Asian equities opened lower on Monday as a renewed oil-price surge intensified inflation concerns and investors prepared for potentially tighter monetary policy in both the United States and Japan. Brent crude rose around 3% to US$107.18 a barrel, after gaining almost 9% last week, while US crude reached US$102.62 as attacks and shipping disruptions threatened energy supplies.

On September 14, 2026, technology and artificial intelligence-linked shares plummeted across major Asian markets. The broad regional sell-off was triggered by unexpected weekend statements from the leaders of prominent AI development labs calling for a coordinated industry slowdown to manage existential risks and safety concerns.

Key Drivers of the Retreat

• The Amodei Essay: Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei published a detailed essay calling for frontier AI labs to intentionally slow down model capability advancements to ensure adequate safety, alignment, and protection against misuse.
• C-Suite Consensus: OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and xAI chief Elon Musk publicly backed Amodei’s call for restraint.
• IPO Cancellation: Further souring investor sentiment, Sam Altman confirmed that OpenAI would not pursue an initial public offering (IPO) this year, citing safety and regulatory frict

The market reaction was broad. Japan’s Nikkei fell 1%, South Korea’s KOSPI dropped 3.2%, and MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan declined 1.1%; Chinese blue chips slipped 0.5%. Technology stocks were particularly weak after OpenAI and Anthropic executives called for slower AI development, adding another source of pressure to high-valued Asian technology shares.

The bigger macro issue is the combination of higher oil prices and accelerating inflation. Markets now price an 86% probability of a 25-basis-point Federal Reserve rate hike on Wednesday, following stronger-than-expected US consumer-price data, while the Bank of Japan is also expected to raise its policy rate by 25 basis points to 1.25% on Friday.

Bond yields are reinforcing the pressure on equities. The US 10-year Treasury yield was around 4.97%, while the two-year yield stood near 4.61% after rising 26 basis points last week, reflecting expectations that central banks may need to keep tightening even as economic growth faces the effects of higher energy costs.

The currency market is also adjusting. The yen was around 154.03 per dollar, close to a seven-month high, and has gained about 4% this month as investors increasingly expect the BOJ to accelerate its tightening cycle. The combination of a stronger yen, higher US yields and expensive oil could produce significant shifts in Asian capital flows during the week.

Key points

• Brent crude rose about 3% to US$107.18/barrel, after gaining almost 9% last week.
• Asian equities fell: Nikkei −1%, KOSPI −3.2%, MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan −1.1%.
• Markets price an 86% probability of a Fed hike this week, while the BOJ is widely expected to raise rates to 1.25%.

Why it matters: Thailand faces the same combination of risks: higher imported energy costs, tighter global financial conditions and potentially more volatile regional currencies. A sustained oil price above US$100 could complicate the Bank of Thailand’s policy choices, while higher US and Japanese rates could encourage capital to move away from emerging Asian markets.

The Entrepreneurs’ Forum will stage the events in Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough as part of national efforts by the ScaleUp Institute

Three events to encourage companies to scale up will be held in the North East as part of national efforts to boost economic growth.

The events will be held in Newcastle, Sunderland and Middlesbrough during North East Entrepreneurship Week, a programme of events and activities which runs between November 11 and 20 under the theme The Place to Rise. The sessions will be led by North East business support group the Entrepreneurs’ Forum and form part of the ScaleUp Institute’s national ScaleUp Britain programme to celebrate, highlight and support scaling companies across the UK.

More than 25 of the region’s entrepreneurs, among them Crafter’s Companion founder and Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies, Sunderland entrepreneur Paul Callaghan and Bill Scott, CEO of Teesside’s Wilton Engineering, will give talks at the events. Sessions will cover issues such as starting a business, taking on staff and then scaling nationally and internationally.

The programme will be accompanied by the launch of a new region-wide Ones to Watch Index, which will identify 20 North East businesses with the potential to become some of the region’s most significant companies of the future. The final 20 will be revealed at Durham University Business School on November 4, ahead of the main programme.

Elaine Stroud, chief executive of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, said: “Brilliant businesses are being started and built right across the North East, but their owners rarely get to see how much experience and support already exists around them.

