1. German Elections: The German conservatives led by Friedrich Merz celebrated a victory in the federal elections, securing the largest share of votes. The far-right AfD also saw a significant rise in support, placing second. This shift to the right in German politics is a major event in European politics. (Source: <https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgenlw94n3o>) 2. Ukraine War Anniversary: Ukraine marked the third anniversary of its conflict with Russia, with little fanfare and support mired in uncertainty. President Volodymyr Zelensky urged for a resolution to the conflict, while Russia and Ukraine reported progress in peace talks. (Source: <https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/24/ukraine-marks-wars-third-anniversary-with-support-mired-in-uncertainty?traffic_source=rss>) 3. NinjaOne Funding: IT software startup NinjaOne raised $500 million in a Series C funding round, led by CapitalG and Iconiq. This significant investment will support the company's global expansion and continued product development. (Source: <https://fortune.com/2025/02/24/ninjaone-500-million-funding-series-c-capitalg-iconiq-venture/>) 4. Russian Consulate Bombing: An explosion occurred outside the Russian consulate in Marseille, France, with the incident being labeled as a "terrorist attack" by Russian authorities. (Source: <https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/marseille-russian-consulate-1.7466547?cmp=rss>) 5. Microsoft Cancels AI Data Center Leases: Microsoft has reportedly canceled leases for AI data centers, according to an analyst. This decision may indicate a shift in the company's AI strategy or a response to market conditions. (Source: <https://finance.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-cancels-leases-ai-data-055952585.html>)
1. Germany Elections: The center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), won the German federal election, but the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) made significant gains, becoming the second-largest party. Link:
German election: Merz's conservatives celebrate, far right enjoys record result
Friedrich Merz will try to form a coalition after his Christian Democrats won less than 30% of the vote.
 2. Bybit Hack: Crypto exchange Bybit reportedly had $100 million worth of Bitcoin stolen, and it is believed that the funds are being sent to cryptocurrency mixers. Link:
Cointelegraph
Bybit stolen funds likely headed to crypto mixers next: Elliptic
Bybit hackers are currently engaged in the second stage of laundering, which involves “layering” the stolen funds to conceal the transaction tr...
 3. Inflation in Singapore: Singapore's inflation rate climbed at the slowest pace since February 2021, with the core inflation rate remaining subdued. Link:
CNBC
Singapore inflation climbs at the slowest rate since February 2021
Core inflation in the country rose by 0.8% year on year, down from December's 1.8% rise and below the 1.5% growth expected.
 4. EU and US Relations: With the departure of the Trump administration, Europe is preparing to face Russia with uncertainty, as the US has historically played a significant role in maintaining stability in the region. Link:
Europe Prepares to Face Russia as Trump’s America Steps Back
European leaders visited Kyiv to mark the war’s third anniversary. The show of solidarity in Ukraine on Monday comes at a head-spinning moment fo...
 5. Rare Minerals Deal: The US and Ukraine are reportedly working on a deal for the US to provide Ukraine with rare minerals, which could potentially help improve relations between the two countries. Link: https://www.inc.com/associated-press/rare-minerals-deal-between-u-s-ukraine-progressing/91151426
1. German Elections: Friedrich Merz's conservative party is poised to win the German elections, according to exit polls. This could mark a significant shift in German politics as Merz pledges to make Germany more independent from the US. [Link:
RT International
Germany must become ‘independent’ from US – Bundestag election winner
Germany can no longer rely on the US, CDU leader Friedrich Merz has said
] 2. Nvidia Earnings: Nvidia's earnings are set to be released, and investors should brace for more volatility. The tech company's performance will be closely watched in the tech sector. [Link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nvidia-earnings-why-investors-should-191357412.html] 3. US Federal Workers and Elon Musk: Elon Musk has asked US federal workers to detail their workweeks or risk losing their jobs. However, several US agencies have told their workers to ignore the email. [Link:
The Times of India
Elon Musk to govt staffers: Detail workweek or lose jobs - The Times of India
US News: Elon Musk deepened the confusion and alarm of workers across the federal govt Saturday by ordering them to summarise their accomplishments...
] 4. Israeli-Palestinian Prisoner Swap: Israel has suspended the release of Palestinian prisoners over 'humiliating' hostage handovers. This has led to a stalemate in the peace process between the two parties. [Link:
The Times of India
Israel stalls release of Palestinians over 'humiliating' hostage handovers - The Times of India
Middle East News: Israel has delayed the release of 620 Palestinian prisoners until the release of the next hostages is confirmed, without any cere...
