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On January 28th, renowned Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted that iPhone memory prices are now negotiated quarterly, rather than semi-annually, so iPhone memory prices will rise again in the second quarter of 2026. Currently, the quarter-on-quarter price increase in the second quarter is expected to be similar to that of the first quarter. Apple's current pricing strategy for the new iPhone 18 in the second half of 2026 is to "avoid price increases as much as possible," at least keeping the starting price unchanged, which is beneficial for marketing and promotion. Apple has realized that after memory and T-glass, other components may also be affected by the AI server industry and experience supply shortages.

Futures News, January 28th - According to foreign media reports, palm oil futures on the Malaysian Derivatives Exchange (BMD) are likely to open higher on Wednesday morning, following gains in external markets. International crude oil futures rose nearly 3% on Tuesday due to winter storms severely impacting crude oil production, coupled with strength in Chicago soybean oil futures, which will help boost the early performance of Malaysian crude palm oil futures. Strong Malaysian palm oil exports and declining production will also further support palm oil prices.

January 28th - Analyst Win Thin stated, "The Trump administration is taking well-considered risks. While currency devaluation is beneficial, the consequences could be dire if the situation spirals out of control. The foreign exchange market typically best reflects market concerns about a country's policies and economic prospects, so the weakness of the US dollar deserves close attention. The yen should rebound as it attempts to recover the 150 level. Given the divergence in expected monetary policy this year, the currency pair should trade lower, as we anticipate a 50 basis point rate hike by the Bank of Japan and a 75-100 basis point rate cut by the Federal Reserve."

SK Innovations reported fourth-quarter revenue of 19.7 trillion won, exceeding market expectations of 19.9 trillion won. The company reported a net loss of 4.2 trillion won for the quarter.

On January 28, Cao Cao Mobility (02643.HK) announced that on January 28, 2026, the company entered into a placing agreement with the joint placing agents to place up to 12,000,000 placing shares to no fewer than six placees at a placing price of HK$32.46 per placing share (a discount of nearly 9%). These placees and their ultimate beneficial owners must be independent third parties. The gross proceeds from the placing are expected to be approximately HK$389 million, with approximately 67.7% of the net proceeds to be used for the development of the Group's domestic and international Robotaxi business.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: One member said that with wage growth expected to continue, underlying inflation is likely to gradually accelerate.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: One member stated that the recent rise in food prices was driven not only by one-off supply factors but also by rising labor and distribution costs.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: Several members indicated that inflation had exceeded October's forecast to some extent. One member stated that the government's stimulus program would boost economic growth over the next one to two years.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: Several members stated that when determining the timing of interest rate hikes, the Bank of Japan must consider how the weak yen will affect potential inflation.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: One member stated that timely interest rate hikes would help curb future inflationary pressures and rising long-term interest rates.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: One member said that the changes in long-term interest rates were somewhat rapid, but could also be interpreted as the market pricing in the possibility that the Bank of Japan would continue to achieve its price target.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: One member stated that Japan could ensure inflation sustainably reaches the Bank of Japan's price target by supplementing the cost pressures from loose monetary policy with fiscal policy.

Oracle (ORCL.N): Over the weekend, Oracle's data centers experienced a temporary power outage due to weather conditions, which affected TikTok.

According to four sources familiar with the matter, a U.S. intelligence report expressed doubt as to whether Venezuelan interim president Delcy Rodriguez would cooperate with the Trump administration to formally sever ties with U.S. adversaries.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: One member stated that the Bank of Japan should raise interest rates at a rate of once every few months for a period of time.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: One member stated that the Bank of Japan should assess various factors, including surveys, when determining whether a cycle of moderate wage and inflation increases is taking root in the Japanese economy.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: Most members believed that the Bank of Japan should not have preconceived notions about the pace of interest rate hikes and must carefully examine the economy, prices, and markets at each meeting when making decisions.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: A minority of members said that adjusting the level of monetary support would help stabilize the market and benefit the economy.

Bank of Japan meeting minutes: If the Bank of Japan's economic and price forecasts are realized, members unanimously agreed that the Bank of Japan is likely to continue raising interest rates.