Next

• Citrini Research reports that the AI trade is entering a new phase, shifting focus toward software agents and governance rather than just hardware or geopolitical factors. • The firm identifies GitLab as a primary winner, noting the company's potential to transition from preserving development records to governing AI-performed work. • This shift matters because as AI agents handle more software tasks, the value moves toward layers that can map code, permissions, and dependencies at runtime.

• The European Union's AI Act, the first comprehensive legislation of its kind, officially entered into force in August 2024. • Starting next month, new labeling rules will require developers and deployers of AI chatbots and agents to clearly disclose that users are interacting with artificial intelligence. • These regulations aim to ensure transparency and protect users by preventing them from being misled about the nature of their digital interactions.

• U.S. stock markets showed mixed results as investors await the upcoming corporate earnings season to provide a new catalyst for market movement. • Market volatility is being driven by uncertainties regarding how AI will transform businesses and a current shortage of critical economic data. • Investors are particularly on edge due to the Federal Reserve's blackout period and speculation surrounding the next interest rate decision.

• Liverpool is reportedly monitoring 25-year-old French midfielder Manu Kone, who is currently linked with a move from Roma. • Roma is seeking a transfer fee of approximately £47 million, though Liverpool faces stiff competition from Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea. • Kone has requested that his agent suspend all transfer negotiations until after the conclusion of the World Cup to resolve his future.

Outgoing PM has joked about cookery classes and cutting hedges, but does the international stage beckon?As his time in Downing Street comes to an end, Keir Starmer has been joking with friends about what he might do after he stands down as prime minister.He has teased that he might take a cookery course. “He needs it, he only makes two meals,” one friend said. Another not entirely serious suggestion was cutting his father-in-law’s hedge in the expectation that if he did well, he could graduate to lawns. Continue reading...

• President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address on Thursday outlining a "whole-of-government" approach to asserting control over American elections. • The speech served as a preview of potential executive actions and demands directed at federal agencies, following the stagnation of his election-related legislation in Congress. • This shift suggests a move toward using executive orders and agency pressure to influence election processes rather than relying on legislative approval.

• During the week of July 13–17, several major tech shifts occurred, including a significant drop in IBM's share prices and new cloud provider regulations issued by the UK. • TSMC announced an increase in its AI chip investments within the United States, signaling a strategic push to expand domestic semiconductor production. • These developments are critical as they influence vendor roadmaps, corporate investment priorities, and the broader regulatory landscape for enterprise technology.