A mix of big-tech belt-tightening, consumer-sector pressure and UK defence recalibration. Here are the five stories at five:
1. Digitalbox CEO outlines strong 2025 performance and new growth drivers
Digitalbox CEO James Carter said EBITDA for 2025 will be significantly ahead of market expectations, helped by stronger monetisation in the US and the expansion of its platform business, which is on track to reach £1.00 million in revenue. He said the company has “delivered all that we set out to deliver, more efficiently than we perhaps planned”. Read more …
2. Diageo downgraded as US tequila downturn bites
UBS has cut Diageo to ‘neutral’ and trimmed its target to 1,850p, citing a sharp reversal in the US tequila market, where sales fell 9% in September and October. The bank warns of ongoing pressure across US spirits and reduced pricing power. Read more …
3. Meta shares rise as Zuckerberg weighs deep cuts to metaverse unit
Meta gained more than 4% after reports that CEO Mark Zuckerberg is considering budget cuts of up to 30% for its metaverse operations in 2026, including Quest and Horizon Worlds. Layoffs could begin in January as the company prioritises efficiency and scales back long-running Reality Labs losses. Read more …
4. Citi sets out defence outlook: BAE leads, Rolls-Royce stays neutral
Citi’s 2026 defence sector review names BAE Systems as its top UK pick with a 2,192p target, supported by rising European procurement. Rolls-Royce is rated ‘neutral’, with the bank saying the valuation demands stronger long-term growth. Read more …
5. OpenAI’s Altman explores space-based AI data centres
Sam Altman has held talks with space companies including Stoke Space as he considers orbital data-centre infrastructure for future AI computing. Proposals reportedly involved OpenAI taking a controlling stake worth billions of dollars, putting the CEO alongside Musk and Bezos in space-tech ambitions. Read more …