Performance

• U.S. health insurers are prioritizing improved underwriting performance as a strategic focus for 2026, according to analysis from AM Best. • The industry shift reflects efforts to optimize pricing accuracy and risk assessment amid changing market conditions. • Enhanced underwriting performance represents a key metric for insurers managing profitability and competitive positioning in the health insurance market.

• The latest patch for Borderlands 4 significantly boosts PC performance with native frame rates increasing by 43 percent. • The optimization patch addresses performance issues that players had reported since the game's launch. • VideoCardz reports the improvements represent one of the most substantial performance gains from a monthly update this year.

• The film "KPop Demon Hunters" walked away from the 98th Academy Awards with multiple wins during the ceremony held on March 15, 2026. • The movie's song "Golden" was performed during the Oscars broadcast, bringing audience members to their feet with a standout musical performance. • The film's success at the Academy Awards reflects strong recognition from the industry for the project's artistic achievements across multiple award categories.

The US stock market displayed divergent performance on Friday, March 13, 2026, with the S&P 500 falling to 6,658 (down 14 points), the Nasdaq dropping 100 points to 22,211, while the Dow Jones held relatively steady near 46,702 amid rising geopolitical tensions and volatile oil prices. The VIX volatility index remained elevated at 26.49, signaling sustained market uncertainty, and the S&P 500 is tracking its first three-week losing streak in approximately one year, down roughly 1.1% for the week. Institutional investors and hedge funds reduced risk positions ahead of the weekend, with analysts attributing the decline to normal profit-taking after strong gains in AI and semiconductor stocks earlier in 2026. Key market watchers noted that smart money was likely to remain in defensive positions until clarity emerged regarding the Strait of Hormuz and potential ceasefire negotiations.

Meta delayed rollout of its new AI model code-named Avocado after internal tests showed it lagging competitors in reasoning, coding, and writing, reported on March 13, 2026. The New York Times detailed the model's underperformance against benchmarks. This setback comes amid intense AI competition and highlights challenges in model development. Meta must refine the model to catch up in the race for advanced capabilities.

Meta delayed its new AI model, code-named Avocado, after internal tests showed it lagging competitors in reasoning, coding, and writing, reported on March 13, 2026. The setback impacts Meta's AI ambitions amid intense industry competition. Engineers are iterating to close performance gaps before public release. This highlights challenges in achieving frontier AI capabilities quickly.

Meta delayed the rollout of its Avocado AI model after internal tests revealed it underperformed competitors in reasoning, coding, and writing, reported on March 13, 2026. The New York Times cited concerns over the model's benchmarks against rivals. This setback impacts Meta's AI ambitions amid intensifying competition. Analysts expect revisions before any public release.