Oracle has introduced Manager Edge, an AI-powered coaching assistant integrated into Oracle Fusion Cloud HCM, designed to help managers lead more effectively. This tool provides personalized, real-time guidance based on workforce signals, accessible through Oracle Touchpoints, Slack, and Microsoft Teams. It aims to improve employee engagement, retention, and productivity by helping managers make informed decisions and reinforce company values.

Hackers have released details of Apple's unreleased iPhone 18 Pro onto the dark web after a data breach at Tata Electronics, one of Apple's manufacturing partners. The ransomware group "World Leaks" posted over 200,000 files, including sensitive component lists, supplier information, and photos of the phone. This incident highlights Apple's ongoing struggle with cybersecurity breaches despite its strict security measures.

The T. Rowe Price Value ETF (TVAL) has achieved its best performance year to date, returning approximately 30% over the last year, coinciding with its third anniversary. This actively managed ETF selects and monitors stocks such as Micron Technology, Exxon, and Bank of America, combining diversification with active management strategies. T. Rowe Price has significantly expanded its ETF offerings, now managing nearly $30 billion in ETF assets, positioning TVAL as a strong, cost-effective, and tax-efficient option for value-oriented investors.

Empery Digital Inc. is investing $65 million for a 25% ownership stake in a private entity that will convert a Midwest facility into an AI data center with significant power capacity. This investment, representing 64% of Empery Digital's market capitalization, marks a strategic entry into the high-demand AI computing sector through a partnership with Hunt Properties. The facility boasts substantial power infrastructure and an LOI for a potentially billion-dollar lease, positioning Empery Digital for growth despite previous revenue and cash burn concerns.

The article features the "Final Trades" segment from CNBC's Halftime Report, where the Investment Committee discusses their top stock picks. The specific companies highlighted for the second half are Apple (AAPL), Palo Alto Networks (PANW), Micron, and Amgen (AMGN).

Circle (CRCL) stock plunged almost 16% after Coinbase, BlackRock, Visa, and over 140 other companies launched Open USD (OUSD), a new stablecoin. Open USD aims to create a shared, neutral digital payments infrastructure with lower fees, partner-controlled reserve earnings, and governance by a board of partner companies, addressing common stablecoin industry complaints. This new initiative is perceived as a significant challenge to existing stablecoin issuers like Circle.

ViaSat Inc. (VSAT) stock has surged over 13% due to significant satellite communication contract wins and increased analyst optimism. Oppenheimer initiated coverage with an "Outperform" rating and a $140 price target, recognizing the scarcity and value of VSAT's global satellite spectrum. Deutsche Bank and Needham also raised their price targets significantly, while new U.S. Space Force contracts and commercial partnerships further bolster the company's outlook.

Digital Realty (DLR) has announced a significant acquisition, purchasing Blackstone-affiliated funds' equity interest in three hyperscale data centers in Northern Virginia for an estimated $7.8 billion. This deal, valued at $3.5 billion in cash and Digital Realty shares paid to Blackstone, increases Digital Realty's presence in a key data center market with fully leased assets backed by long-term contracts. The acquisition is expected to boost Core FFO per share in 2027 and 2028, reinforcing Digital Realty's growth trajectory and strengthening its portfolio with high-quality, AI- and cloud-driven demand assets.

The quantum computing industry faces "bubble" concerns as stock valuations for companies like D-Wave (QBTS) and Rigetti (RGTI) have surged, outpacing current revenues and profitability. While IonQ (IONQ) shows stronger growth and commercial traction, the entire sector struggles with negative operating margins, high R&D spending, and reliance on external funding. The presence of tech giants like Intel (INTC) and IBM (IBM) in the quantum space also poses a significant external threat to smaller, pure-play quantum companies.

Pyunghwa Holdings, an automotive parts holding company, has significantly cut its SAP ERP system maintenance costs by over 50% since adopting Rimini Street's third-party support services. This reduction has allowed Pyunghwa Holdings to reinvest savings into AI and digital transformation initiatives, including smart factories and predictive maintenance. Rimini Street provides tailored support, including expertise in Korea-specific SAP HR functions, enabling the company to accelerate its transition to value-creating IT.