US government shutdown averted; oil prices rise amid Iran tensions; mixed earnings for tech giants.

Trump Reaches Agreement with Democrats to Avoid Government Shutdown

On January 30, sources revealed that President Trump and Senate Democrats reached an agreement to prevent a prolonged shutdown of most federal departments. This decision aims to ease tensions surrounding the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) following the fatal shooting of two American citizens by law enforcement in Minneapolis.

Although funding for several agencies will temporarily halt starting at 12:01 AM local time on Saturday, the impact is expected to be minimal as most federal employees do not work on weekends. The Senate may vote on the funding agreement as early as Thursday evening, with the House returning to Washington on Monday to pass the bill for Trump's signature.

Trump Declares National Emergency Over Cuba Oil

President Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency and establishing procedures to impose tariffs on goods from countries selling or providing oil to Cuba. The order states that Trump may modify it if Cuba or affected nations take significant actions to address the threat or align with U.S. national security and foreign policy goals.

Tensions Rise with Canada Over Aircraft Certification

On January 30, Trump announced on his social media platform that Canada has "wrongfully and illegally" refused to certify U.S. Gulfstream jets, which he claims constitutes unfair treatment of American businesses. In response, the U.S. will suspend certification of Bombardier's Global series and all Canadian-made aircraft until Gulfstream jets receive full certification. Trump warned of a 50% tariff on all Canadian aircraft sold to the U.S. if the issue is not resolved immediately.

U.S. Military Prepared for Any Decisions on Iran

U.S. Defense Secretary Mark Esper stated that the military is prepared to execute any decisions made by President Trump regarding Iran to ensure Tehran does not pursue nuclear capabilities. This comes as U.S. military forces gather in the region, with Trump evaluating various options for potential strikes against Iran.

Oil Prices Rise Amid Iran Tensions

Oil prices have increased for the third consecutive day due to rising tensions in Iran. WTI crude for March rose by $2.21 to $65.42 per barrel, while Brent crude increased by $2.31 to $70.71 per barrel, nearing its highest closing price since June 2025.

Gold Prices Recover After Significant Drop

Spot gold prices rebounded after experiencing a historic single-day drop of over $300, closing at $5,418 per ounce. The price had reached a record high of $5,596.7 earlier in the day before falling to $5,105.

OpenAI Aims for IPO in Q4

Sources indicate that OpenAI is working towards an IPO in the fourth quarter and has engaged with Wall Street banks for informal discussions. The company has hired new executives to assist with the IPO preparations.

U.S. Eases Sanctions on Venezuela's Oil Sector

The Trump administration issued a general license expanding the operational capabilities of oil companies in Venezuela, marking a significant step in easing sanctions following the U.S.-backed leadership change in the country. This license covers various activities related to Venezuelan oil.

U.S. Treasury Report on Currency Manipulation

The U.S. Treasury announced it will enhance scrutiny of foreign exchange trading behaviors but did not accuse any major trading partners of currency manipulation in its latest report. Thailand was added to a monitoring list due to its growing trade surplus with the U.S.

CLARITY Act Passes Amid Partisan Divisions

The CLARITY Act passed in the Senate Agriculture Committee with a 12-11 vote, reflecting deepening divisions between Democrats and Republicans. The vote saw all Democrats opposing the bill, which addresses cryptocurrency market structures.

Market Reactions to Earnings Reports

Microsoft's stock fell sharply, impacting the broader market, while other tech stocks like Meta Platforms saw gains. The S&P 500 closed down 0.13%, and the Nasdaq Composite fell 0.72%.

Tesla Stock Rises on Merger Speculation

Tesla shares surged over 3% in after-hours trading following reports that SpaceX is considering a merger with Tesla or xAI.

Amazon in Talks to Invest in OpenAI

Amazon is reportedly negotiating a potential investment of up to $50 billion in OpenAI, with the valuation of the round potentially reaching $830 billion.

Apple Reports Strong Q1 Earnings

Apple's Q1 revenue exceeded expectations at $143.76 billion, driven by strong iPhone sales, leading to a post-market rise of over 3%.

SanDisk and Western Digital Earnings Reports

SanDisk reported a 31% quarter-over-quarter revenue increase, while Western Digital's revenue grew by 25% year-over-year.

Visa's Q1 Revenue Growth

Visa reported a 15% year-over-year revenue increase for Q1, driven by growth in payment volumes and cross-border transactions.

Partnerships in Biotech

Eli Lilly announced a strategic partnership with Repertoire to develop therapies for autoimmune diseases, with Repertoire receiving an upfront payment of $85 million.

NIO Launches New Model

NIO has officially launched its upgraded "World Model NWM 2.0" for users of its Banyan system.

Starbucks CEO on Business Recovery

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol stated that the company is seeing early signs of recovery, with ongoing improvements in service and product offerings.

Adidas Exceeds Expectations

Adidas reported strong fourth-quarter results, with revenue reaching €6.1 billion and a doubling of operating profit.

Tencent and Other Hong Kong Stocks

Recent trading saw significant net purchases of Tencent shares, while China Mobile and Zijin Mining faced net sell-offs.

Upcoming IPOs in Hong Kong

Aixin Yuan Zhi plans to issue over 104 million shares at HKD 28.2 each, while Lanqi Technology aims to issue over 65 million shares at a maximum price of HKD 106.89.

Alibaba's AI Investment Plans

Alibaba is considering increasing its investment in AI infrastructure and cloud computing from 380 billion to 480 billion over the next three years.

Bank of China Adjusts Silver Contract Parameters

Bank of China announced adjustments to its silver contract parameters, increasing the margin ratio.

Tianqi Lithium and Ganfeng Lithium Profit Forecasts

Tianqi Lithium expects a net profit of 369 million to 553 million in 2025, while Ganfeng Lithium reported a profit from selling PLS shares.

Nuo Cheng Jian Hua and Tai Ge Medical Profit Projections

Nuo Cheng Jian Hua anticipates a net profit of approximately 633 million in 2025, while Tai Ge Medical expects a profit increase of 105% to 204%.

Sunny Optical's Profit Growth

Sunny Optical forecasts a net profit increase of 70% to 75% in 2025, driven by high-end smartphone camera specifications.

Economic Data Release

The December PPI and Chicago PMI data are set to be released soon.