FanDuel Chief Executive Amy Howe has left the company after five years at the helm of the gambling platform as part of broader executive changes at parent company Flutter Entertainment FLUT 1.28%increase; green up pointing triangle.

Howe, who led the sports-betting company since 2021, will be succeeded by Christian Genetski, FanDuel’s president, the company said Wednesday. Genetski has been with FanDuel since 2015.

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President Trump said he was surprised the price of oil hadn’t been driven higher by the Iran war, but even if it reached $200 a barrel, the conflict was worth it. “I thought oil prices would go to $200, $250,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “You’re surprised and I’m surprised. But even if it went to $200, it would have been worth it.”

The war has disrupted the energy industry, sending prices higher. Brent crude, the global benchmark, jumped to over $100 a barrel from about $75 a barrel after the conflict started and was about $101 on Wednesday. Gas prices in the U.S. topped $4.50 a gallon, the AAA said Wednesday, the highest they’ve been since July 2022.

The owner of Facebook and Instagram has taken the UK’s media regulator to the high court, opening a fresh front in the increasingly fractious relationship between Silicon Valley and Britain’s online safety regime.

Meta has filed for a judicial review of Ofcom’s methodology for setting fees and penalties under the Online Safety Act, arguing that pegging charges to a company’s qualifying worldwide revenue (QWR) is disproportionate and out of step with the geographic scope of the regulator’s remit. A hearing has been scheduled for 13 and 14 October.

The stakes are considerable. Under the Act, Ofcom can levy fines of up to 10 per cent of QWR or £18m, whichever is higher. Given that Meta reported global revenues of roughly $201bn last year, the regulator could in theory issue a penalty of around $20bn, a sum that would dwarf the largest fines in UK corporate history. The fee regime introduced last September applies the same QWR principle to annual tariffs, capturing companies whose user-generated content, search or adult-content services in the UK generate more than £250m a year.

Meta contends that liability should be determined by activity within the jurisdiction doing the regulating. “We and others in the tech industry believe its decisions on the methodology to calculate fees and potential fines are disproportionate,” a company spokesperson said. “We believe fees and penalties should be based on the services being regulated in the countries they’re being regulated in. This would still allow Ofcom to impose the largest fines in UK corporate history.”

Court documents filed on Meta’s behalf by Monica Carss-Frisk KC describe Ofcom’s approach as “troubling”, warning that it would result in a handful of large platforms shouldering the bulk of the regulator’s costs even though the Act covers a much broader sweep of internet services. The barrister noted that QWR is not pegged to revenue generated by any particular service in the UK; rather, once a service is offered to British users, the entirety of its global turnover is counted.

Ofcom, for its part, is preparing to dig in. The regulator said its fees and fines framework reflected “a plain reading of the law” and pledged to “robustly defend our reasoning and decisions”.

Meta is not alone in pushing back. The US online forum 4chan has refused to pay penalties imposed under the Act, and Ofcom is facing separate litigation from the operators of both 4chan and Kiwi Farms. The regime has also drawn criticism from Donald Trump’s White House, which has signalled growing impatience with European digital rules that it sees as targeting American firms.

The financial significance of the new system for Ofcom itself is hard to overstate. Once the preserve of broadcasters and telecoms operators paying for spectrum and licence fees, the regulator now expects the bulk of its £233m budget for the year to come from online safety tariffs, which are forecast to bring in £164m. That marks one of the most substantial shifts in Ofcom’s funding base in its two-decade history.

For SME founders watching from the sidelines, the case is more than a transatlantic skirmish between Big Tech and a British quango. The threshold of £250m in qualifying turnover means most smaller platforms sit outside the fee net, but the principles being tested in October, how revenue is attributed across borders, and how proportionality is measured for global digital businesses, will shape the regulatory environment for any UK-based scale-up that one day finds itself trading internationally on the back of user-generated content. The judgment, when it comes, will be read closely well beyond Menlo Park.

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NEW YORK — Broadcom Inc. (NASDAQ: AVGO) remains a compelling buy for investors in 2026, with Wall Street analysts issuing overwhelmingly bullish ratings amid explosive growth in its artificial intelligence semiconductor business and strong execution across its diversified portfolio. The semiconductor and infrastructure software giant continues to benefit from surging demand for custom AI accelerators and networking chips, positioning it as a core holding in the ongoing AI infrastructure boom.

