Real-time News

February 1st - On February 1st local time, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf issued a stern statement at an open parliamentary session, announcing reciprocal countermeasures against recent European designations of the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Ghalibaf declared that Iran officially designates the armed forces of European countries as "terrorist organizations." Ghalibaf emphasized that the EU will bear full responsibility for all legal and practical consequences arising from this designation, including the risk of security confrontation within the region.

India's budget includes five initiatives for the textile industry, including the establishment of large textile industrial parks.

India's budget proposes to revitalize traditional industrial sectors, promote infrastructure development, and develop urban economic zones.

The National Stock Exchange of India: The reference price for exchange-traded gold and silver ETFs will be based on the net asset value of the previous trading day (T-1), with a specified lower price range of 20% applicable to the net asset value on T-1.

February 1st - A research report from Shenwan Hongyuan Securities stated that on January 30th (Beijing time), Trump nominated Warsh as the next Federal Reserve Chairman, causing significant volatility in financial markets. However, in terms of interest rate cut expectations, the Warsh nomination and the January FOMC meeting did not have a major impact, with the market still expecting two Fed rate cuts in 2026.

United Steelworkers: The union will continue negotiations with Marathon Petroleum (MRO.N) regarding the expiring contract.

February 1st - NIO launched a limited-time financing plan for its vehicles in February. Customers who order and successfully lock in their NIO ET5, ET5T, ES6, or EC6 during the month can enjoy a limited-time 7-year, 84-month financing plan with down payments as low as 20% and annual interest rates as low as 0.49%. According to incomplete statistics, nine automakers, including Tesla, XPeng, Li Auto, Xiaomi, and Geely, have already launched low-interest financing plans, some with down payments as low as 0%.

February 1 – Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po stated today (February 1) that the global political and economic situation is changing rapidly, and the coming year will be filled with risks and volatility. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue its efforts to align with the nation's 15th Five-Year Plan, accelerate its integration into and service to the overall national development strategy, empower technological innovation and the development of traditional industries through finance, promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial development, and strengthen workforce training, especially in skills and technology applications, to improve the quality and quantity of economic development.

According to the Wall Street Journal, a consortium led by KKR plans to acquire Singapore-based data center company ST Telecom Media Global Data Center, with a valuation exceeding $10 billion.

February 1st - On Saturday, local time, US President Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he believes his nominee for Federal Reserve Chairman, Kevin Warsh, is likely to win the support of some Democratic senators, calling Warsh a "high-caliber candidate" who should pass the Senate confirmation process smoothly. Trump stated that he expects Warsh to lower interest rates if confirmed, based on Warsh's statements in interviews and other occasions. When asked if Warsh had made any such commitments, Trump responded, "I don't want to do that. I can't do that."

February 1st - The Financial Times reported on Saturday, citing sources, that Ford Motor Company (FN) had held talks with Xiaomi regarding a potential joint venture to manufacture electric vehicles in the United States. Xiaomi responded that the reports of a joint venture with Ford were false. Xiaomi currently does not sell its products or services in the United States and has not engaged in any such negotiations.

Voyah Automobile: Delivered 10,515 vehicles in January 2026, a year-on-year increase of 31%.

Jishi Auto: In January, the brand delivered a total of 1,028 new cars, an increase of nearly 100% year-on-year.

US President Trump: India is about to intervene and buy Venezuelan oil.

US President Trump: Venezuela’s share of oil profits has not yet been discussed.

February 1st - According to sources, Mark al-Sawaya, the Iraq Special Envoy appointed by US President Trump last October, has stepped down from his post. This move comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Baghdad due to increasing US pressure to curb Iranian influence in Iraqi politics. Al-Sawaya, an Iraqi-American Christian entrepreneur, was one of the few senior Arab-American officials appointed by Trump. The specific reasons for Al-Sawaya's departure are unclear, as is whether a successor will be appointed. One source indicated that Al-Sawaya "mishandled" several key situations, including failing to prevent former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki from being nominated as the country's next prime minister—a move Trump had publicly warned Baghdad against. According to the source and a senior Iraqi official, US Ambassador to Turkey and Special Envoy for Syria, Tom Barak, is expected to take over the State Department's Iraq affairs.