Trump to Announce New Federal Reserve Chair Pick as Powell Replacement Looms 
Oil Prices Surge Toward Biggest Monthly Gains in Years Amid Middle East Tensions 
Bank of Canada Holds Interest Rate at 2.25% Amid Trade and Global Uncertainty 
U.S. Eases Venezuela Oil Sanctions to Boost American Investment After Maduro Ouster 
U.S. Dollar Slides for Second Week as Tariff Threats and Iran Tensions Shake Markets 
Oil Prices Hit Four-Month High as Geopolitical Risks and Supply Disruptions Intensify 
Indonesian Stocks Plunge as MSCI Downgrade Risk Sparks Investor Exodus 
MAS Holds Monetary Policy Steady as Strong Growth Raises Inflation Risks 
Asian Currencies Trade Flat as Dollar Retreats After Fed Decision 
China to Boost Brazilian Soybean Imports in Early 2026 Amid Price Advantage 
Trump Threatens 50% Tariff on Canadian Aircraft Amid Escalating U.S.-Canada Trade Dispute 
Asia Stocks Pause as Tech Earnings, Fed Signals, and Dollar Weakness Drive Markets 
Copper Prices Hit Record Highs as Metals Rally Gains Momentum on Geopolitical Tensions 
Starmer’s China Visit Signals New Era in UK–China Economic Relations 
UK Housing Market Gains Momentum in Early 2026 as Mortgage Rates Fall 
Dollar Struggles as Policy Uncertainty Weighs on Markets Despite Official Support 
Apple has officially launched the new generation of its iPad Mini, incorporating cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) features designed to enhance user experience. This update aims to position Apple as a leader in integrating AI capabilities into its devices.
Enhanced Performance with A17 Pro Chip
The latest iPad Mini is powered by the A17 Pro chip, which is also featured in the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. With a six-core central processing unit, the A17 Pro boosts CPU performance by 30% compared to the previous generation of iPad Minis, making it central to the operation of Apple Intelligence, Apple's proprietary AI software.
AI Features and Software Updates
Apple is set to roll out the first set of AI features in the U.S. version of English this month through a software update to iPadOS 18.1. The initial features will be compatible with iPads equipped with the A17 Pro or M1 chips and later models. Additional functionalities, including image generation tools, Genmoji, and ChatGPT-powered capabilities, will be released over the coming months.
Market Outlook
In September, Apple introduced its long-awaited AI-boosted iPhone 16 lineup. While initial sales data raised concerns about demand, research firm Canalys predicts that the iPhone 16 will significantly boost Apple's sales in the fourth quarter and into the first half of 2025, following record-high shipments in the third quarter.
The new iPad Mini, starting at $499, is now available for pre-order and will begin shipping to customers and Apple Store locations next week.
