Infosys Approves Record $2 Billion Share Buyback

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Infosys, India’s second-largest IT services provider, said Thursday it has approved a share buyback of 180 billion rupees ($2.04 billion), the biggest in its history. The company set a buyback price of 1,800 rupees per share, with the repurchase to be carried out through the tender offer route.

This marks Infosys’ fifth buyback, following its last repurchase in 2022–2023.

Market analyst Gaurav Vasu, founder of UnearthInsight, noted that Indian IT firms remain investor-friendly and service-driven, but suggested they should also explore mergers & acquisitions and focus on developing AI and cloud products, similar to U.S. tech giants.

Following the announcement, Infosys’ U.S.-listed shares edged up 0.03% to $16.99, while its Mumbai-listed shares closed 1.5% lower at 1,509.7 rupees.

AI-Simulated Fed Meeting Shows Political Pressure Polarises Policymakers

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A new study from George Washington University has used AI agents modeled on Federal Reserve policymakers to simulate a July 2025 FOMC meeting — and the results suggest that political pressure can fragment decision-making even inside the central bank.

The research, by Sophia Kazinnik and Tara Sinclair, programmed AI agents with each policymaker’s historical stances, biographies, and speeches, then fed them real-time economic data and financial news. The AI-driven board reached decisions much like the real FOMC — but when political scrutiny was introduced, dissent increased and consensus eroded.

“This simulation shows that the Federal Reserve is only partially insulated from politics,” the authors wrote. “Outside scrutiny can shape internal decision-making, even in an institution guided by formal rules.”

Central Banks Turn to AI

While no central bank is ready to let AI set monetary policy, many are adopting the technology to improve analysis and efficiency:

  • Federal Reserve: researched generative AI to analyze FOMC minutes.

  • European Central Bank: uses machine learning to forecast euro-area inflation.

  • Bank of Japan: applies AI to economic analysis; its 2023 study used large language models to track price drivers shifting from raw materials to labor costs.

  • Reserve Bank of Australia: testing AI tools that summarize policy-related questions, though Governor Michele Bullock stressed the tech is for analysis, not policymaking.

A Bank for International Settlements (BIS) report in April noted AI’s “strategic importance” but said most central banks remain in the early adoption phase, citing governance and data quality as key hurdles.

The Fed simulation underscores both the promise and perils of applying AI to policymaking: while powerful at capturing complex dynamics, it also exposes how political forces might destabilize even rule-bound institutions.

‘China Inside’: Chinese EV Tech Becomes Backbone of Global Auto Design

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In 2021, Audi executives were stunned when they saw the Zeekr 001, a long-range Chinese EV with sleek European styling. The moment marked a turning point: if global carmakers wanted to stay competitive, they would need to adopt Chinese EV technology.

Fast-Track to Market

To speed its lineup, Audi partnered with SAIC to build the Audi E5 Sportback in just 18 months, using Chinese batteries, powertrains, software, and driver-assist systems. The $33,000 EV begins deliveries in China this month.

Audi is not alone:

  • Toyota is co-developing EVs with GAC.

  • Volkswagen is working with Xpeng on China-dedicated models.

  • Renault and Ford are exploring building global models on Chinese EV platforms.

This marks a shift where Western automakers license Chinese EV intellectual property — saving billions of dollars and years of R&D — while Chinese companies earn revenue abroad amid a fierce price war and trade tensions at home.

‘China Inside’ Strategy

The approach echoes Intel’s 1990s “Intel Inside” branding, but for EVs. Chinese firms package EV platforms — batteries, chassis, and software — for ready-to-build models, even for low-volume players.

  • Leapmotor is licensing technology to Stellantis.

  • Renault’s Dacia Spring was built on a Dongfeng platform.

  • CATL has licensed battery tech to Ford and is expanding its Bedrock EV chassis in Europe.

  • Abu Dhabi’s CYVN Holdings used Nio’s chassis and software to build its own EV, even while leveraging the McLaren brand it acquired.

Why Legacy Automakers Need China

Traditional brands often struggle with slow development cycles. Chinese EV makers, inspired by Tesla, built modular platforms that cut costs, speed updates, and lower barriers to entry. “They are quick learners from Tesla,” said former CATL executive Forest Tu.

Analysts argue that leveraging China’s rapid innovation allows Western firms to leapfrog the EV curve. “You get a much more quality-proof product in the market in a shorter timeframe,” said Oliver Wyman’s Marco Santino.

Risks of Dependency

But some warn of over-reliance. Former Aston Martin CEO Andy Palmer cautioned: “In the long-term you’re screwed because you’re just a retailer.” Analysts say global brands must blend Chinese technology with their own to preserve brand differentiation.

The Big Picture

As automakers from Europe to the Middle East adopt “China Inside” EVs, Chinese firms gain global influence. The question is whether this win-win model will remain sustainable — or whether traditional automakers risk trading independence for speed.