1. Gaza Ceasefire and Hamas: Marco Rubio, a US Senator, visited Israel and stated that Hamas must be eradicated, casting doubt on the shaky ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. (Rubio in Israel Says Hamas Must be Eradicated, Casting Further Doubt on Gaza’s Cease-Fire - https://time.com/7225720/secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-israel-hamas-must-be-eradicated/) 2. Ukraine and US-Russia Peace Talks: The US and Russia are preparing to meet to discuss ending the Ukraine war. European leaders have thrown a tantrum after being sidelined from these talks. (Europe & Zelensky Throw Tantrum After US Sidelines Them From Russia Peace Talks -
Europe & Zelensky Throw Tantrum After US Sidelines Them From Russia Peace Talks | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
) 3. Iran and Israel: During his first Middle East tour, Marco Rubio warned Iran and praised Trump's Gaza plan. (On first Mideast tour, Rubio warns Iran, praises Trump’s Gaza plan - https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/02/16/rubio-netanyahu-israel-gaza-hamas/) 4. Bitcoin Mining Jobs: The Bitcoin mining industry has created over 31,000 jobs in the US. (Bitcoin mining industry created over 31K jobs in the US: Report -
Cointelegraph
Bitcoin mining industry created over 31K jobs in the US: Report
A study conducted by the Perryman Group and published by blockchain advocacy groups found that the Bitcoin mining industry creates positive economi...
) 5. US Economic Concerns: Now everyone can see that the economy is terrible. Investors are awaiting Fed minutes and a manufacturing update. (Now Everyone Can See It: The Economy Is Terrible -
Now Everyone Can See It: The Economy Is Terrible | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
)
1. Gold Mine Collapse in Mali: At least 43 people have been killed in a gold mine collapse in Mali. The incident occurred on February 16, 2025, and the mine is believed to be illegal. (Link:
Gold Mine Collapse in Mali Kills at Least 43
The accident took place in an open-pit area people had gone into in search of gold. Informal mining is a common and dangerous practice in much of W...
) 2. Austria Stabbing Attack: One person has been killed and four others injured in a knife attack in Austria. The attack is being investigated as an Islamist attack. (Link:
Austria: Villach stabbing attack linked to IS, officials say
A 14-year-old boy was killed and five others were wounded in the attack in Villach.
) 3. JPMorgan's Income-Focused ETF: JPMorgan has launched a new income-focused ETF that helps manage volatility. The ETF aims to provide a steady income stream to investors. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
JPMorgan
The new multi-asset fund invests in ETFs and individual securities for a 75-25 risk profile.
) 4. Ukrainian-U.S. Minerals Deal: Officials from the U.S. and Ukraine have said that they could still secure a minerals deal that is "positive" for both sides. The deal could potentially involve arms for minerals. (Link:
CNBC
U.S. and Ukraine could still secure minerals deal that is 'positive' for both sides, officials say
U.S. President Donald Trump's hopes of securing 50% ownership rights to Ukraine's rare earth minerals hit a wall Saturday after President Volodymyr...
) 5. Coinbase Lawsuit: The SEC has signaled a path to ending its lawsuit against Coinbase, the cryptocurrency exchange. The SEC had accused Coinbase of operating an unregistered securities exchange. (Link: https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-live-02-14-2025/card/sec-signals-path-to-ending-coinbase-lawsuit-XULwqs7NCgoEbMp1aLTO?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)
1. Elon Musk's Proposal Rejected by OpenAI Board: The OpenAI board unanimously rejected Elon Musk's proposal to take over the company with a $97.4 billion offer. (
Yahoo Finance
OpenAI board unanimously rejects Elon Musk
OpenAI says its board of directors has unanimously rejected a $97.4 billion takeover bid by Elon Musk. “OpenAI is not for sale, and the board ha...
) 2. Trump's Tariff Threats: President Trump announced potential tariffs on automobiles starting April 2, and hinted at further tariffs on other goods. (https://www.barrons.com/articles/car-tariffs-trump-april-7f8fd5f3?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 3. Walmart Earnings and Housing Data: Walmart earnings and housing data were highlighted as key events to watch in the coming week. (https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-live-02-14-2025/card/walmart-earnings-housing-data-what-to-watch-next-week-QHg6F4yvVFptgr9wskOQ?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 4. Bitcoin Analyst Transfers Bitcoin to ETFs: PlanB, a Bitcoin analyst, transferred Bitcoin to exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to avoid the hassle of managing private keys. (
Cointelegraph
Bitcoin analyst PlanB transfers Bitcoin to ETFs to avoid
Bitcoin analyst PlanB has moved his Bitcoin holdings into spot Bitcoin ETFs, saying it’s "easier" to manage, similar to equities and bonds.
