Texting agents, an AI off switch and weak sentiment

In a post on X on Saturday, Satya Nadella said AI models should be kept separate from the software that runs their work, with safeguards outside the model. He asked for tamper-proof, readable records of every meaningful model action and for an authorized person to be able to pause or shut a model down mid-task. He said to assume a model is compromised and contain it from the start.

CNBC reported that public opposition to data center construction and negative feeling about AI are growing, which could make AI a defining issue in the midterm elections on November 3. Wall Street expects spending on the buildout to top $5 trillion by 2030. One political analyst quoted said the backlash may get worse, not better, after the election.

The University of Michigan sentiment index fell to 46.3 in early October, down 3.7% from September, against 47 expected. Households now expect prices to rise 4.7% over the next year, the highest since May. The survey director said lower-income consumers and those with smaller stock portfolios were hit hardest.

Delta reported third-quarter earnings of $1.72 a share on $17.59 billion of revenue, its first miss in two years, against $1.75 and $17.67 billion expected. It now sees 2026 earnings of $5.10 to $5.60 a share, down from $6.50 to $7.50 in July, and pointed to higher fuel prices. The shares fell about 4% before the open.