As of early May 2026, Broadcom shares trade near all-time highs following robust fiscal first-quarter results that exceeded expectations. The company reported record revenue of $19.3 billion for the period ended February 2, up 29% year-over-year, driven largely by its AI segment. AI semiconductor revenue alone surged 106% to $8.4 billion, beating internal forecasts and highlighting accelerating momentum from hyperscale customers.

CEO Hock Tan emphasized the strength of the custom AI accelerator business, noting robust demand across its five major customers. For the second quarter, Broadcom guided AI semiconductor revenue to $10.7 billion, representing approximately 140% year-over-year growth. The company now has line of sight to more than $100 billion in AI chip revenue by 2027, underscoring its deepening role in the artificial intelligence supply chain.

Analyst Consensus and Price Targets

Wall Street remains highly optimistic. Across 26 to 33 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating stands at Moderate Buy to Strong Buy, with the vast majority recommending purchase. Average 12-month price targets range from approximately $435 to $477, implying 12% to 16% upside from recent trading levels around $425. Some bullish forecasts reach as high as $630.

Analysts highlight Broadcom’s unique position supplying custom AI accelerators to major hyperscalers including Google, Meta and others, alongside its leadership in AI networking silicon. The VMware integration, while facing some channel adjustments, continues to provide stable, high-margin software revenue that complements the high-growth semiconductor side.

Key Growth Drivers in 2026

Broadcom’s transformation into an AI powerhouse is the dominant theme. AI-related revenue now accounts for a rapidly growing share of the semiconductor segment, with custom XPUs and networking solutions seeing sequential acceleration. Gross margins remain healthy despite heavy investment in next-generation technologies, and operating leverage is expanding as scale benefits kick in.

The company’s diversified portfolio provides ballast. Networking, broadband and storage solutions continue to deliver steady performance, while the software segment — anchored by VMware — generates predictable recurring revenue. Broadcom’s $10 billion share repurchase authorization and consistent dividend increases further enhance shareholder returns.

Risks and Considerations

No investment is without risks. Broadcom faces intense competition in the AI chip space from Nvidia and others, and any slowdown in hyperscaler capital spending could pressure growth. Geopolitical tensions, particularly around semiconductor supply chains, remain a factor. VMware-related channel changes have created some friction, though management views these as transitional.

Valuation is elevated compared to historical norms, with the stock trading at a forward price-to-earnings multiple in the mid-30s. However, when factoring in projected earnings growth rates above 20% annually, many analysts argue the multiple remains reasonable for a high-quality compounder.

Long-Term Outlook Remains Bright

Looking further into 2026 and beyond, Broadcom is well-positioned to benefit from secular AI tailwinds. Analysts project continued strong revenue and earnings growth as custom silicon ramps and AI networking expands. The company’s ability to win large, multi-year design slots with major cloud providers provides significant revenue visibility.

For investors considering a position, the consensus is clear: Broadcom represents a high-conviction opportunity in the AI infrastructure theme. Those already holding shares have strong reasons to maintain or add on dips, while new buyers may find current levels attractive given the growth trajectory and analyst support. Diversification within the semiconductor sector remains prudent, but Broadcom stands out for its combination of growth, margins and ecosystem strength.

As earnings season progresses and AI spending trends become clearer, Broadcom’s execution will be closely watched. With accelerating AI momentum, disciplined capital allocation and a favorable analyst backdrop, the case for owning Broadcom stock in 2026 appears compelling for growth-oriented investors.

The company’s trajectory reflects broader shifts in the technology industry, where leaders in enabling AI infrastructure are commanding premium valuations. Broadcom has successfully transitioned from a diversified chipmaker to a critical AI enabler, a move that analysts believe will continue rewarding shareholders in the years ahead.

Indian equity markets may be poised for another leg higher in the coming months as strong corporate earnings, resilient consumer demand, and hopes of easing geopolitical tensions continue to support sentiment, according to market expert Sandip Sabharwal in an interaction with ET Now.

After recovering nearly 10% from the March lows, investors are now closely watching whether the rally can sustain itself amid elevated crude oil prices, mixed global cues, and uncertainty around the West Asia conflict.

“The result season is actually turning out to be quite good overall,” said Sabharwal, pointing to strong performances from consumer-facing businesses despite multiple cost pressures.

Crude Oil Remains the Biggest Variable
Sabharwal noted that oil prices continue to be the key uncertainty for markets. While geopolitical developments have periodically triggered sharp spikes in crude, he believes the overall structure suggests prices may correct sharply if a formal resolution emerges in West Asia.

“So, once the actual deal happens, from the looks of it it seems that crude prices could crack pretty strongly,” he said.

