1. Israel-Hamas Prisoner Swap: Israel released several Palestinian prisoners in exchange for three Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. (Link: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israeli-hostage-release-feb1-1.7448089) 2. US Government Websites Scrubbed of Gender and Diversity References: Following President Trump's directive, US government websites have been edited to remove references to gender, diversity, and inclusion. (Link:
The Times of India
US govt websites scrubbed of gender, diversity references following Trump’s directive - The Times of India
US News: Federal agencies removed gender and diversity references from websites following a directive linked to President Trump's executive orders....
) 3. Hybrid Bond Market: Companies are issuing debt in the fast-growing hybrid bond market, citing potential ratings benefits. (Link: https://www.wsj.com/articles/companies-issue-debt-in-fast-growing-hybrid-bond-market-citing-ratings-benefits-d9768708) 4. Gold Prices Reach New Highs: Gold prices have reached record highs due to increased safe-haven demand and geopolitical tensions. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
Gold Reaches New Record Highs as Trump Reiterates Threat of Tariffs
The Fed’s lower dovishness seems to be priced in while other major central banks mostly loosen policy.
) 5. Companies Issue Earnings Reports: Several companies, including Microsoft, Tesla, and Meta, have released their earnings reports, impacting stock prices and market indices like SPY and QQQ. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
SPY, QQQ Boosted Thanks to Microsoft, Tesla, Meta Results
Tesla and Meta shares gained in part due to bullish leadership, while Microsoft shares fell as its cloud-computing business dipped.
)
1. Philadelphia Plane Crash: A private jet carrying six people crashed in northeast Philadelphia, resulting in a fiery explosion. The incident has caused widespread damage and prompted an ongoing investigation. (Link:
Ice skating club reels from US plane crash deaths
A BBC correspondent visited the Skating Club of Boston, which had connections to six crash victims.
) 2. US Tariffs Threat: President Trump has threatened to impose major tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China, starting from February 1. This move has sparked concerns about potential trade wars and their impact on global economies. (Link:
The Times of India
Trump reiterates unveiling major tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China starting February 1 - The Times of India
US News: US President Donald Trump announced significant tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China to address issues like illegal immigrati...
) 3. Release of US Hostages in Venezuela: Six American citizens who were detained in Venezuela have been released following a meeting between US Special Envoy Richard Grenell and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. (Link:
Trump says Venezuela will accept migrants returned from US
The move follows talks between Maduro and a Trump envoy that led to the release of six US detainees.
) 4. Microsoft Stock Drop: Microsoft's stock experienced a significant drop following its Q3 earnings report, which showed a decline in its Surface and LinkedIn segments. (Link: https://www.barrons.com/articles/microsoft-stock-earnings-reaction-3cff2d36?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 5. Amazon-Elon Musk Advertising Deal: Amazon has reportedly increased its advertising spending on SpaceX's satellite-broadcasting service, X, marking a significant shift in their business relationship. (Link: https://www.wsj.com/business/media/amazon-raises-its-ad-spending-on-elon-musks-x-in-major-reversal-8a27228b?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)
1. US Famine Monitor Offline: The United States famine monitor is offline due to a funding freeze from the Trump administration. This has raised concerns about the ability to monitor food insecurity in the country. (Relevant link:
US famine monitor offline amid Trump funding freeze
The Famine Early Warning System Network is used to predict and prevent famines around the world.
) 2. DR Congo Fighting: At least 700 people have been killed in fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebels in Eastern Congo since Sunday. The UN has expressed concern over the escalating violence. (Relevant link:
DR Congo conflict: At least 700 killed since Sunday, says UN
The UN estimates another 2,800 were injured as M23 rebels captured the eastern city of Goma.
) 3. Trump's Tariffs on China: The US has announced tariffs on imports from China, Canada, and Mexico. This move is part of President Trump's protectionist policies and is expected to impact trade relations between these countries. (Relevant link:
Trump tariffs: President to hit Canada, Mexico and China with tariffs
Canadian oil will be hit with a lower levy of 10%, likely by mid-February, President Trump says.
) 4. New Bird Flu Strain: A new strain of bird flu has been detected on a poultry farm in the Netherlands. Experts are monitoring the situation to prevent any potential spread to humans. (Relevant link:
Fox News
New bird flu strain detected on poultry farm as experts monitor mutations
A new strain of bird flu has been detected on a duck farm in California. The World Organisation for Animal Health reported the outbreak of the new ...