) 5. Tesla Stake Purchase by Bridgewater: Bridgewater, a prominent hedge fund, was reported to have added a significant stake in Tesla to its portfolio. (
Yahoo Finance
Bridgewater adds Tesla stake, reduces rest of
Hedge fund giant Bridgewater Associates added shares of Tesla to its portfolio in the fourth quarter, while it trimmed exposure to the rest of the ...
)
1. Ukraine Crisis: Various headlines indicate that Ukraine is a major topic in international politics, with President Zelensky rejecting a draft deal proposed by President Trump to give up half of Ukraine's mineral resources (<https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/zelensky-rejects-trumps-draft-deal-take-half-ukraines-mineral-feserves>). European leaders are also discussing the situation at an emergency summit (<https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c04nw1pg3k2o>). 2. Trump-Putin Summit: Multiple headlines suggest that President Trump is moving towards a deal with Russian President Putin, potentially sidelining Europe (<https://fortune.com/2025/02/15/trump-ukraine-ceasefire-deal-vladimir-putin-europe-nato-defenses/>). 3. Layoffs and Job Cuts: Several headlines report on layoffs and job cuts, including within the Department of Veterans Affairs (<https://www.zerohedge.com/political/department-veterans-affairs-fires-over-1000-employees>), the IRS (<https://fortune.com/2025/02/15/irs-layoffs-probationary-workers-tax-season-elon-musk-doge-trump/>), and the federal workforce (<https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/trump-layoffs-hit-federal-workers-with-less-than-a-year-on-job-7337341a?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo>). 4. Economy and Business News: Headlines cover a range of economic and business topics, including China's stock market performance despite tariffs and property woes (<https://www.barrons.com/articles/china-stocks-market-tariffs-ai-32aecd3e?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo>), Tesla sales by singer Sheryl Crow to protest Elon Musk (<https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/american-singer-sheryl-crow-sells-tesla-to-protest-president-musk-donates-proceeds-to-npr/articleshow/118287460.cms>), and potential changes to the Air Force One acquisition process (<https://fortune.com/2025/02/15/trump-boeing-air-force-one-replacement-delays-elon-musk/>). 5. Miscellaneous World Events: Other headlines cover a wide range of topics, including a stampede in New Delhi that killed 15 people (<https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/stampede-kills-15-people-new-delhi-train-station-118862732>), a car ramming attack in Munich that resulted in two deaths (<https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqx95zyzyv7o>), and a hostage situation in Bermuda involving an impersonator of the Bermuda premier (<https://cointelegraph.com/news/scammer-impersonates-bermuda-premier-promotes-fake-token?utm_source=rss_feed&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss_partner_inbound>).
1. British Couple Detained in Iran: The family of a British couple detained in Iran addressed their "distressing situation" and sought their safe return after ignoring warnings. The couple is currently being held on security charges. (Link:
The Times of India
British couple detained in Iran after ignoring warnings: Family addresses 'distressing situation,' seeks safe return - Times of India
UK News: A British couple, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, has been detained in Iran after ignoring travel warnings and entering the country on December...
) 2. Palestinians and Israeli Prisoners: Three more Palestinian prisoners were freed under an Israel-Hamas ceasefire, while Israeli hostages were also released. The release follows weeks of tensions and hostilities between the two parties. (Link:
Los Angeles Times
Rejoicing, apprehension as three more hostages freed under Israel-Hamas cease-fire
An American citizen is among the freed hostages returned to Israel from Gaza; more than 360 Palestinian prisoners released in exchange.
) 3. U.S. Retail Sales Report: U.S. retail sales data slightly dropped in February, causing stock futures to remain slightly lower. The retail sales report included figures for clothing, electronics, furniture, and other goods and services. (Link:
Barrons
S&P 500 Looks to Cap Week With Record High
The stock market is aiming for an all-time high to finish off a rather eventful week. The S&P 500 is up 0.1% and even with this modicum of a gain, ...
) 4. Russia's Court Orders U.S. Citizen's Detention: A Russian court ordered the detention of a U.S. citizen suspected of drug smuggling. The man's identity and details about the case have not been disclosed. (Link: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russian-court-orders-us-citizen-suspected-drug-smuggling-118856698) 5. JPMorgan's RTO Mandate: A JPMorgan Chase employee who questioned Jamie Dimon's remote work mandate was reportedly fired and then offered his position back again after a contentious town hall meeting. (Link:
Fortune
JPMorgan employee who questioned Jamie Dimon’s RTO mandate says he was fired—then told he could stay—after testy town hall | Fortune
Nicolas Welch is one of the JPM employees who are objecting to the company ending hybrid work.
