single platform overlooks the wider ecosystem of apps used by teenagers today and has warned that the requested changes could be difficult to implement at scale.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Blue Owl (OWL.N) has confirmed that it has sold around half of its investment in SpaceX at an estimated valuation of $1.25 trillion, according to co-CEO Marc Lipschultz. He shared the update during a recent analyst call, highlighting the strong returns the firm has generated from the investment. Lipschultz said the SpaceX stake has been extremely profitable, noting that Blue Owl has earned roughly 10 times its original investment. Despite selling a significant portion, the firm still holds about 50% of its position in the aerospace company, showing continued confidence in its long-term growth.

He also explained that gains from successful investments like SpaceX help offset potential losses in other parts of the portfolio, especially in credit markets. According to him, these exits play an important role in maintaining overall fund stability and performance. SpaceX is reportedly preparing for a possible public listing later this year. The company could be valued at around $1.75 trillion in the IPO and may raise nearly $75 billion, which would make it the largest public offering in history. If achieved, this valuation could also place CEO Elon Musk on track to become the world’s first trillionaire.

Blue Owl Technology Finance Corp originally invested $27 million in SpaceX equity in 2021. Since then, the stake has been marked up several times and was valued at $195 million by the end of 2025. This increase of $105 million over the year made SpaceX the fund’s biggest contributor to unrealized gains.

Another Blue Owl fund, Blue Owl Capital Corp, also held SpaceX shares valued at $21.7 million at the end of 2025, compared to $10 million a year earlier. Lipschultz added that Blue Owl was among SpaceX’s early lenders and later deepened its involvement through equity participation, built on long-term financing relationships with the company.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

Elon Musk is scheduled to return to the witness stand on Wednesday in a major trial linked to his lawsuit against OpenAI, in which he claims the organization abandoned its original mission of responsibly developing artificial intelligence for humanity in favor of profit-making. During testimony on Tuesday in a federal court in Oakland, California, Musk strongly criticized the 2019 move by OpenAI co-founders Sam Altman and Greg Brockman to shift parts of the company into a for-profit structure.

He argued that allowing charitable organizations to be converted for profit could undermine the entire system of philanthropy in the United States. OpenAI, however, has stated that the for-profit structure was necessary to raise funds for computing resources and to attract top AI researchers. Its legal team also suggested Musk’s lawsuit is driven by his desire to influence OpenAI and support his own AI venture, xAI, which is seen as trailing OpenAI in popularity.

The case highlights the growing conflict between Musk and Altman, who once co-founded OpenAI in 2015 with the goal of ensuring safe AI development and competing with major tech players like Google. Musk later left the organization in 2018 after investing about $38 million, while Microsoft became a major investor in 2023.

On Wednesday, Musk will continue being questioned by his own lawyers before facing cross-examination from OpenAI’s legal team, which has accused him of not prioritizing AI safety during his time with the company. Before the jury was selected, the judge warned Musk over his social media posts criticizing Altman, including calling him “Scam Altman.” Both sides have since agreed to limit public commentary.

Musk is seeking $150 billion in damages, which he says should go to OpenAI’s charitable arm, and is also pushing for the company to return to nonprofit status and for its current leadership to be removed. The case comes as OpenAI moves toward a possible IPO that could value it at around $1 trillion, while also facing increasing competition and scrutiny over its performance.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

In Singapore, bots account for about 58 percent of total internet traffic, with over half classified as malicious. As AI-powered bots become more advanced and harder to distinguish from real users, organizations now face the challenge of not just detecting bots but also interpreting their intent. With AI increasingly blurring the boundary between human and automated activity, businesses are under pressure to adapt. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the implications for online security, trust, and the internet’s future with Garen Ling, Area Vice President of Sales, ASEAN, App Security and Data Security at Thales.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In 1998, tobacco companies in the United States were made responsible for the damage caused by the products they produced and sold through the Tobacco Settlement. Today, a similar question arises for Big Tech: it is not only about the content on their platforms but also whether these platforms were intentionally created to keep users addicted. Daniel Martin explores this issue with Rajesh Sreenivasan, Head of Technology, Media, and Telecommunications at Rajah and Tann Singapore.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In Singapore, mental health professionals are noticing a small but increasing number of patients showing delusions, paranoia, or emotional dependence seemingly connected to frequent AI chatbot use. Although “AI psychosis” is not an official medical diagnosis, clinicians acknowledge that the issue is genuine. How does extensive interaction with AI blur the boundaries between reality and reinforcement? Who is most vulnerable, and what signs should families be aware of? Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss these questions with Dr. Amelia Sim, Senior Consultant at the Department of Psychosis, Institute of Mental Health.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

With decisions delegated, chatbots replacing friends, and nature sidelined, Silicon Valley is shaping a life stripped of real connection. Escape is possible—but it will require a united effort.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.