) 5. Amazon's DeepSeek: Amazon is reportedly using its AI technology, DeepSeek, to analyze satellite images and identify oil and gas reserves. This move could potentially disrupt the energy industry. (Relevant link:
Fortune
Amazon execs are boasting about their AI strategy amid the DeepSeek R1 frenzy | Fortune
But the company's future earnings reports will show just how much the playbook is resonating
)
1. Trump's Actions in Silicon Valley: The first event is the conflicting stances between Silicon Valley CEOs and their employees regarding Donald Trump. Many CEOs have been seen fawning over Trump, while their employees are privately resisting his policies (source: https://www.inc.com/bruce-crumley/as-silicon-valley-ceos-fawn-over-trump-their-employees-discreetly-resist/91141690) 2. Tariff Uncertainties and Gold Price: The second event is the uncertainty surrounding Trump's tariffs, which has led to an increase in the price of gold as a safe-haven asset (source:
Yahoo Finance
Trump tariff uncertainties push safe-haven gold to record high
(Reuters) -Safe-haven demand due to geopolitical uncertainties and concerns over global economic growth amid U.S. President Donald Trump
) 3. Hamas-Israel Prisoner Swap: The third event is the agreement between Hamas and Israel to release prisoners in exchange for each other's captives (source:
Al Jazeera
Three Israelis and 183 Palestinians to be freed in next Gaza ceasefire swap
Israel set to release 183 prisoners on Saturday in the fourth hostage-prisoner exchange under the Gaza ceasefire deal.
) 4. Apple's Earnings Report: The fourth event is Apple's strong earnings report, which has lifted the tech giant's stock price (source: https://www.inc.com/phil-rosen/apple-earnings-stock-market-outlook-meta-microsoft-ai-tech/91141721) 5. Costco's Wage Increase: The fifth event is Costco's decision to raise hourly wages for most of its U.S. store workers to over $30 (source: https://www.inc.com/reuters/costco-to-raise-hourly-pay-for-most-u-s-store-workers-to-over-30/91141746)
1. Tesla Earnings: Tesla's Q4 results fell short of forecasts, but Musk announced plans for unsupervised full self-driving in Texas by June. The company also expects to begin mass production of its electric Semi by the end of the year. (
Tesla Q4 results fall short of forecasts. Musk sees unsupervised full self-driving in Texas in June
Tesla’s fourth-quarter adjusted profits rose slightly amid a big push to sell its electric vehicles with offers of zero financing and other incen...
) 2. Meta Settlement: Meta agrees to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by former President Trump after his account was suspended following the January 6 Capitol riots. (
Yahoo Finance
Meta agrees to pay $25 million to settle lawsuit from Trump after Jan. 6 suspension
Meta has agreed to pay $25 million to settle a lawsuit filed by President Donald Trump against the company after it suspended his accounts followin...
) 3. Fed Decision: The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, citing elevated inflation, but did not provide any clear indication of future policy moves. (
Yahoo Finance
Fed hold rates steady, sees inflation as
The Federal Reserve left its benchmark interest rate unchanged Wednesday after cutting it three times in a row last year, a sign of a more cautious...
) 4. Trump Tariffs: President Trump threatened to impose 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing what he perceived as unfair trade practices. (https://www.npr.org/2025/01/31/nx-s1-5280438/president-trump-threatens-to-impose-steep-tariffs-on-canada-and-mexico) 5. ServiceNow Earnings: ServiceNow reported Q4 earnings that missed estimates, but the company's AI business continued to grow strongly. (https://www.wsj.com/business/earnings/servicenow-forecasts-slightly-slower-growth-after-revenue-jumps-ff2da126?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)
1. Washington DC Plane Crash: A mid-air collision between a military jet and a small civilian aircraft resulted in the death of 7 people. The incident has sparked a review of aviation safety measures and investigations into the causes of the collision. (
The Times of India
Washington DC plane crash: Flight radar shows moment jet and helicopter collided, killing 67 | World News - The Times of India
US News: An American Airlines regional jet collided with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of all 64 ind...
) 2. Ross Ulbricht-tied Crypto Wallets Lose $12M: Several cryptocurrency wallets linked to Ross Ulbricht, the founder of the Silk Road darknet marketplace, suffered a loss of around $12 million due to a misstep in trading memecoins on the Arkham platform. (
Cointelegraph
Ross Ulbricht-tied crypto wallets lose $12M in memecoin misstep: Arkham
Crypto wallets connected to Silk Road creator Ross Ulbricht lost $12 million after a trading blunder, says blockchain analytics firm Arkham.