)
1. DR Congo Fighting Alarm (World Events): UN Chief Antonio Guterres raised concerns about ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at an African Union summit, urging regional leaders to take action to prevent a potential humanitarian crisis. (Link:
Al Jazeera
‘Over the precipice’: UN chief sounds alarm on DR Congo fighting
Antonio Guterres says a 'regional escalation must be avoided at all costs' as Rwanda-backed M23 forces gain ground.
) 2. Israeli Hostages Released (World Events): Three Israeli hostages, including an American citizen, were freed by Hamas as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel. The release came amid a fragile truce in the Gaza Strip. (Link:
CNBC
Zelenskyy calls for creation of 'European army' as he warns Russia 'is not preparing for dialogue'
Ukraine has intelligence that Russia plans to send troops to its ally Belarus this summer under the pretense of training exercises, Ukrainian Presi...
) 3. Gold Price Hits Near-Record High (Business & Economy): Gold prices surged to a near-record high due to increased demand as investors sought safe-haven assets in response to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty. (Link:
Barrons
Gold Rises to Near-Record on Persistent Safe-Haven Demand
Gold futures were rising to near record highs as the market searched for safe-haven assets. Futures were up 0.5% at $2,961 a troy ounce, close to t...
) 4. US Tariff Uncertainty (Business & Economy): Tariff-related uncertainty continued to affect global markets, with investors focusing on the potential impact of US-China trade tensions on economic growth and corporate earnings. (Link:
Barrons
Tariff Uncertainty Means Investors Need Diverse Portfolios
Heightened uncertainty over the trade tariffs U.S. President Trump could implement means investors need to ensure they have diverse portfolios and ...
) 5. JPMorgan's Dimon Calls for Review of Bank Regulations (Business & Economy): JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon urged Washington to review all the rules and regulations affecting big banks, arguing that they were hindering growth and innovation. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
JPMorgan’s Dimon wants Washington to
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon made it clear during a visit to the nation
)
1. Elon Musk and OpenAI: Elon Musk's offer to buy OpenAI for $97.4 billion was rejected by the nonprofit organization's board. This event is significant in the tech and business worlds. (Source: https://www.inc.com/reuters/openai-board-rejects-97-4-billion-offer-from-elon-musk/91148771) 2. SPY Leads Core Trio of Index ETFs With $877M Inflow: The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) saw an inflow of $877 million, leading the core trio of index ETFs. This event is relevant to the finance and investment world. (Source:
Yahoo Finance
SPY Leads Core Trio of Index ETFs With $877M Inflow
The Main Sector Rotation ETF (SECT) has $156.3 million in outflows: Here are the daily ETF fund flows for Feb. 13, 2025.
) 3. Las Vegas Man Accused of Running $24M Crypto-Linked Ponzi Scheme: A man from Las Vegas was accused of operating a $24 million crypto-linked Ponzi scheme. This event is significant in the world of cryptocurrencies and finance. (Source:
Cointelegraph
Las Vegas man accused of running $24M crypto-linked Ponzi scheme
According to a Feb. 14 statement, Brent Kovar was accused of deceiving investors by falsely claiming his crypto investment firm offered fixed annua...
) 4. Russia-Ukraine War: The Russia-Ukraine war continues with key events being reported daily. This event is significant in the geopolitical and international relations sphere. (Source:
Al Jazeera
Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events – day 1,087
Here are the key developments on the 1,087th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
) 5. Tesla Stock Soars. Musk Might Drop His OpenAI Bid: Tesla's stock prices soared, and Elon Musk hinted that he may drop his bid to buy OpenAI. This event is significant in the tech and business worlds. (Source: https://www.barrons.com/articles/tesla-stock-musk-ai-221f801f?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)
1. Justice Department Moves to Drop Case Against NYC Mayor Eric Adams: The Department of Justice has moved to drop a case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams, related to his time as a Brooklyn district attorney. (
Fox News
Justice Department moves to drop case against NYC Mayor Eric Adams
Following the departure of several federal prosecutors, the Department of Justice moved to dismiss corruption charges against the Big Apple's mayor.
