DeepSeek achieved the highest stock trading returns among AI models in 2026, according to research by a US finance professor. Lorenzo Lira, associate professor of finance at the University of Florida, stated on May 26 that DeepSeek's portfolio rose 35% year-to-date in 2026, outperforming ChatGPT's 16% and Grok's 19% gains over the same period, as reported by Business Insider. Since its 2023 launch, DeepSeek's portfolio has climbed 73%, trailing ChatGPT's 78% cumulative gain but leading in 2026 performance. Lira has conducted research since 2023 on guiding AI chatbots to outperform stock markets, with findings showing AI models reach identical conclusions only about 50% of the time despite similar information processing methods.
DeepSeek Leads AI Trading Performance in 2026
DeepSeek's portfolio returned 35% year-to-date in 2026 and 73% since its 2023 launch, according to Lorenzo Lira's research. ChatGPT posted a 16% year-to-date gain in 2026 and 78% cumulative return since launch. Grok's portfolio rose 19% year-to-date and 54% since launch. Lira stated that DeepSeek also outperformed Claude, though Claude's portfolio management period was shorter than other chatbots. The professor explained that while AI models process information similarly, they reach the same decision only about 50% of the time, with final decisions made entirely by the models after configuration updates with latest information.
Miami Cost of Living Surpasses New York
Miami has become the second-most expensive metropolitan area in the US after the San Francisco Bay Area, surpassing New York in cost of living, Business Insider reported on May 26 citing US Bureau of Economic Analysis data. Housing costs, education expenses, and service fees in Miami rose rapidly, with the nation's highest home insurance premiums driving the surge. Financial firms, IT companies, and consumer goods businesses continue relocating to Miami despite rising costs. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin purchased homes in Miami. Hedge fund Citadel's Ken Griffin moved headquarters from Chicago to Miami. Playboy and FC Barcelona's North American operations established offices or key bases in Miami. Industry observers attribute the influx to tax benefits, business-friendly environment, and cultural-leisure infrastructure, though rising housing prices and living costs burden existing residents.
Europe Air Conditioner Ownership Reaches 20%
European households are purchasing air conditioners as record heatwaves continue, with ownership rates at approximately 20% compared to about 90% in the US, according to International Energy Agency data cited by Business Insider on May 26. Europe recorded its hottest June on record in 2026, with some regions exceeding 100°F (approximately 37.8°C). Euromonitor International researcher Alexandre Roehr stated that air conditioners are no longer niche products in many European countries, describing the current shift as structural rather than temporary. Samsung Electronics reported double-digit European air conditioner sales growth in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year. Chinese appliance maker Midea reported 108% increased shipments to Spain and France. European heating and cooling industry association Eurovent projects EU residential air conditioners will exceed 100 million units by 2030, up from fewer than 7 million in 1990 and approximately 57 million in 2020. UK writer Kieran Heath purchased a portable air conditioner after previously relying on fans, stating that fans only move hot air during heatwaves and that buying an air conditioner was a completely natural decision.
Chocolate Companies Maintain Prices Despite Cocoa Decline
Cocoa futures traded at $5,327 per ton on May 26, down 34% over the past year, but chocolate manufacturers are not expected to lower prices immediately, CNBC reported. Cocoa prices surged to record highs over the past two years due to severe weather and poor harvests, reaching approximately $12,000 per ton in late 2024 after maintaining $2,000-$3,000 per ton levels for the prior 20 years. Swiss chocolate companies Barry Callebaut, Lindt & Sprüngli, and Nestlé stated that elevated cocoa prices burdened financial results. Lindt & Sprüngli CEO Adalbert Lechner said in a conference call that record cocoa prices made unprecedented industry-wide price increases unavoidable, with geopolitical uncertainty, inflation, and weakened consumer sentiment pressuring demand. Major chocolate manufacturers are focusing on premium product innovation and social media strategies to attract consumers rather than reducing prices. Lechner stated the company will strengthen social media activities to expand brand awareness, consumer engagement, and purchase demand, noting that Dubai-style chocolate's exceptional success demonstrated social media's growing power in shaping brand recognition and demand. Nestlé CEO Philippe Navrátil announced plans to increase influencer marketing investment and change advertising approaches to become more digital, social, natural, and fun, emphasizing the need to align with how young consumers communicate.
AI Chatbots Used by 13% of US Adults for Emotional Support
Thirteen percent of US adults and 23% of respondents under 30 have shared secrets or concerns with chatbots that they did not tell people, according to a YouGov survey cited by Business Insider on May 26. A Pew Research Center survey found that 1 in 5 adults aged 18-29 use AI chatbots for emotional support or advice. Rachel Woud, cyberpsychology researcher and founder of the AI Mental Health Association, stated that AI's impact on human relationships could be much greater than its workplace effects, with changes potentially taking years to fully emerge. Marriage and family therapist Edith Sharony, who specializes in couples counseling and infidelity recovery, said that confiding in a chatbot instead of a partner can feel like a complete emotional affair and cause feelings of betrayal. Kevin Cotton, an accounting staff member at a Washington DC theater company, stated that ChatGPT helped him reconsider how to restart conversations after six years of marriage with poor communication, evaluating that AI conversations benefited his relationship.
FAQ
What did DeepSeek achieve in stock trading in 2026?
DeepSeek's portfolio returned 35% year-to-date in 2026, the highest among AI models studied by University of Florida finance professor Lorenzo Lira. Since its 2023 launch, DeepSeek's portfolio has risen 73%, outperforming ChatGPT's 16% year-to-date gain in 2026 and Grok's 19% year-to-date return.
Why are chocolate prices not decreasing despite lower cocoa costs?
Chocolate manufacturers are maintaining prices and focusing on premium product innovation and social media marketing strategies instead of price reductions. Cocoa futures traded at $5,327 per ton on May 26, down 34% over the past year, but companies like Lindt & Sprüngli and Nestlé are investing in influencer marketing and digital engagement to attract consumers rather than lowering prices.
How many US adults use AI chatbots for emotional support?
Thirteen percent of US adults and 23% of respondents under 30 have shared secrets or concerns with chatbots that they did not tell people, according to a YouGov survey. A Pew Research Center survey found that 1 in 5 adults aged 18-29 use AI chatbots for emotional support or advice.