) 3. LPL Recruits $1 Billion Advisor Team From Osaic: LPL Financial, a leading independent broker-dealer, announced the recruitment of a team of financial advisors from Osaic with over $1 billion in client assets under management. (https://www.barrons.com/advisor/articles/lpl-recruits-financialadvisors-osaic-e8479900?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 4. Alphabet's Waymo to Test Autonomous Driving Technology in Over 10 New Cities: Alphabet's self-driving car subsidiary, Waymo, will expand its testing of autonomous vehicles to more than 10 new cities as part of its efforts to commercialize the technology. (
Yahoo Finance
Alphabet
After testing the Waymo Driver in multiple cities, the company says the technology is adapting successfully to new environments, leading to the exp...
) 5. Tariff War and Trade Tensions: US President Donald Trump announced that he will impose tariffs on Canada and Mexico, citing unfair trade practices. The move has led to concerns about escalating trade tensions and their potential impact on global markets. (
The Times of India
'Treated US unfairly on trade': Trump says tariffs on Canada, Mexico coming on Saturday - The Times of India
US News: US President Trump announced a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico citing unfair trade practices and trade deficits. He mentioned it could ext...
)
1. Plane Crash in Washington D.C.: A mid-air collision between an airliner and an Army helicopter resulted in at least 67 fatalities. The incident has sparked investigations and calls for accountability from lawmakers. (Link:
The Times of India
All 67 feared dead as American Airlines plane collides with Black Hawk helicopter | World News - The Times of India
US News: An American Airlines jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington, resulting in the deaths of 67 people. The incident...
) 2. NFL Star Xavier Worthy Meets Taylor Swift: NFL player Xavier Worthy recounted his encounter with Taylor Swift following his team's AFC title game victory. (Link:
Fox News
NFL star Xavier Worthy recalls meeting Taylor Swift after Chiefs' AFC title game win: 'She's taller than me'
Kansas City Chiefs rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy had an interesting take away after he had his first interaction with Taylor Swift.
) 3. Tesla Earnings Release: Tesla's fourth-quarter earnings report was closely watched, with shares experiencing pre-earnings jitters. (Link:
Barrons
Tesla Stock Opens Lower. Call It Pre-Earnings Jitters.
Tesla stock opened down 0.7% at $395.19 ahead of earnings. That isn’t too surprising. Investors' nerves often peak ahead of big events. Coming i...
) 4. Apple Earnings Release: Apple's fourth-quarter earnings report saw iPhone sales missing forecasts and China revenues unexpectedly tumbling, leading to a slide in the company's shares. (Link:
Apple Slides After iPhone Sales Miss, China Revenues Unexpectedly Tumble | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
) 5. Hostage Release in Gaza: Israel released several Palestinian prisoners as part of a chaotic hostage release, underscoring the high stakes of the ongoing ceasefire. (Link: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/30/gaza-hostage-release-israel-prisoners/)
1. Washington Mid-Air Collision: A mid-air collision between a plane and a helicopter resulted in multiple fatalities, causing a wave of concern and investigation. (
The Times of India
Washington Mid-Air Collision: Who is Sean Duffy? Meet Trump's Secretary of Transport | World News - The Times of India
US News: Sean Duffy, recently appointed as Secretary of Transport under President Donald Trump, is facing mounting scrutiny following a mid-air col...
) 2. Tesla Profits Boost by Bitcoin: Tesla's profits received a significant boost due to a change in crypto accounting rules and their Bitcoin holdings. (https://fortune.com/2025/01/30/tesla-profits-bitcoin-crypto/) 3. Gold Prices Rise: Gold prices reached record highs due to a weak dollar and concerns regarding potential tariff risks. (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gold-holds-decline-powell-flags-003336144.html) 4. Sony's Retro PS5 Themes: Sony's retro-themed PS5 themes are disappearing but are not being permanently removed. (
Engadget
Sony's retro PS5 themes are disappearing, but not forever
Those retro-tinged PS5 themes have been a resounding hit. They have been such a hit that Sony just announced it’s bringing them back in the future.
) 5. Guantanamo to Hold 'Illegal Aliens': The possibility of holding "illegal aliens" at Guantanamo Bay has been discussed, sparking debate over constitutional rights and immigration policies. (
Al Jazeera
Guantanamo to hold ‘illegal aliens’: The Constitution v The President, 2.0
A new chapter is about to begin in Guantanamo's long history as a site of American international law violations.
)