DOE Taps Big Tech
According to Reuters, “US Energy Department signs AI collaboration deals with Big Tech for Genesis Mission”, the DOE signed agreements with 24 organizations — including Microsoft, Google and Nvidia — to accelerate scientific discovery using AI as the engine of a national “Genesis” platform for energy and security research. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/us-energy-department-taps-big-tech-ai-powered-research-push-2025-12-18/?utm_source=openai)) [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/us-energy-department-taps-big-tech-ai-powered-research-push-2025-12-18/)
US Pauses UK Tech Deal
According to Reuters, “US suspends technology deal with Britain, FT reports”, Washington has put the flagship Tech Prosperity Deal on hold amid broader trade disputes, a move that highlights how geopolitics can stall cooperation in advanced TECH sectors and complicate transatlantic investment and security planning. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-suspends-technology-deal-with-uk-ft-says-2025-12-16/?utm_source=openai)) [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-suspends-technology-deal-with-uk-ft-says-2025-12-16/)
Chip Cost Threat to Phones
According to Reuters, “Rising chip costs to push global smartphone shipments down in 2026, Counterpoint says”, analysts warn that rising memory and AI‑server demand will raise component prices, pressuring entry‑level volumes and global forecasts as CHIPS shortages and cost shifts reshape supply chains. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/rising-chip-costs-push-global-smartphone-shipments-down-2026-counterpoint-says-2025-12-16/?utm_source=openai)) [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/rising-chip-costs-push-global-smartphone-shipments-down-2026-counterpoint-says-2025-12-16/)
According to Reuters, “Fed’s Collins says supported rate cut but it was a ‘close call'” — Boston Fed president Susan Collins said she backed the Dec. 15 25‑bp rate cut as a shifting inflation outlook reduced upside risks, highlighting ongoing policy uncertainty as officials debate the path for further easing. [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/feds-collins-says-supported-rate-cut-it-was-close-call-2025-12-15/)
According to Reuters, “Wall St ends higher as tech rally continues, led by Micron” — U.S. stocks rallied Dec. 19 as Micron’s strong forecasts and cooler CPI data reignited AI and semiconductor buying, fueling hopes of a year‑end Santa Claus rally in the markets. [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/china/futures-edge-higher-tech-rebound-nike-slumps-china-pain-2025-12-19/)
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