He added that the Indian government’s decision not to raise fuel prices has helped preserve the consumption momentum generated by earlier GST cuts and tax relief measures.
According to Sabharwal, the Indian economy currently appears “pretty well placed,” though a renewed escalation in global hostilities or another commodities spike could once again create pressure on markets and inflation.Markets Could Have Been Higher Without the War
Sabharwal believes Indian equities would already have been trading at fresh record highs had the geopolitical tensions not pushed oil prices toward the $100 mark.

“I would think that if the war was not there and given the way the results have come out and the outlook would have been if the crude oil prices were $70-80 and not $100 which they are today, the markets could have been 7% to 8% higher than what they are right now,” he said.

He expects markets to eventually move toward new highs over the next few months if geopolitical stability returns and earnings momentum continues.

Earnings Remain the Core Driver
While several global markets have already touched record levels, Sabharwal stressed that long-term market performance ultimately depends on earnings growth.

“Markets are slave of earnings, so eventually it will track how earnings do,” he said.

He contrasted India with markets such as South Korea, where companies linked to the artificial intelligence boom and component shortages are witnessing exceptionally strong earnings momentum.

India may not currently have a comparable technology-driven earnings cycle, but Sabharwal believes improving pricing power, moderate inflation, and stable growth could still support equities.

“The current quarter results and the commentary which is coming out of companies gives me specifically a lot of comfort,” he added.

Consumer Revival Emerging Across Sectors
One of the strongest themes emerging this earnings season has been the recovery in consumer demand.

Sabharwal highlighted encouraging management commentary from several FMCG and retail companies, including Dabur India, which he said remained optimistic about sustaining margins and growth despite rising transportation, packaging, and shipping costs linked to the Middle East conflict.

He also pointed to strong results from Pidilite Industries, which reported robust volume growth, along with improving trends among paint makers and apparel retailers.

“GST rate cuts have really helped them and they have some leeway to pass on prices because of cost impact,” he observed.

However, Sabharwal cautioned that sustained inflation could eventually affect consumer spending power if companies continue passing on higher costs.

Retail and Apparel Stocks Back in Focus
The revival in consumption is also becoming visible in value retail and fashion segments, where companies had struggled with subdued demand for several quarters.

Sabharwal cited improved numbers from companies such as Arvind Fashions and Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail as signs of a broader recovery.

“There is a definitive consumer revival,” he said, while adding that many retail and FMCG stocks remain under-owned and out of favour among investors, potentially creating opportunities if demand trends sustain.

At the same time, he acknowledged concerns raised by companies including Britannia Industries and Nestlé India regarding slower growth during March and April.
Another key variable for rural demand, he said, will be the impact of El Niño and monsoon trends on agricultural output.

Banking Sector Expectations Remain Measured
On the banking space, Sabharwal said expectations from lenders, including State Bank of India, should remain realistic amid pressure on margins.

He explained that higher funding costs, RBI rate cuts, and bond-market losses have weighed on profitability across both private and public sector banks.
“Most of the banking results have been somewhat muted because net interest income growth has been subdued,” he said.

Despite that, he expects asset quality trends to remain stable and improving across the sector, with investors likely to focus on future growth guidance and margin commentary.

Defence Stocks Still a Long-Term Theme
Sabharwal also maintained a constructive long-term outlook on defence and shipyard companies, though he advised investors to use corrections as entry opportunities rather than chase rallies.

Companies such as Cochin Shipyard and Bharat Forge continue to benefit from strong structural tailwinds tied to defence and aerospace spending.

“Shipyard companies definitely investors should be looking at them on every correction,” he said.

However, he cautioned that many defence stocks have already rebounded sharply from recent lows and could consolidate in the near term after their strong run-up.

Outlook: Stability Could Trigger a Fresh Rally
For now, the market narrative appears increasingly tied to two variables — crude oil and earnings durability.
If geopolitical tensions ease and oil prices moderate, analysts believe India’s strong domestic demand trends and improving corporate commentary could pave the way for equities to attempt fresh record highs later this year.

Sabharwal’s assessment suggests that despite lingering global uncertainty, the current earnings season has strengthened confidence that India’s economic recovery remains intact.

OMAHA, Neb. — Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE: BRK.B) stands out as a compelling buy for patient, long-term investors in 2026, even as the conglomerate navigates the transition to new CEO Greg Abel and faces questions about deploying its massive cash reserves amid elevated market valuations. With a fortress balance sheet, diversified operating businesses and a proven ability to compound capital over decades, Berkshire continues to appeal to value-oriented investors seeking stability in an uncertain economic environment.

