Walmart's AI chatbot, Sparky, is significantly impacting shopper behavior, with users spending approximately 35% more on average. The retail giant plans to further enhance Sparky and explore collaborations with advanced AI tools such as Gemini and ChatGPT. This initiative is part of Walmart's broader strategy to leverage artificial intelligence for an improved customer experience and operational efficiency, especially as the company recently achieved a $1 trillion market value.
In the cybersecurity sector, Cogent Security has successfully raised $42 million in funding, led by Bain Capital LP. This investment will support the expansion of its AI agents, which are designed to automate the detection and remediation of security vulnerabilities across various company systems. Founded in 2025, Cogent aims to scale its operations to serve a larger base of major corporations, addressing the increasing demand for AI-driven solutions in managing complex security challenges.
Globally, stock markets are reacting to growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence and geopolitical uncertainties. Major indices like the S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq 100 have experienced declines as investors closely monitor AI developments, including potential regulations and competitive pressures. This trend reflects a broader market apprehension about AI's widespread impact across industries, prompting a cautious approach from investors who are increasingly favoring defensive assets.
Other AI-related developments include Perplexity's strategic shift away from advertising to focus on a subscription model for its AI search product, aiming to build user trust and secure partnerships with device makers. Figma's integration of AI is boosting spending in design software and is projected to drive strong revenue for 2026, with AI credits for power users launching in March. Meanwhile, Nexus AI is facilitating automated multi-market trading across crypto, stocks, forex, and commodities, and India is actively preparing for AI's profound effects, addressing both opportunities and challenges like job displacement and misinformation.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart's AI chatbot, Sparky, increases shopper spending by an average of 35%.
- Walmart plans to integrate advanced AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT to enhance Sparky.
- Cogent Security secured $42 million in funding to expand its AI agents for fixing company security weaknesses.
- Global stock markets, including the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, are experiencing pressure due to AI concerns and geopolitical risks.
- Perplexity is pivoting its strategy from ads to a subscription-based model for its AI search product to maintain user trust.
- Figma's AI integration is boosting design software spending and is expected to drive strong revenue for 2026, with AI credits for power users.
- Nexus AI enables automated multi-market trading across crypto, stocks, forex, and commodities from a single account.
- India is preparing for AI's significant impact, focusing on building domestic capabilities, addressing job displacement, and ensuring AI safety.
- Investors are adopting a cautious approach, monitoring AI developments, potential regulations, and market competition.
- AI is influencing diverse sectors, from retail and cybersecurity to financial trading and creative design.
Walmart's AI chatbot Sparky boosts shopper spending
Walmart's AI chatbot, Sparky, is helping customers spend more, with users buying about 35% more on average. The company plans to improve Sparky and work with AI tools like Gemini and ChatGPT. This move aims to enhance customer experience and boost sales. Walmart is focusing on partnerships to develop its AI technology. The retailer also noted that many customers are still managing their budgets carefully.
Walmart's AI chatbot Sparky boosts shopper spending
Walmart is testing an AI chatbot named Sparky that reportedly increases shopper spending by an average of 35%. The chatbot helps customers find products, answer questions, and make recommendations. While currently in limited testing, Walmart is investing in AI to improve customer experience and operations. Sparky is part of a larger strategy to use AI for driving sales and efficiency.
Cogent Security secures $42M for AI agents
Cogent Security has raised $42 million to expand its AI agents that fix company security weaknesses. Founded in 2025, Cogent's AI agents automate the process of finding and fixing vulnerabilities across different systems. These agents help security teams manage the overwhelming number of security issues. The funding, led by Bain Capital LP, will help Cogent scale its operations and serve more large companies. This investment highlights the growing need for AI in cybersecurity.
AI worries and global risks pressure stock markets
Stock markets experienced pressure on Tuesday due to concerns about artificial intelligence and rising geopolitical risks. The S&P 500, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and Nasdaq 100 all saw declines. Investors are watching AI developments closely, including potential regulations and competition. Geopolitical tensions are also creating market uncertainty. Analysts suggest a cautious investor approach and a preference for defensive assets. Upcoming economic data and Federal Reserve policy will be key market drivers.
Perplexity shifts strategy away from ads to subscriptions
Perplexity is stopping its plans for ads in its AI search product to maintain user trust and focus on its subscription business. The company aims to be the top AI service for developers, businesses, and consumers who pay a monthly fee. Perplexity also plans more partnerships with device makers. This move is a significant change after experimenting with ads in 2024. While Perplexity has millions of users, its growth hasn't met initial expectations, leading to this strategic pivot.
Figma's AI push boosts design spending and revenue
Figma's shares rose as its AI integration attracts more users and boosts spending in software design. The platform allows users to manage the entire creative process, from ideas to coding, in one place. Figma plans to introduce AI credits for power users starting in March. The company forecasts strong revenue for 2026, exceeding estimates. Despite increased AI investment costs, Figma expects to add significant market value.
AI fears impact stock markets globally
Fears surrounding artificial intelligence are causing significant drops in stock markets worldwide. Investors are selling off stocks in sectors that could be affected by the rise of AI technologies. This trend indicates a broader market concern about the impact of AI on various industries. The situation highlights the growing influence of AI on global financial markets.
Nexus AI enables automated multi-market trading
Nexus AI is part of a trend towards automated trading across multiple markets using artificial intelligence. The platform allows investors to manage crypto, stocks, forex, and commodities from one account. AI systems monitor volatility, identify market shifts, and adjust trades automatically. This technology addresses the difficulty of manually tracking interconnected global markets 24/7. Nexus AI offers full automation or signal-based trading, with enhanced cybersecurity measures.
Walmart earnings to show AI strategy
Walmart is set to report earnings, with investors looking for details on its AI strategy. The retail giant recently reached a $1 trillion market value. Markets are keen to see how Walmart plans to use artificial intelligence to boost its growth. The company, which started as a small store in Arkansas in 1962, is now a major player in the retail industry.
India braces for AI's triple impact
India is preparing for the significant effects of artificial intelligence, which could impact the nation like globalization, the financial crisis, and social media combined. The India AI Summit in Delhi highlights both opportunities and challenges in AI adoption. Concerns include job displacement for white-collar workers and the potential for AI to spread misinformation. India aims to build AI capabilities for domestic use and share them with other developing countries. The country is also focusing on AI safety and its impact on the IT services sector.
Sources
- Meet Sparky—the AI Chatbot Walmart Says Is a Whiz at Sales
- Meet Sparky—the AI Chatbot Walmart Says Is a Whiz at Sales
- Cogent Security raises $42M to scale AI agents for enterprise vulnerability remediation
- Stocks Pressured by AI Concerns and Geopolitical Risks
- Perplexity’s Retreat From Ads Signals a Bigger Strategic Shift
- Figma jumps as AI push boosts software design spending
- Fears about AI rock stock markets
- Nexus AI and the Shift Toward Automated Multi-Market Trading
- Walmart results expected to highlight big plans for AI
- India Prepares for the AI Triple Whammy
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