Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.   

On today's podcast:   

1) President Trump dismissed concerns that Russia and China might be helping Iran in its war with the US, adding that the two countries would have “too much to lose” in aiding the Islamic Republic. China and Russia have maintained close ties with Iran for decades but have denied providing arms assistance to Tehran in its conflict with the US that began in late February. There have, however, been reports of military cooperation. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Chinese entities shipped components used in Iran’s drones and missiles, while US officials linked satellite imagery obtained from Chinese sources to an Iranian strike that killed three American troops.   

2) Saudi Arabia intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Yemen's Houthis, targeting Riyadh and Khamis Mushait. The attacks pose a challenge to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's efforts to transform the kingdom's economy, with recent strikes suspending operations at Riyadh's main airport. The US is assisting Riyadh with intelligence and aerial refueling, and US President Donald Trump said he is considering joining in the fight against the Iran-backed militant group.   

3) Global investors chasing the AI-powered equity rally are the most exposed to technology stocks since the rebound from the Covid pandemic six years ago, according to a poll by Bank of America Corp.The proportion of fund managers who are overweight the tech sector has risen to 37% from 30% last month, the highest since August 2020, the survey shows. About 45% of respondents agreed that there will be an AI bubble in 2027, with 42% saying no.Artificial intelligence has been the hottest trade in equities, driving gains of almost 120% in the S&P 500 Index during a four-year bull run. But some of the enthusiasm around AI is fading as investors question whether returns will justify the heavy spending on the technology. Respondents in the October BofA survey said global semiconductor stocks were the market’s most crowded trade.Eric Mollo