Real-time News

On January 16th, Morgan Stanley expressed optimism about the share price of Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML. Analysts at the bank stated that in the most optimistic scenario, as chipmakers increase spending to meet soaring demand from artificial intelligence, the stock could rise by 70%, potentially reaching €2,000. Morgan Stanley's bullish outlook on ASML is further fueled by TSMC's earnings report demonstrating that the AI spending boom has not slowed. ASML's share price has already risen 25% year-to-date by 2026, and its market capitalization surpassed $500 billion this week, making it the third European company to reach this milestone.

On January 16th, Barclays Bank predicted that the Bank of Japan (BOJ) will hold its interest rates steady next week and adhere to its existing forward guidance without making significant adjustments. Barclays noted that given the extremely low real interest rates, the BOJ should "continue to reiterate its willingness to raise interest rates further, based on improvements in economic activity and prices." Furthermore, they pointed out that the sell-off of the yen will also be a factor in the central bank's decision.

Bank of America: Upgrades European insurance sector rating to equal.

On January 16, the Sixth China-ASEAN Digital Ministerial Meeting adopted the "China-ASEAN Digital Cooperation Plan 2026," which specifies the establishment of the China-ASEAN Digital Academy and the China-ASEAN Artificial Intelligence Industry Innovation Center within the year, and the commencement of exchanges and cooperation in areas such as digital and information and communication infrastructure, open source, and digital security. The meeting also adopted the "China-ASEAN Action Plan for Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Ecosystem (2026-2030)," outlining strengthened cooperation between the two sides over the next five years in policy exchanges and strategic alignment, digital infrastructure construction, and the innovative application of emerging digital technologies.

According to Hong Kong Stock Exchange documents, Harbin Yuyantang Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic Group Co., Ltd. has submitted a listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

January 16th - Commerzbank analyst Michael Pfister stated that despite ongoing challenges to the UK economy, Thursday's unexpectedly positive November economic growth data provided a positive signal for the pound. The data showed that the UK economy grew by 0.3% in November. While concerns about fiscal austerity in the November budget remain, the economy still recorded robust growth. Therefore, fears of a recession and further interest rate cuts may be premature. Labor market and inflation data will be released next week, with the latter being particularly crucial for the pound's performance in the coming weeks.

According to Hong Kong Stock Exchange documents, Xiamen Ruiyun Lianchuang Innovation Technology Co., Ltd. has submitted a listing application to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

British Deputy Prime Minister Lamy arrives in Ukraine.

Data shows that Russia's seaborne petroleum product exports in December increased by 17% compared to November.

Kremlin: Putin spoke with the Iranian president by phone and will continue efforts to ease regional tensions.

French Prime Minister Jean-Yves Le Cornu will speak on the 2026 budget later on Friday.

Bank of America raised its target price for LVMH from €675 to €750.

Bank of England Governor Bailey: Now is not the time for the world to stop enjoying the benefits of trade.

Bank of England Governor Bailey: We must recognize the importance of multilateral institutions and invest in them in the broadest sense.

Kremlin: The efforts made by the United States to resolve the conflict in Ukraine are in Russia's interest, and we value those efforts.

Bank of England Governor Bailey: Acceptance of the role of financial stability is far from what it should be.

Kremlin: Russia is in dialogue with the United States, but not with the Europeans.