Samsung and SK Hynix plan $876 billion in chip and AI investments; Volkswagen considers asset sales; Ukraine receives €3.8 billion

South Korean technology firms Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are reportedly planning investments of approximately $876 billion for four new chip manufacturing facilities and three artificial intelligence data centers, though one report's headline indicated a figure of $1.3 trillion. Concurrently, German automotive giant Volkswagen is exploring the sale of major assets, including PowerCo, Traton, or Ducati, following its strategy to cut 100,000 jobs, a move analysts suggest might not fully secure the company's stability. Elsewhere, a survey by Invesco reveals that sovereign wealth funds and central banks, collectively managing $29 trillion, are increasingly prioritizing energy assets while simultaneously voicing heightened apprehension regarding the future role of the US dollar. European aluminum manufacturers are pressing Brussels to address a loophole that permits sanctioned Russian aluminum to enter the EU market via intermediary nations. Furthermore, Ukraine has received an additional €3.8 billion from the European Union, with these funds allocated to support drone production and the defense industry. Sources: Forbes Ukraine