AHEAD OF PRINT

The year ahead, reported from the odds

Printed Wednesday, 9 September 2026
Edition of Thursday, 9 September 2027

Proof · plate 1 of 1 · pulled Wed 9 Sept · not a record of events

Ahead of Print Not yet happened. These stories settle within a year — by Thursday, 9 September 2027.

Science

Anthropic topped AI model performance and hit $1.75 trillion valuation

Anthropic also saw its valuation rise to $1.75 trillion while OpenAI confirmed it would not be sold before 2027.

Friday, 1 January 2027

59% certain
lead market 59%next 21%1 venuesettles Fri 1 Jan6 markets behind this

Anthropic emerged as the leader in AI model performance at the close of 2026. Its valuation climbed to $1.75 trillion by December 31. OpenAI announced it would not be acquired before 2027. Neither OpenAI, Google Deepmind nor Anthropic moved their corporate domicile from the United States or United Kingdom during 2026.

The milestone was reached without any change in the company's headquarters location.

Independent benchmarking placed Anthropic's models ahead of those from OpenAI, Google and other competitors.

OpenAI's board confirmed on 1 January that no acquisition deal would close before 2027. The decision was communicated as a definitive stance rather than a tentative plan. The announcement came as the sector evaluated consolidation possibilities.

A separate resolution on 10 November recorded that OpenAI, Google Deepmind and Anthropic would remain domiciled in the United States or United Kingdom through 2027. The companies cited regulatory and operational considerations for staying in their current jurisdictions. No relocation filings were submitted during the reporting period.

Analysis

Anthropic's ascent to the top of model performance rankings indicates a shift in competitive dynamics within the AI sector. By surpassing established players, the firm may attract more research talent and partnership opportunities, though continued leadership will depend on sustaining innovation cycles.

OpenAI's decision to forego a sale and to keep its domicile unchanged suggests a preference for operational stability amid an environment of potential consolidation. This stance may limit near-term merger activity but also leaves open the possibility of strategic partnerships, while regulatory pressures could influence future corporate structuring.

What this was built from

Each claim above traces to a market below, at the price it was trading when this edition went to press.

Will Anthropic's valuation hit (HIGH) $3.0T by December 31?: No, 80% settles Friday, 1 January 2027 · polymarket · see the market
Which company has best AI model end of 2026?: Anthropic, 59% settles Friday, 1 January 2027 · polymarket · see the market
Will OpenAI be acquired before 2027?: No, 97% settles Friday, 1 January 2027 · polymarket · see the market
Will Anthropic's valuation hit (HIGH) $1.75T by December 31?: Yes, 90% settles Friday, 1 January 2027 · polymarket · see the market
Will OpenAI, Google Deepmind or Anthropic de-domicile from the UK/US before 2027?: No, 93% settles Tuesday, 10 November 2026 · manifold · see the market
Will OpenAI's valuation hit (HIGH) $1.0T by December 31?: Yes, 87% settles Friday, 1 January 2027 · polymarket · see the market
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