Class B shares have traded around $465–$475 in early May, reflecting modest year-to-date performance compared to broader indices. Yet analysts largely view current levels as attractive given the company’s intrinsic value, with average 12-month price targets clustering near $525, implying roughly 10–12% upside. Consensus ratings lean toward Hold to Buy, with several firms highlighting Berkshire’s resilience and capital allocation discipline under Abel’s leadership.

Berkshire reported strong first-quarter 2026 operating earnings of $11.35 billion, up 18% from the prior year, driven by improved insurance underwriting, railroad performance and manufacturing results. The headline figure was a record cash position exceeding $397 billion at quarter-end, underscoring the challenge of finding sufficiently large, high-quality acquisition or investment opportunities in today’s market.

Transition to Greg Abel Proceeds Smoothly

Abel, who officially took the reins from Warren Buffett on Jan. 1, 2026, delivered his first quarterly report with steady results. Insurance underwriting profits rose despite lower investment income, BNSF Railway posted solid gains and Berkshire Hathaway Energy remained stable. Operating businesses overall showed resilience, with manufacturing, service and retailing segments contributing positively.

Buffett, now serving as chairman, remains involved in major investment decisions. The company’s massive cash hoard has drawn attention, with some investors wondering when Berkshire will deploy capital more aggressively. Abel has signaled a patient approach, consistent with Berkshire’s long-standing philosophy of waiting for compelling opportunities rather than forcing deals.

Portfolio and Investment Strategy

Berkshire’s equity portfolio, still anchored by major holdings in Apple, Bank of America and others, continues to generate substantial value. The company has conducted modest share repurchases when stock trades below intrinsic value, providing a floor for shareholders. Analysts expect continued opportunistic buying, particularly in technology and financials, as Abel puts his stamp on the portfolio.

The insurance float remains a powerful engine, providing low-cost capital for investments. Despite periodic catastrophe losses, Berkshire’s underwriting discipline has produced consistent profits over time, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s premier financial institutions.

Valuation and Risks

At current prices, Berkshire trades at a reasonable multiple to book value, a key metric for the conglomerate. While not the deep value opportunity of past decades, the stock offers a margin of safety relative to its diversified earnings power and fortress balance sheet. Risks include slower growth in mature businesses, potential market corrections that could pressure equity holdings and the challenge of outperforming in a high-valuation environment.

Some analysts note sluggish growth in certain legacy segments and question whether Abel will deploy capital as aggressively as Buffett. However, most view the succession as well-planned, with Abel’s deep operational knowledge providing continuity.

Why Buy Berkshire in 2026

For long-term investors, Berkshire offers several compelling attributes: downside protection through its cash reserves and insurance float, diversified exposure across industries, disciplined capital allocation and a proven track record of weathering economic cycles. In an era of high market valuations and geopolitical uncertainty, the company’s conservative approach provides ballast.

Dividend-focused investors may eventually benefit if Berkshire initiates a payout, a possibility some analysts have floated for later in Abel’s tenure. Share repurchases provide an ongoing return of capital when shares are undervalued.

Investor Considerations

Investors weighing a position should consider Berkshire as a core holding rather than a high-growth speculative play. The stock’s lower volatility makes it suitable for conservative portfolios, retirement accounts and those seeking an “all-weather” equity allocation. Dollar-cost averaging during periods of weakness can enhance long-term returns.

While not expected to deliver the outsized returns of Berkshire’s early decades, the company remains exceptionally well-positioned for the next chapter under Abel. Its ability to compound book value over time, combined with a massive cash war chest for opportunistic moves, supports a constructive outlook for 2026 and beyond.

As markets navigate potential volatility, Berkshire Hathaway offers a time-tested formula of patience, quality businesses and prudent risk management. For investors seeking stability and long-term wealth preservation with reasonable upside, the case for buying Berkshire stock in 2026 remains strong.

JAKARTA — Indonesia’s artificial intelligence sector is experiencing explosive growth in 2026, with homegrown companies leveraging the nation’s vast population, digital economy expansion and government push for technological sovereignty to emerge as regional leaders in applied AI. From aquaculture optimization to conversational platforms and computer vision, these innovators are addressing local challenges while attracting global investment.

The archipelago’s AI ecosystem benefits from a young, tech-savvy population and supportive policies under President Prabowo Subianto’s administration, which has prioritized digital transformation. Indonesia’s digital economy is projected to contribute significantly to GDP, creating fertile ground for AI startups. Here are the 10 best AI companies making waves this year, ranked by impact, funding, innovation and market reach.

