Investors Seek Bigger AI Payoff | The Asia Trade 12/12/25

Stephanie Guild, Chief Investment Officer at Robinhood Markets, discussed recent retail trading trends on Bloomberg's 'Businessweek Daily,' highlighting the growing interest in AI-related investments and broad-based ETFs. This conversation reflects the evolving landscape of retail trading, where technology and artificial intelligence are increasingly influencing investor behavior.

Ulrike Hoffmann-Burchardi, Global Head of Equities and CIO Americas at UBS Wealth Management, indicated that supportive policies and a shift in the artificial intelligence narrative from capital expenditure to cash flow are expected to drive a broader and higher equity market in 2026 during her discussion with Bloomberg's Matt Miller.

The proposed missile and air defense system by Trump represents a significant financial undertaking, with estimates suggesting that the initial spending target may only cover a fraction of the total costs involved. Bloomberg's Becca Wasser provided insights on this complex project during a discussion on Bloomberg Intelligence.

Wealthfront is preparing to raise $484.6 million as it goes public, with plans to trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker 'WLTH'. The fintech company is recognized for its automated investing tools and has gained popularity among younger investors. CEO David Fortunato discussed the company's debut on Bloomberg Open Interest.

SoftBank Group Corp. is considering acquisitions, including data center operator Switch Inc., as founder Masayoshi Son aims to leverage the growth in digital infrastructure driven by artificial intelligence. This strategic move reflects SoftBank's ongoing efforts to enhance its portfolio in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Broadcom Inc. experienced a significant decline in its stock price after the company's sales outlook for the artificial intelligence market fell short of investor expectations, as indicated by unsettling comments from CEO Hock Tan during a conference call with analysts. This downturn reflects the competitive pressures in the AI sector.

Axel Granger, Co-Head of TMT in APAC, provided insights on the outlook for capital market activities in the technology, media, and telecom sectors following a strong performance in the region. His comments were made during an interview on 'Bloomberg: The China Show' with Annabelle Droulers and Stephen Engle.

Medra has successfully raised $52 million to enhance its capabilities in drug discovery through the use of artificial intelligence-powered robots, aiming to establish one of the largest autonomous laboratories in the United States. This funding will allow Medra to accelerate its research and development efforts in the pharmaceutical sector.