Private equity firms poured $4 billion into defense technology startups in the first nine months of 2026, up from $500 million in 2024. Investors and analysts are now warning the sector shows signs of overheating.

Canadian convenience-store operator Alimentation Couche-Tard has proposed an offer worth up to $8 billion for Cumberland Farms, The Times reported. The Massachusetts-based fuel and convenience chain would add hundreds of stores to Couche-Tard's North American network if the deal goes through.

OpenAI is close to finalizing a funding round of up to $30 billion at a $1.25 trillion valuation, led by investors from the United Arab Emirates. Sources familiar with the matter told CNBC the round is meant as a bridge to the company's planned 2027 IPO.

SpaceX shares jumped after demand for its computing power exceeded expectations, lifting the broader artificial-intelligence stock group along with it. Elon Musk also hinted at a possible tie-up with Tesla in the same update.

Tesla and SpaceX have each formed special committees to evaluate a potential merger between the two Elon Musk-led companies, Musk said Monday. He cautioned that a combination is not guaranteed, even as Tesla shares rallied on the announcement. The companies have not set a timeline for a decision.

Salesforce shares fell after the company agreed to acquire marketing-software firm Braze for about $6 billion, a 58% premium over its recent stock price. Analysts called the price unusually steep, questioning the AI-driven deal's near-term payoff.