1. eFishery Founded in 2013, eFishery stands as Indonesia’s AI unicorn with a valuation exceeding $1.4 billion. The company revolutionized aquaculture using IoT sensors and AI algorithms to optimize fish feeding, reducing waste by up to 30% and boosting yields for over 200,000 farmers. In 2026, eFishery expanded into shrimp farming and secured major partnerships with export markets, solidifying its position as a global leader in sustainable protein production.

2. Ruangguru This edtech giant, valued at around $830 million, uses adaptive AI learning algorithms to personalize education for millions of Indonesian students. Its platform delivers tailored lessons, assessments and career guidance. In 2026, Ruangguru integrated advanced generative AI tutors and expanded into corporate upskilling programs, serving over 22 million users across Southeast Asia.

3. Kata.ai A pioneer in conversational AI, Kata.ai powers intelligent chatbots and voice assistants for major Indonesian banks, e-commerce platforms and government services. Its natural language processing models excel in handling Bahasa Indonesia dialects. The company raised significant funding in 2025 and launched enterprise-grade solutions that reduced customer service costs by 40% for clients in 2026.

4. Nodeflux Specializing in computer vision and video analytics, Nodeflux deploys AI-powered surveillance and traffic management systems across Indonesian cities. Its technology supports smart city initiatives with facial recognition, anomaly detection and crowd monitoring. In 2026, the company expanded into agricultural monitoring and secured contracts with multiple provincial governments.

5. Prosa AI Known for high-accuracy speech recognition and natural language understanding tailored to Indonesian languages, Prosa AI serves enterprise clients in transcription, virtual assistants and accessibility tools. Its solutions achieved notable breakthroughs in low-resource language processing, making it a favorite among local businesses seeking affordable AI.

6. ADVANCE.AI This credit scoring and risk assessment platform uses alternative data and machine learning to provide financial inclusion for unbanked populations. With over $400 million in valuation, ADVANCE.AI expanded its footprint across Southeast Asia in 2026, helping lenders reduce default rates while approving more loans for small businesses.

7. Konvergen AI Focused on industrial AI applications, Konvergen helps manufacturing and logistics firms optimize operations through predictive maintenance and supply chain intelligence. Its platforms delivered measurable efficiency gains for clients in 2026 amid Indonesia’s push toward Industry 4.0.

8. Botika A leader in generative AI for content creation and customer engagement, Botika enables brands to produce localized marketing materials and interactive experiences. The startup gained traction with e-commerce giants and media companies seeking scalable, culturally relevant AI tools.

9. Rey Assurance This insurtech player applies AI to claims processing, fraud detection and personalized policy recommendations. Rey Assurance’s models have significantly streamlined operations for insurance partners while improving customer satisfaction scores in 2026.

10. Meeting.ai Specializing in AI-powered meeting transcription, summarization and action item tracking, Meeting.ai has become essential for hybrid workforces across Indonesia. Its Bahasa Indonesia capabilities and seamless integration with popular productivity tools drove rapid adoption in corporate and government sectors this year.

Sector Trends and Future Outlook

Indonesia’s AI landscape in 2026 reflects a strong focus on practical, sector-specific applications rather than pure research. Aquaculture, education, finance and smart cities dominate, addressing the country’s unique needs in food security, human capital development and urban management. Government initiatives like the National AI Strategy continue to support talent development and infrastructure.

Challenges remain, including talent shortages, data privacy concerns and infrastructure gaps outside major cities. However, increasing foreign investment from Singapore, China and the United States, combined with a vibrant startup scene in Jakarta and Bandung, positions Indonesia as an emerging AI hub in Southeast Asia.

Analysts predict the sector could generate tens of billions in economic value by 2030 if current momentum continues. Many of these companies are actively hiring AI engineers, data scientists and domain experts, creating thousands of high-skilled jobs.

For entrepreneurs and investors eyeing opportunities, Indonesia offers a compelling mix of large domestic market, government support and real-world problems ripe for AI solutions. As these top 10 companies scale, they not only drive economic growth but also demonstrate how technology can solve pressing societal issues in one of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets.

The rise of Indonesia’s AI ecosystem signals a broader shift in Southeast Asia’s technology landscape, with local innovation challenging traditional power centers and creating solutions tailored to regional realities. As 2026 progresses, expect even more breakthroughs from this vibrant group of companies shaping the nation’s digital future.