Real-time News

The German Ministry of Economic Affairs announced that the German government has lowered its 2027 GDP growth forecast to 1.3% from 1.4%, and expects the economy to grow by 1.0% in 2026, down from the previous forecast of 1.3%.

Freeport-McGen is considering rescheduling its freight schedules as heating demand surges.

On January 28th, the 2026 National Conference on Population and Family Development was held in Beijing. Guo Yanhong, member of the Party Leadership Group and Vice Minister of the National Health Commission, attended and addressed the meeting. The meeting noted that in 2025, the National Health Commission, together with relevant departments, implemented the "Several Measures on Accelerating the Improvement of the Fertility Support Policy System and Building a Fertility-Friendly Society," fully implemented the childcare subsidy system, successfully completed the "14th Five-Year Plan" childcare service goals, continuously improved maternal and child health services, and promoted the implementation of fertility support policies. The meeting emphasized that in 2026, it is necessary to fully implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee and the requirements of the National Health Work Conference, continuously optimize fertility support policies and incentive measures, advocate positive views on marriage and childbearing, continue to implement the childcare subsidy system, vigorously develop inclusive childcare and integrated childcare services, and promote high-quality population development.

On January 28th, the Baimajing "Photovoltaic-Storage-Charging" supercharging station in Danzhou, Hainan, officially commenced operation. With a total installed capacity of 8,000 kilowatts, it is currently the largest new energy heavy-duty truck charging station in Hainan Province. According to reports, this supercharging station was jointly invested in by China Southern Power Grid Hainan Electric Vehicle Company and Hainan Susutong Supply Chain Co., Ltd., with an investment of 12 million yuan. It has 40 high-power charging terminals, capable of simultaneously providing full-power charging services for 20 heavy-duty trucks (heavy-duty trucks use two charging terminals at a time to improve charging efficiency). It can serve over 200 vehicles per day, meeting the rapid energy replenishment needs of various new energy vehicle models, including new energy heavy-duty trucks and ordinary passenger cars. The supercharging station adopts integrated "photovoltaic-storage-charging" technology, combining photovoltaic power generation, intelligent energy storage, and high-power supercharging technology, and is expected to contribute to a reduction of approximately 200,000 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

On January 28, local time, French President Emmanuel Macron met with visiting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nilsson at the Élysée Palace, followed by a joint press conference. Macron stated that the situation in Greenland serves as a strategic wake-up call for the whole of Europe, urging high vigilance in the Arctic region and emphasizing the need to strengthen the defense posture. Macron mentioned that this strategic wake-up call should be reflected in several aspects, including upholding "European sovereignty," strengthening contributions to Arctic security, combating foreign interference and disinformation, and addressing climate change. Macron also reiterated France's solidarity and support for Denmark and Greenland, stating that France firmly upholds their sovereignty and territorial integrity.

January 28th - Starbucks (SBUX.O) reported a 7% increase in same-store sales in China for the first quarter, with net revenue of $9.9 billion, exceeding market expectations of $9.65 billion. Adjusted earnings per share were $0.56, also exceeding market expectations of $0.59. Starbucks projects full-year same-store sales growth of at least 3%, compared to market expectations of 2.83%. Starbucks shares rose over 3% in pre-market trading.

January 28th - Trump previously stated that he would soon announce his nominee for Federal Reserve Chairman and predicted that interest rates would fall after the new chairman takes office. WisdomTree commodity strategist Nitesh Shah pointed out that the reality is that any nominated candidate is unlikely to be as resolute in resisting Trump's demands as Powell, which is beneficial for gold. Regarding gold jewelry consumption, I believe high prices will suppress demand, but the current high levels may, to some extent, boost speculative investment in the retail sector.

EU Energy Commissioner Jorgensen: The US threat to Greenland serves as a wake-up call for the EU in terms of energy.

EU Energy Commissioner Jorgensen: The EU is actively seeking alternative sources of liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply.

A source from the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that the foreign ministers of Türkiye and Iran discussed easing regional tensions by telephone.

On January 28th, U.S. mortgage rates climbed for the first time in four weeks, interrupting the early-year recovery in home buying and refinancing activity. According to data released Wednesday by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), the 30-year mortgage rate rose 8 basis points to 6.24% in the week ending January 23rd, after falling to its lowest level since September 2024 the previous week. The mortgage application index dipped slightly by 0.4% from a three-year high, while refinancing applications plummeted by 15.7%. This decline indicates that prospective homebuyers remain highly sensitive to changes in mortgage rates amid persistent pressure on housing affordability.

As of 8:30 PM Beijing time, WTI crude oil futures rose 0.51%, while U.S. natural gas futures fell 2.54%.

January 28th - Capital Economics analyst Jack Allen-Reynolds points out that the recent appreciation of the euro against the dollar may increase the likelihood of a European Central Bank (ECB) rate cut later this year. Given that inflation risks have already shifted to the downside, further euro strength would increase the probability of a rate cut. ECB policymakers may still engage in verbal intervention, but the possibility of direct foreign exchange intervention through dollar purchases is extremely low.

The Kremlin: During their phone calls, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump repeatedly raised the issue of a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump suggested that we consider this possibility, and we are not opposed to engaging with them.

Russian Presidential Aide Ushakov: If Zelensky is willing to meet, he can come to Moscow.

Danish Prime Minister: If anyone threatens us, we will unite.

Danish Prime Minister: I think Europe has learned some lessons from this in the past few weeks.

The Stoxx Europe 600 index fell further to 0.6%.