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Daily Update — October 27, 2026

Nonferrous Exploration Budgets; Esports Growth and Challenges; and AI in Telecom Strategies

Today is Tuesday, October 27, 2026, and here’s your curated selection of Essential Intelligence on global markets from S&P Global. Subscribe to be notified of each new Daily Update.

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Energy & Commodities

Global nonferrous exploration budgets to climb to $16.5B in 2026

 

S&P Global Market Intelligence's latest Corporate Exploration Strategies study expects global nonferrous exploration budgets to reach $16.5 billion in 2026, up from $12.4 billion in 2025 — the largest annual increase in over a decade, following three years of subdued spending.

 

Improved financing conditions have revived exploration, with growth in gold and copper more than offsetting declining lithium activity. Budget allocations have risen across all stages of development, with grassroots exploration returning to growth.

Technology & Innovation

Watch: Can Esports Break into Prime Time?

 

In this episode of the "Data & Dimensions" podcast, S&P Global Market Intelligence Kagan analyst Richard Berndes joined host Neil Barbour to discuss the rapidly evolving esports market. The two delved into esports' recovery from its post-pandemic slowdown, highlighting its $2 billion in annual revenue from sponsorships, ticketing and merchandise, with steady growth projected through the end of the decade.

 

The conversation also examined what it would take to unlock esports' next phase of growth. Major events such as the Esports World Cup and League of Legends World Championship attract global attention, but the industry is still limited by the lack of consistent league structures and recurring media-rights revenue. Esports' greatest strength is its large, young and digitally engaged audience, making it highly attractive to major brands.

Artificial Intelligence

FutureNet Asia 2026: From AI experimentation to autonomous network operations

 

For telecom operators, AI is evolving from a tool for efficiency to a foundational element of network strategy. Its impact now extends into influencing network architecture and shaping new avenues for value creation.

 

This transition was a focal point at FutureNet Asia 2026, held Sept. 22-23 in Singapore, where Asia-Pacific operators and technology providers examined the shift toward AI-native and autonomous networks. Discussions on agentic AI, network automation and data infrastructure underscored the opportunities and challenges of scaling from targeted use cases to production-grade deployments.

In case you missed it

  • The Netherlands has filled its natural gas storage to 93 terawatt-hours — about 64.6% of capacity — achieving its revised winter target ahead of schedule, according to Gas Infrastructure Europe data.
  • Dangote Group, Africa's largest refiner, acquired a 25% stake in Kenya's state-owned pipeline company as it seeks new distribution channels in the East African market.
  • The US Energy Department will loan up to 315,000 barrels from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve, with deliveries to be completed by Nov. 13, to help address elevated distillate prices ahead of winter.

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