Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Russian Stocks End Mixed as MOEX Index Closes Flat Amid Commodity Strength 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Dow Hits 50,000 as U.S. Stocks Stage Strong Rebound Amid AI Volatility 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Singapore Budget 2026 Set for Fiscal Prudence as Growth Remains Resilient 
Japan Economy Poised for Q4 2025 Growth as Investment and Consumption Hold Firm 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
Gold and Silver Prices Slide as Dollar Strength and Easing Tensions Weigh on Metals 
Trump’s Inflation Claims Clash With Voters’ Cost-of-Living Reality 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
Toyota and NTT to Invest $3.26 Billion in AI-Powered Autonomous Driving Software
Toyota Motor and Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) are joining forces to develop advanced AI software for autonomous driving. This initiative, backed by a 500 billion yen ($3.26 billion) investment, aims to bolster vehicle safety by creating systems that can predict and prevent accidents, with a target launch in 2028.
Key Details of the Partnership
The Tokyo-based partnership plans to build automotive software utilizing artificial intelligence that anticipates potential hazards on the road, potentially taking control of vehicles to avoid collisions. This system is expected to be made available to other automakers, signaling a shift in Japan’s automotive landscape as it seeks to compete with global leaders in autonomous driving technology like Tesla and Chinese innovators.
Toyota has a history of innovation in autonomous driving, with its Mirai fuel-cell vehicle featuring hands-free capabilities since 2021. This new collaboration with NTT builds upon prior projects, including a 2017 initiative for 5G-connected vehicles and a 2020 capital alliance focused on smart city development.
Future Implications
Toyota has not officially confirmed the details of the recent announcement but affirmed its ongoing commitment with NTT to create safe, AI-enhanced mobility solutions.
