Global automakers are accelerating moves into new businesses that draw on advanced manufacturing as they seek to offset weak demand. Tesla has positioned itself as an AI company focused on robotaxis and its Optimus humanoid robot, while Hyundai Motor acquired Boston Dynamics. GM plans sodium-ion batteries for grid and data-center storage with Peak Energy. Ford is building U.S. plants for large stationary storage systems. Renault is making drones, and BYD and other Chinese EV makers are developing humanoid robots.

Seventeen Democratic U.S. senators asked the Senate to prevent the Commodity Futures Trading Commission from using federal funds for lawsuits involving prediction markets. They urged appropriators to block spending on litigation against state gaming regulators. The lawmakers said Chairman Michael Selig is asserting exclusive CFTC authority and infringing on state powers by treating event contracts as swaps. They warned the approach could let online prediction markets bypass state consumer protection and oversight.