) 2. Transgender Indiana Student Planned 'Parkland Part Two' High School Shooting: Documents reveal that a transgender student in Indiana planned a high school shooting in the style of the Parkland shooting. (
Fox News
Transgender Indiana student planned 'Parkland part two' high school shooting: Docs
A transgender high school student in Indiana is accused of planning to kill masses of students on Valentine's Day in what she called 'Parkland part...
) 3. Buffett Sold More BofA Stock While Keeping Apple Stake Intact: Warren Buffett's investment firm, Berkshire Hathaway, sold more Bank of America stock in the fourth quarter while keeping its stake in Apple intact. (
Fortune
Buffett sold more BofA stock while keeping Apple stake intact | Fortune
Berkshire Hathaway cut its stake in the bank to 8.9% in the fourth quarter after selling 117.5 million shares.
) 4. Trump Praises Vance's 'Brilliant' Warning to EU: Former President Trump praised JD Vance's speech at the Munich Security Conference, where Vance criticized free speech restrictions in Europe. (
RT International
Trump praises Vance’s ‘brilliant’ warning to EU
US Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a fiery speech on Friday, criticizing European leaders for fearing free speech and their own voters
) 5. Cuts to U.S.-Backed Rights Groups Seen as a Win for China: The U.S. is reportedly cutting funding to human rights groups, which critics argue will benefit China. (
Cuts to U.S.-Backed Rights Groups Seen as a Win for China
U.S. funding for the promotion of democracy has been frozen, disrupting the work of groups that expose abuses in China. Chinese nationalists are ce...
)
1. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's Refusal to Settle Lawsuit: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni are not showing signs of settling their lawsuit, according to a report from Fox News. The two are currently involved in a legal dispute over a production company they co-founded, Bandit Television. (
Fox News
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni refuse mediation, show no sign of settling lawsuit
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni requested to be exempt from mediation in their ongoing legal battle. A federal judge granted the request Thursday.
) 2. Diamondback Buying Permian Producer Double Eagle: Diamondback Energy is in talks to buy Permian producer Double Eagle, according to the Wall Street Journal. The deal could help Diamondback expand its operations in the Permian Basin, one of the world's most prolific oil fields. (https://www.wsj.com/business/energy-oil/diamondback-in-talks-to-buy-permian-producer-double-eagle-c119a84e?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 3. Crypto Bills Across the US: Several bills related to cryptocurrencies are being proposed in various states across the US. These bills aim to regulate cryptos, establish Bitcoin reserves, and create task forces to study the impact of digital currencies on the economy. (
Cointelegraph
Crypto bills stack up across the US, from Bitcoin reserves to task forces
Lawmakers across the US are eager to establish Bitcoin reserves and explore the possibility of investing state funds in cryptocurrencies.
) 4. Chevron Layoffs: Chevron is reportedly laying off workers as it aims to cut costs and optimize its operations in the heart of the U.S. oil patch. The move comes as oil prices have been volatile, and companies are trying to manage their expenses. (
Down Arrow Button Icon
) 5. Hamas Hostage Release: Hamas announced it would release three Israeli hostages to uphold a ceasefire deal, according to a report from Fox News. The release came as tensions continued to simmer between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. (
Fox News
Hamas to free another American in Saturday hostage release
Hamas has released the names of the next three hostages who will be released on Saturday Feb. 15, including American-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen, the ...
)
1. US Aluminium Tariffs: South32, an Australian mining company, sees the US aluminium tariffs as a negotiating tactic (
Yahoo Finance
South32 sees US aluminium tariffs as negotiating tactic
U.S. President Donald Trump
). 2. Walmart Market Share Gain: Walmart is gaining market share among affluent shoppers, according to a chart (
Walmart Is Gaining Market Share Among Affluent Shoppers | ZeroHedge
ZeroHedge - On a long enough timeline, the survival rate for everyone drops to zero
). 3. Trump's Budget Bill: Trump's budget bill with $4.5T in tax cuts survives a key hurdle despite House GOP infighting (
Fox News
Trump budget bill with $4.5T in tax cuts survives key hurdle despite House GOP infighting
House Republicans advanced a bill that extends Trump’s 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
). 4. Chernobyl Nuclear Plant Attack: A drone strike hits the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine, and Russia denies involvement (
Al Jazeera
Drone strikes Chornobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine, Russia says not to blame
Radiation levels are normal at Chornobyl, IAEA says, as world leaders gather in Munich to discuss Russia-Ukraine war.
). 5. Walmart's Affluent Shopper Strategy: Walmart is targeting affluent shoppers with its private label brands and premium offerings (https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/14/walmart-targets-affluent-shoppers-with-private-label-brands-premium-offerings.html).