This week, investors witnessed a series of significant developments and achievements across various markets, highlighted by substantial milestones in the technology and finance sectors.
Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) made headlines with a groundbreaking partnership valued at US$100 billion with OpenAI, propelling its shares upwards by over 34% in a single trading session. On October 6, 2025, AMD’s stock soared from US$164.67 to US$222.24, adding around US$80 billion to its market capitalization. This multi-year agreement entails OpenAI utilizing six gigawatts of AMD’s advanced Instinct graphics processing units, commencing with a one-gigawatt rollout of the MI450 series chips set for the latter half of 2026. AMD anticipates that this collaboration will yield tens of billions in annual revenue, with forecasts suggesting a total exceeding US$100 billion over the next four years. Additionally, the agreement includes warrants for 160 million shares of AMD, granting OpenAI a 10% equity stake, with vesting contingent upon certain milestones and share price targets. This partnership not only validates AMD’s capabilities in the competitive AI chip market but also provides OpenAI with essential diversification in its chip supply chain, particularly as it competes against industry leader Nvidia.
In the financial sector, Tan Su Shan, the chief executive officer of DBS Group, achieved remarkable recognition by being named Fortune magazine’s Most Powerful Woman in Asia for 2025. This accolade comes just seven months after she took over leadership of Southeast Asia’s largest bank in March 2025. The annual list celebrates the accomplishments of 100 influential women across 14 Asian markets. Tan, who has extensive experience, including over 15 years with DBS and prior roles at Morgan Stanley and Citi, has played a pivotal role in the bank’s growth. Under her leadership, DBS reported a 5% year-on-year increase in total income for the first half of 2025, reaching S$11.6 billion, with a profit before tax of S$6.83 billion. However, Tan has also cautioned that 2025 may present volatility as the bank navigates potential trade tensions and a resurgence in cryptocurrency, while remaining optimistic about Singapore’s status as a regional financial center.
Meanwhile, CapitaLand Ascendas REIT announced plans to expand its portfolio by acquiring three industrial properties in Singapore for S$565.8 million from Vita Partners. This acquisition represents a 3.9% discount compared to the properties’ S$589 million valuation and includes certain land and enhancement premiums. The properties are fully leased to 19 different tenants and are strategically located across key sectors, with a weighted average lease expiry of 5.5 years. The expected transaction yield is reported at 6.1% post-costs, which will extend CapitaLand’s portfolio in Singapore to S$12.3 billion, constituting approximately 68% of its total assets. This acquisition is part of a broader S$1.3 billion investment program within Singapore for 2025, following recent purchases, including a data center and premium business property completed in August.
As market analysts evaluate these developments, some voices express concerns regarding rising AI costs and their potential impact on tech revenues. However, a recent report suggests that lower AI costs could actually stimulate increased spending in the tech sector, shedding light on a potential trend that investors may want to watch closely to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Stay connected for more updates and analyses on these developments, as they could significantly influence market dynamics moving forward.