“That’s what this week is for. Showing people thinking about starting a business that people like them are already doing it here, and for those scaling up, connecting entrepreneurs with others who have already faced the same challenges, and making the help that already exists across the region far easier to find.

“The Entrepreneurs’ Forum is delighted to have brought together so many organisations who collectively back the region’s entrepreneurs. The support is available and this week will show you how to find it.”

Recent figures show that the North East has 744 businesses for every 10,000 adults, compared to an average of 1,062 across England. That is the lowest rate of any English region and the North East would need to create 48,000 more companies to reach the national average.

Irene Graham, chief executive of the ScaleUp Institute, said: “Strong scaleup economies are built locally. Our research consistently shows that growing businesses want hyper-local connections to skilled talent, including experienced peers and mentors, university R&D support, investors, and greater access to market opportunities at home and abroad.

“They want to see the public and private sectors working together to address these needs and fast-track access to opportunities. Regions that focus on building talent, clusters, and capital, and harnessing their broad infrastructure towards scaling ambitions, whilst celebrating success, should see their growth thrive.”

The scale-up summits will be held in Newcastle on November 11, Sunderland on November 12 and Middlesbrough on November 13. More details can be found at NorthEastEntrepreneurshipWeek.co.uk.

Free browser-based tools let you create professional-looking 3D text without installing heavy software or learning complex design programs. This guide walks through the whole process, from picking a generator to exporting a file that fits your project.

What Is 3D Word Art?

3D word art is text with a tangible, three-dimensional quality: raised letters catch light, throw shadows, and look like they have physical depth. You see it on YouTube thumbnails, social media graphics, company logos, product labels, decorative wall art, and even cake toppers made on a 3D printer. Where flat type can get lost in a busy design, 3D lettering adds visual weight and draws the eye.

Making 3D text used to mean buying professional design software and spending weeks learning it. Online generators changed that by putting the process in your browser. You type a word, choose a style, and the tool renders a dimensional version you can download, no design degree needed.

Choosing the Right 3D Text Generator

Before you start, pick a generator that fits your needs. Here are the core features to look for:

• Free and browser-based: Many good options run directly in your browser at no cost. You should not have to install software or create an account.
• A solid font library: Whether you need a bold sans-serif for a logo or a playful script for a party sign, built-in fonts should cover common styles. Some tools let you upload your own font file for extra control.
• Flexible styling: You should be able to adjust depth, add or soften a bevel, apply a material like metal or neon, and change colors. Having both raised and engraved options lets you design for screen and print.
• Multiple export formats: For graphics, you will likely want a transparent PNG. For 3D modeling or printing, you need a 3D file format such as STL, OBJ, or GLB.

The right choice depends on the final use. Meshy satisfies all four core criteria: it runs in the browser, includes built-in fonts, provides flexible depth and styling controls, and exports true 3D files in STL, GLB, and OBJ formats.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Own 3D Word Art

Once you have chosen a generator, the creative workflow is usually the same. Follow these steps to get professional-looking results.

Step 1: Type your text and choose a font

Start by entering the word or phrase you want to render. Keep it short enough to stay legible, especially if you plan to print it, because tiny, intricate letters can lose detail. Then pick a typeface. For an easily readable result, go with a bold sans-serif like Roboto Bold, Bebas Neue, or Bungee. Script and thin fonts look striking in renders but may fall apart when printed at a small scale. If the tool allows custom font uploads, use your brand’s typeface or a font that matches the project’s mood.

Step 2: Add depth and shape

Depth is what makes text look 3D. Increasing the extrusion depth pulls letters further out from a flat surface, creating a bolder, more pronounced effect. For a subtle, premium feel on a logo, keep the depth modest. For a fun, playful keychain or a sign, go deeper so the letters stand out.

A bevel softens the sharp edges where the front face of each letter meets its sides. A small bevel adds a smooth, polished finish and catches light attractively. Make sure the bevel size is proportional to the overall depth. If a bevel is too large relative to the text, it can cause rendering glitches or look distorted.

Step 3: Choose a style and texture

Now decide on the overall style. For engraved text, the letters are recessed into the base. This is a robust, durable choice that feels more industrial or subtle. For raised or embossed text, the letters extend outward. Raised text is easier to read quickly because its edges cast shadows, and it feels bold and prominent.

