The update on the state of the tech sector, Bloomberg Technology has detailed a series of high-stakes moves from industry giants, ranging from Alphabet’s century-long debt play to a leadership shakeup at Workday. Alphabet is currently making waves in the bond market with plans to raise $15 billion, headlined by a rare 100-year sterling-denominated note. This "visionary" strategy allows the Google parent to lock in low borrowing costs to fund massive AI capital expenditures, capitalizing on intense investor demand for high-grade corporate debt.
The broader market, however, is facing pockets of turbulence. Bitcoin recently slipped below the $70,000 threshold following a volatile week characterized by thin liquidity and forced liquidations. Despite growing institutional adoption, analysts suggest the cryptocurrency has become a "victim of its own success," as increased leverage and derivative trading have heightened its sensitivity to price swings, challenging its reputation as a stable hedge against inflation.
Hardware innovation remains a primary focus for Apple, which is reportedly preparing to launch the iPhone 17e. The new model is expected to feature the same internal chip as the standard iPhone 17 and MagSafe capabilities. Furthermore, Apple is targeting the education and business sectors with a refreshed lineup of iPads and a new, low-cost MacBook powered by an iPhone chip.
In the enterprise software space, Oracle has seen its stock surge following reports of its deep interdependence with OpenAI. With a significant portion of its backlog tied to the AI lab, Oracle’s financial outlook has been bolstered by a "safety net" of investments from Microsoft, Amazon, and Nvidia, which ensures OpenAI's ability to meet its obligations. This AI momentum was equally visible during the Super Bowl, where AI-related advertisements outnumbered traditional beer and automotive commercials. Leading the charge in consumer engagement was AI.com, which utilized a "dark horse" marketing strategy to capture the attention of a massive global audience.
The sector is also seeing significant executive movement, most notably at Workday. Co-founder Anil Bhusri has returned as CEO, replacing Carl Eschenbach following a period of job cuts and lackluster stock performance. While the market’s initial reaction to the change has been skeptical, the move signals a strategic pivot back toward a product-first culture and a ramp-up in AI research and development.
