Daily Market & Technology Information – Thursday 17th September 2026
Good morning, and welcome to today's Daily Market & Technology Information.
Corporate & Technology
Artificial-intelligence shares remain under scrutiny after a volatile week for the sector. Calls from leading AI executives to slow the development of increasingly powerful systems have forced investors to reassess the pace of spending on chips, data centres and computing infrastructure. Nvidia and other semiconductor companies remain sensitive to any indication that customers may moderate capital expenditure.
The debate is increasingly financial as well as technological. Rapid AI infrastructure construction has increased demand for electricity, networking equipment and advanced processors. Higher borrowing costs now create an additional test for projects whose returns may take years to materialise.
Artificial Intelligence & Economy
The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points on Wednesday, taking the federal funds target range to 3.75%-4.00%. It was the first increase since 2023. Policymakers remain focused on inflation, with higher energy costs adding to concerns that price pressures could prove persistent.
The decision strengthened expectations that US monetary policy may remain restrictive for longer. Higher rates can raise financing costs throughout the economy and are particularly important for technology companies whose valuations depend heavily on expectations for future earnings.