Then add visual interest with a material or texture. Many generators offer preset materials: shiny chrome, brushed gold, glossy plastic, or a neon glow effect. When printing on paper or posting on screen, metallic or glossy textures can make the text look premium and eye-catching.

Step 4: Adjust geometry and spacing

If your generator exposes more detailed settings, fine-tuning them can make a large difference. Adjust the letter spacing so evenly spaced characters do not stick together when extruded. Set curve or segment quality to keep the edges of curved letters smooth. A high polygon count gives a clean silhouette, while a simplified mesh is better for performance or slicing. Depending on the tool, you may also change the base-plate shape for a unified look.

Step 5: Preview and double-check

Before exporting, spend a few seconds rotating your 3D text in the preview to catch any geometry or text issues. If a letter looks distorted or the depth seems uneven, go back into your settings and adjust. This step matters even more when the text is headed to a 3D printer, where the physical result cannot be fixed with a single undo.

Step 6: Export your design

Once the design is ready, choose the format by destination. Export GLB for an interactive scene, AR experience, or game engine; export STL for 3D printing. Inspect the final geometry before moving it into the next tool.

With this platform, paste your text, choose a built-in font, adjust depth and styling, preview the lettering from different angles, and download it as STL for printing or GLB for digital use.

Conclusion

Good 3D word art starts with readable lettering, appropriate depth, and an export format matched to the final use. Try the Meshy 3D Text Generator in your browser to design, preview, and export a finished model in a few steps.

President Donald Trump doubled down on the importance of developing artificial intelligence despite the potential harms on Sunday.

The statement comes just days after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for a blanket slowdown in AI development in order to ensure safety. Trump on Sunday appeared to push back on that sentiment.

“I’m not downplaying, but it’s, you know, it’s going to be more good than bad, but by a lot,” Trump told reporters when speaking of AI development.

ANTHROPIC CEO CALLS ON AI INDUSTRY TO SLOW DOWN TECH RACE, DRAWING SUPPORT FROM ELON MUSK, SAM ALTMAN

President Donald Trump attends the Amgen Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg, Ireland, Sept. 13, 2026. (REUTERS/Kylie Cooper / Reuters Photos)

“But have you heard directly from any of them?” a reporter pressed, asking about AI tech leaders.

“I said it from the very beginning. Whoever wins AI, and we’re leading by a lot. Whoever wins AI wins,” Trump responded, going on to demur when asked if he uses AI himself.

MIKE JOHNSON REJECTS AI MORATORIUM OVER CHINA THREAT AS CONSERVATIVE ACTIVIST DEMANDS GUARDRAILS

Amodei’s essay published Saturday also argued that a “Chinese lead in AI would pose grave danger for the United States and the world.” He urged the Trump administration to implement more stringent limits on what AI chips can be sent to Beijing’s development facilities.

A smartphone displaying the Anthropic logo is shown in the foreground with a blurred Claude Mythos themed background on July 11, 2026.  (Imen Ben Youssef / Hans Lucas / AFP via Getty Images / Getty Images)

China’s foreign ministry dismissed Amodei’s statement as “fearmongering.”

US ADVERSARY TURNS UP THE HEAT ON AMERICA’S AI LEAD WITH AN UNDERESTIMATED EDGE

“Fearmongering, confrontation and vicious competition will only disrupt the process of global AI governance which serves no one’s interest,” ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a Monday news conference.

Concerns over AI development burst back onto the scene last week after a developer from Anthropic resigned and publicly claimed the company was “gambling with our lives” with its research.

AI EXTINCTION WARNINGS DOMINATE HEADLINES AFTER EX-ANTHROPIC EMPLOYEE’S VIRAL POST

Jacob Coxon, 27, who said he spent the past three years doing pretraining research at OpenAI and Anthropic, noted that it’s not a completely hopeless scenario.

CEO of Anthropic Dario Amodei attends a working lunch with G7 leaders, G7 outreach partners, and global tech CEOs on innovation and AI, during the G7 Summit on June 17, 2026 in Evian-les-Bains, France.  (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Evan Hubinger, alignment science lead at Anthropic, expressed his agreement with Coxon’s X post.

