Daily Digest — 21 May 2026

Markets climbed modestly as AI optimism drove tech gains, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang identifying a $200 billion CPU market for AI agents while simultaneously conceding China’s advanced chip market to Huawei. SoftBank shares soared 20% on its AI exposure through Arm Holdings, while Anthropic announced its first profitable quarter with revenue doubling to \(10.9 billion. Bitcoin held steady above \)77,000 despite turning lower from key technical levels as ETF demand cooled.

Political turbulence gripped Latin America as Bolivia’s President Rodrigo Paz reshuffled his cabinet amid escalating protests, while Argentinians marched against President Milei’s healthcare cuts. The US indicted former Cuban President Raul Castro, drawing mixed reactions in Havana and Miami.

In the UK, the government secured a £3.7 billion trade deal with six Gulf states, removing £580 million in tariffs despite rights groups’ criticism. Chancellor Reeves launched cost-of-living measures including free summer bus rides for children, while Labour leadership candidate Streeting proposed equalizing capital gains with income tax to raise £12 billion annually.