Microsoft is reportedly considering legal action against Amazon and OpenAI over a US$50 billion cloud agreement , escalating tensions in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure race. Dispute Centres on Cloud Exclusivity At the core of the dispute is whether Amazon Web Services (AWS) can host OpenAI’s new commercial offering, “Frontier,” without breaching Microsoft’s exclusive cloud partnership with the AI firm. Microsoft’s agreement requires that access to OpenAI models be delivered via its Azure cloud platform , making any potential AWS involvement a possible contractual violation . The reported deal could significantly reshape the competitive landscape in cloud computing and AI services , where exclusivity and infrastructure control are key strategic advantages. High Stakes in the AI Infrastructure Race The potential legal challenge underscores intensifying competition am...
Gold prices edged lower on Wednesday as investors adopted a wait-and-see approach ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s policy decision , while ongoing tensions in the Middle East continued to shape the broader inflation outlook. Gold Under Pressure Ahead of Fed Guidance Spot gold declined 0.4% to US$4,984 per ounce , slipping below the key US$5,000 level , while US gold futures showed a similar drop. The near-term direction for gold is increasingly tied to Fed forward guidance , particularly whether policymakers signal: Potential rate cuts later this year , or A shift toward prolonged higher interest rates Higher interest rates typically weigh on gold , as they increase the appeal of yield-bearing assets. Geopolitical Risks Provide Underlying Support Despite the pullback, gold continues to draw support from elevated geopolitical risks , particularly the escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the US. The Strait of Hormuz remains large...