According to Cryptopolitan, Apple, Microsoft, Meta and Disney are setting up internal energy trading operations as AI data centers push US electricity demand far beyond the patterns of the past decade. Federal approvals and new job listings show these companies moving into wholesale power markets to manage rising costs, stricter utility contracts and the risk of paying for unused capacity, while building teams to handle both short-term load balancing and long-term power purchase deals.

Investors are reassessing AI-linked chip and infrastructure stocks as heavy capital needs meet slowing growth outlooks. OpenAI's projected $1.4 trillion build-out and more than $400 billion in expected Big Tech data-center spending are stressing balance sheets, while names like Nvidia and Oracle have wobbled. With projections pointing to weaker earnings in 2026, many see rising odds of a sector rotation.

Nvidia co-founder Jensen Huang has rapidly moved from a low-profile figure in Washington to a central negotiator in a White House-backed deal allowing H200 chip exports to China with a 25% revenue share for the United States. Over 2025 he built direct access to Donald Trump through repeated meetings, international travel and alignment with US manufacturing plans, while lobbying Congress against strict chip export bans that he argued would strengthen Chinese competitors instead. His campaign has drawn both support and criticism, and has helped shape ongoing legislative efforts around US authority over Nvidia's China sales.

South Korea will activate its AI Framework Act on January 22, 2026, creating a nationwide governance system with safety, transparency and disclosure rules. According to a Startup Alliance survey, 98% of local AI firms lack a compliance response system, and founders warn mandatory content labeling and tight timelines could force product changes or offshore launches.

On December 14 2025, David Sacks, a key AI adviser to Donald Trump, said China and Xi Jinping have already anticipated the US strategy behind allowing Nvidia's H200 chip exports and are now turning the hardware down. He linked Beijing's stance to a push for semiconductor independence and support for Huawei, while Nvidia faces uncertainty over up to $10 billion in potential H200 sales to China. China is reportedly preparing an approval mechanism for H200 purchases as it considers large incentives for its domestic chip sector, highlighting its drive to reduce reliance on foreign technology.

In 2025, WPP's shares have fallen 60% amid concerns that AI will automate core agency work, while Publicis and Omnicom also declined. Analysts say large brands will still need agencies to manage complex, multi‑platform campaigns, and lower AI production costs could spur bigger ad budgets and competition for standout experiences.

South Korea plans to sign new regulations for its artificial intelligence sector in January, with the AI Framework Act expected to take effect on January 22, 2026. According to industry sources, the framework will establish a national AI committee, mandate a three-year plan, and impose safety, transparency, and disclosure rules, including watermarking. A survey reported that 98% of 101 local AI firms lack compliance systems.

Nvidia is evaluating ways to expand H200 chip output after Chinese orders exceeded its current supply capacity. The demand spike followed an export decision that permits H200 sales to China with a 25% levy. Chinese tech firms, including Alibaba and ByteDance, requested large batches and delivery timelines this week.