REP. TED LIEU: AI IS ALREADY TOO POWERFUL. WE NEED A KILL SWITCH BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES

“Jacob is correct here — we really do earnestly believe AI could kill all humans!” he wrote on X. “I personally think it is >10% within the next decade. I believe Anthropic is trying its best, but we do not yet have a plan to solve alignment for superintelligence and are not clearly on track to.”

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“To be clear, as we say in our latest Risk Report, I think the risk from present models is low,” Hubinger added. “What I am worried about is superintelligence arising from recursive self-improvement, as we have said is happening faster than we thought.”

ScottishPower has recruited a record 465 graduates, apprentices, trainees and placement students this year, up 12 per cent on 2025, and called on the government to set a clearer long-term policy direction so that businesses create more openings for young people who are out of work, education and training.

The energy company said graduate opportunities were up 25 per cent on last year and placements on its Year In Industry programme, which gives a year-long paid role to those starting out in their career, were up 34 per cent. Other training opportunities rose by 8 per cent.

Keith Anderson, ScottishPower’s chief executive, said ministers could create more opportunities for young people who are not in employment, education or training if they set a “clear, long-term direction” that gave businesses the confidence to invest.

The Office for National Statistics estimated last month that 981,000 people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were not in employment, education or training between April and June 2026, or 13 per cent of that age group.

ScottishPower said its intake ran against a national decline in apprenticeship and graduate opportunities, citing recent reports showing graduate vacancies falling to their lowest level in a decade and apprenticeships becoming harder for young people to find.

Anderson calls for certainty

Speaking ahead of a round-table event for politicians and business leaders in Edinburgh, Anderson said: “Too often, debates about economic growth focus solely on major infrastructure projects or headline investment figures.

“Those are important, but they miss a crucial point. Growth becomes real when local businesses win contracts, when apprentices are recruited, when wages rise and when communities see a future worth investing in.

“The question now is how we continue to grow that and, importantly, replicate that success elsewhere.”

He added: “One lesson stands out above all others. Businesses need ambition, certainty and stability to invest. When government sets clear long-term direction and works in partnership with industry, companies respond. They expand facilities, train workers, develop expertise and build supply chains.

“The UK’s clean energy ambitions have helped create that environment for our sector. The challenge for policymakers is how to apply the same principles across other strategically important industries.”

Anderson said: “Britain needs growth. The good news is that we don’t need to start from scratch to find it. Across the energy sector, businesses are already showing what can be achieved when ambition is matched with certainty and investment. And with the right approach, I’m sure there’s more we can do to deliver inclusive growth.”

Workforce set to reach 11,000

The company said its hiring was underpinned by a record £24bn investment plan to rewire the grid and build more clean power, which would expand its workforce from 6,500 to 11,000 by 2030.

Roles filled this year include data science, engineering, fitting, jointing, logistics, overhead lines, project management and software engineering. The total includes those taken on by Energy North West, which ScottishPower recently acquired.

Jodie Dinnie, 23, a commercial business graduate who studied marketing at the University of Strathclyde, joined the Year In Industry programme before applying successfully for the graduate scheme. She said she had been up against a large number of applicants for graduate roles.

“From speaking to close friends, I know that the transition from education into employment can be incredibly challenging. Many people I studied with spent months applying for roles despite having strong qualifications and relevant skills,” she said.

“When you’re putting so much time and effort into applications, only to receive rejection after rejection, it can really knock your confidence and make you start questioning yourself. Others have ended up taking jobs outside the fields they originally wanted to work in because opportunities in their chosen area were limited.”

She added: “For many young people, the biggest challenge isn’t a lack of ability or ambition, it’s simply getting that first chance to prove themselves.”

About the author

Jamie Young

Jamie Young is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, covering SME finance, employment law and Westminster policy since 2016. He has reported on every Budget and Autumn Statement since 2018, helped make sense of the ‘covid era’ and the bounce-back loan scheme from launch through the fraud investigations, and broke the magazine’s coverage of the 2024 late-payment reforms. He joined Business Matters straight from completing his BA in Administration from Exeter University and is NCTJ-qualified. Reach him at jyoung@cbmeg.co.uk

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