1. U.S. Government Faces Partial Shutdown, Resolution Expected Soon
The U.S. federal government entered a partial shutdown on Saturday due to a lapse in funding, but lawmakers expect a resolution soon. The Senate has passed a spending bill, and the House is expected to vote early next week to avert a prolonged shutdown.
2. Global Markets Shaken by Historic Drop in Precious Metals
Precious metals markets saw unprecedented volatility on Friday.
- Gold: Spot gold plunged over 12.7%, breaking below $4,700 per ounce, its largest single-day drop in history.
- Silver: Spot silver crashed 36.22%, falling below $74 per ounce.
- Futures: New York gold and silver futures collapsed in tandem, with palladium futures dropping below $1,600 per ounce.
In China, the gold continuous contract hit the daily lower limit at 1,077.12 yuan, while silver futures dropped 17%.
3. China and UK Strengthen Strategic Partnership
During President Xi Jinping’s meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Beijing on January 29–30, both sides agreed to develop a long-term, stable, and comprehensive strategic partnership.
- Xi proposed deepening cooperation in trade, science and technology, and cultural exchanges.
- China expressed willingness to consider unilateral visa-free policies for British citizens.
- Premier Li Qiang emphasized continuing the “ice-breaking spirit” in bilateral relations at the UK-China Business Council meeting.
4. Trump Administration Eyes Military Action Against Iran
U.S. military officials have informed Middle Eastern allies that Donald Trump may authorize strikes against Iran this weekend, despite his public statements expressing hope for a diplomatic agreement.
- The move comes amid heightened tensions over Iran’s regional activities and nuclear program.
5. SpaceX Targets $1.5 Trillion Valuation, Plans June IPO
SpaceX reported 15–16 billion in revenue for 2025**‌, with ambitions to reach a ‌**1.5 trillion valuation. The company plans to go public in June 2026, aiming to raise $50 billion in one of the largest IPOs in history.
6. Nvidia’s $100 Billion OpenAI Deal Stalls Amid Internal Doubts
Nvidia’s proposed $100 billion investment deal with OpenAI has stalled due to internal concerns. While both parties are discussing equity stakes, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang emphasized the original agreement was non-binding.
7. Apple AI Team Loses Key Researchers to Meta and Google
Apple’s artificial intelligence division has lost at least four senior researchers in recent weeks, who have moved to Meta and Google, raising concerns about its competitiveness in the AI race.
8. China’s Manufacturing Shows Resilience Despite Softening Activity
China’s manufacturing sector remains in expansion territory, supported by strong high-tech output, though overall activity has softened.
- The non-manufacturing PMI dropped to 49.4 in January, indicating contraction in services and construction.
- However, business sentiment remains upbeat, and industrial profits are recovering due to structural capital shifts.
9. Harbin Shines as Ice-Snow Tourism Booms
Harbin’s winter tourism continues to thrive, drawing global attention with its spectacular ice and snow sculptures. The city has become a symbol of China’s growing winter economy and cultural appeal.
10. Zhang Shuai and Elise Mertens Win Australian Open Women’s Doubles Title
Chinese tennis player Zhang Shuai, partnering with Belgium’s Elise Mertens, won the 2026 Australian Open women’s doubles championship, marking her third Grand Slam title in doubles
