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ExxonMobil Australia (XOM.N) said it has taken steps to either not use specific benefit claims or to cover up or remove such claims when not using “synergistic” fuel.

February 17th - According to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), in recent years, SASAC has been committed to promoting the integrated development of technological innovation and industrial innovation, guiding central enterprises to accelerate the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements, promoting the deep integration of the industrial chain and innovation chain, and contributing to the development of new-type productive forces. It is understood that in the next step, central enterprises will focus on the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, prioritizing three aspects: increasing efforts in technological breakthroughs to solidify the technological foundation for high-quality development; strengthening forward-looking planning in industry to promote the industrialization of future technologies and the future-oriented development of key areas; and accelerating precise matching in the transformation process, speeding up the construction of intelligent service platforms for the commercialization of achievements, continuously promoting the construction of pilot-scale testing capabilities and service openness, and accelerating the transformation of scientific and technological achievements into real productive forces.

Market news: ExxonMobil (XOM.N) has reached a settlement with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission regarding the use of the "Synergy" brand at nine gas stations in Queensland.

February 17th - The third round of trilateral talks between Russia, the United States, and Ukraine will be held today (February 17th) in Geneva, Switzerland. According to Swiss sources, the talks will be held behind closed doors, and the media will not be allowed inside. Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov stated on February 16th that this round of talks will discuss a wider range of issues, including territorial disputes. There are also reports that bilateral contacts between Russian and Ukrainian representatives are possible during the talks.

On February 17th, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated in an interview on the 16th that negotiations on the Ukraine issue must take into account the interests of all parties. Zakharova stated that Russia has always advocated for a peaceful resolution to the current situation. Since 2014, Russia has consistently advocated for the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Even after 2022, Russia has repeatedly emphasized that a political and diplomatic solution has always been the priority, and it has never refused to hold negotiations. Zakharova stated that Russia has never refused to hold negotiations in Moscow, but there is an important precondition: the negotiations must be based on genuine mutual respect, take into account the interests of all parties, and aim to achieve results. The negotiations must yield results, not become a cover for any provocative actions.

February 17th - Tencent Wealth Management's current account + 7-day annualized yield ranges from a high of 1.3950% to a low of 0.8420%, WeChat Pay's 7-day annualized yield ranges from a high of 1.1710% to a low of 1.0300%, and Alipay's Yu'ebao's 7-day annualized yield ranges from a high of 1.1480% to a low of 1.0120%.

On February 17th, a delegation from Iran, led by Foreign Minister Araqchi, arrived in Geneva, Switzerland on February 16th and will hold a new round of indirect negotiations with a US delegation today (February 17th). The US government had previously set a one-month deadline for the negotiations and increased its military deployment in the Middle East. Araqchi stated on February 16th that Iran would not succumb to threats. US Secretary of State Rubio stated on the same day that he believed reaching a substantial agreement with Iran would be "extremely difficult."

February 17th, Futures News – According to foreign media reports, gold prices currently appear to be consolidating around $5,000, but this doesn't mean the precious metal will remain there indefinitely – an international bank has raised its second-quarter gold price target. ANZ commodities analysts stated in their latest gold report that they expect gold prices to reach $5,800 per ounce in the second quarter, a significant upward revision from their previous target of $5,400. The analysts stated, "Although recent market volatility has raised questions about whether gold prices have peaked, we believe this rally is not yet mature and will not reverse in the short term." Gold prices have fallen sharply from their historical high of nearly $5,600 last month, causing some investors to worry about a potential price crash, similar to the price movements after the highs of 1980 or 2011. However, ANZ points out that the current market environment is very different, with gold prices receiving strong support as the market expects the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates at least twice this year. Easing inflationary pressures are also driving the market to price in a third rate cut before December. Analysts say they expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates by 25 basis points twice, in March and June respectively. This will continue to lower real interest rates, supporting inflows into gold. Geopolitical and economic uncertainties are expected to persist, with Trump continuing to use tariffs as a threat. The market is gradually focusing on the potential impact of tariffs, an impact that has not yet been fully reflected in economic and inflation data.

February 17th - US President Trump pressured Ukraine on the 16th to reach an agreement with Russia "quickly." Answering reporters' questions aboard Air Force One that day, Trump said the new round of US-Russia-Ukraine talks in Geneva on the 17th was important and would be "very easy." Trump specifically named Ukraine: "Ukraine had better get back to the negotiating table quickly... We're in position, and we hope they come."

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has announced that ExxonMobil (XOM.N) will be fined A$16 million for making misleading statements about fuel sales at nine petrol stations.

Faraday Future Co-CEO Jia Yueting: Faraday Future will launch the EAI Robotics Improvement Plan and recommends major adjustments to AIxC.

The yield on Japan's 30-year government bonds fell 4.5 basis points to 3.44%.

Japan issued 2.5 trillion yen in 5-year government bonds with an interest rate of 1.6%.

February 17th, Futures News: As of 09:30 Beijing time, WTI crude oil futures rose 1.34%, while US natural gas futures fell 4.72%.

The yield on Japan's two-year government bonds fell 1.5 basis points to 1.25%.

New York gold futures fell 2.00% on the day, currently trading at $4,945.10 per ounce.

New York silver futures touched $74 per ounce, down 5.28% on the day.

The yield on 5-year Japanese government bonds fell 2 basis points to 1.65%.

British Prime Minister Starmer: I have increased defense spending; Britain needs to "go faster" on defense spending.