Evening Scan

The midterm hangover reached the data center business today, with OpenAI promising to ditch NDAs and ease off the grid at peak hours. A Chinese veto, a Bank of England hike, and a department store's 200-year run also moved. The biggest bet of the day was a Spider-Man movie.

What Actually Happened

OpenAI drops data-center NDAs, China blocks SoftBank's $4.5B robotics takeover, Bank of England hikes rates (paywall)

OpenAI says it will avoid NDAs on data center deals and cut power draw during peak times. The shift comes after Democrats' midterm wins gave local opposition political weight. (Bloomberg)

Australian Department Store David Jones Collapses After Almost 200 Years

Vast stores with dozens of brands under one roof survived plenty of disruptions, but not the digital era. (The Business of Fashion)

Block Inc. shares rise 6% after-hours as it raises full-year profit forecast (paywall)

The new full-year gross profit forecast of $12.63 billion signals 22% year-on-year growth. The market approved. (The Block)

Apple Is Reportedly Working on a Robotic Arm Smart Display for 2028

Palate cleanser: a $1,000 smart display on a robotic arm, codenamed J595—either the future of the kitchen counter or the best cat toy ever made. (Hypebeast)

"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" pushed Sony's theatrical revenue up more than **1,100%** year over year, to $1.28 billion. *(TheWrap)