] 5. Pope Francis in Hospital: Pope Francis is suffering from early-stage kidney failure, although his condition is reportedly under control. This development has raised concerns about his health and the future of the Catholic Church. [Link:
Fox News
Pope Francis suffering from 'mild renal insufficiency,' though condition remains 'under control,' Vatican says
Vatican officials announced on Sunday that Pope Francis is currently suffering from "mild renal insufficiency" amid his treatment for bilateral pne...
]
1. German Elections: The conservatives led by Olaf Scholz won the federal elections in Germany, according to exit polls. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) also made significant gains, finishing second. (Link:
CNBC
Germany's conservatives win election as far-right AfD leaps to second place, exit polls show
The Christian Democratic Union and its allied Christian Social Union secured the largest share of votes in the German federal election, exit polls ...
) 2. Israeli Tanks in West Bank: Israeli tanks crossed into the West Bank for the first time in nearly two decades, leading to tensions with Palestinians. This move came after a series of attacks in the region. (Link: https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/israel-west-bank-jenin-1.7466340?cmp=rss) 3. Elon Musk's Email: Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, sent an email to federal employees asking them to check in and work from home if they can, sparking controversy over his management style. (Link:
The Times of India
Elon Musk explains 'controversial' email to federal employees amid 'd**k boss move' attack: Trivial task, pulse check - The Times of India
US News: As questions are being raised as to whether Elon Musk has the authority to ask federal employees what they have done in last week, Elon Mu...
) 4. Alphabet Stock: The stock price of Alphabet, the parent company of Google, has dropped lower than the S&P 500 index, leading some analysts to suggest it's a buying opportunity. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
Alphabet Stock Is Cheaper Than the S&P 500 Index. Here
The headline of this article says it all: Alphabet (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) stock is cheaper than the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) index. Alphabet
) 5. Trump's Firing Spree: Reports suggest that President Trump has embarked on a firing spree at the Pentagon, removing several top military officials. (Link:
Fox News
Trump goes on ‘unprecedented’ Pentagon firing spree: report
President Donald Trump went on an "unprecedented" shakeup of the Pentagon over the weekend, firing the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and se...
)
1. Pope Francis' Health Crisis: The Pope was hospitalized due to a respiratory crisis and underwent a blood transfusion. He is currently in critical condition and resting peacefully. (Pope Francis had peaceful night's rest following respiratory crisis and blood transfusion - ABC News) 2. German Elections: Germans headed to the polls for a crucial general election. Results are expected to indicate a shift towards the far-right. (Germans head to the polls in critical election with far-right gains expected - CNBC) 3. Israel-Palestinian Prisoner Release: Israel halted the release of Palestinian prisoners, demanding guarantees on captives. (Israel halts Palestinian prisoners’ release demanding guarantee on captives - Al Jazeera) 4. US Consumer Sentiment: US consumer sentiment plunged due to concerns over prices from inflation and tariffs. (US consumer sentiment plunges on worries over prices from inflation and tariffs - Yahoo Finance) 5. Elon Musk's Productivity Demand: Elon Musk ordered federal employees to fill out productivity reports or resign. (Elon Musk says 'bar is very low' after ordering federal employees to fill out productivity reports or resign - Fox News)
1. Comcast Stock Opportunity: The article titled "Comcast Is a Complicated Company. Its Stock Presents a Clear and Simple Opportunity." from Barrons discusses the potential investment opportunity in Comcast's stock due to its low valuation and strong business fundamentals. (https://www.barrons.com/articles/buy-comcast-stock-price-pick-c849db17?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 2. German Elections: The German elections were held on Sunday, February 21st, with Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and its sister party, the Christian Social Union (CSU), facing a strong challenge from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The results of the elections are still being analyzed. (https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/discontented-germany-votes-election-economy-migration-strength-focus-119092102) 3. Bybit Hack: Bybit, a major cryptocurrency exchange, was reportedly hacked, resulting in losses of over $1.4 billion. This is believed to be the biggest cryptocurrency hack in history. (https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-earnings-02-21-2025/card/bybit-hacked-for-more-than-1-4-billion-in-biggest-crypto-heist-of-all-time-Od7IyKoVGsZyIfVANybz?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 4. Fed-Favored Inflation Gauge: The Federal Reserve's preferred measure of inflation, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, is expected to decline to a seven-month low in January, according to data released by the Commerce Department. (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fed-favored-inflation-gauge-set-210000504.html) 5. European Stocks on Sale: The article titled "European Stocks Are Still on Sale. Where to Shop Now." from Barrons discusses the potential investment opportunities in European stocks, which have been hit hard by geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty, but are now trading at discounted valuations. (https://www.barrons.com/articles/european-stocks-look-cheap-mercedes-bnp-ab16c71d?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)
1. Pope Francis's Health Condition: The Vatican announced that Pope Francis is in critical condition due to a respiratory crisis. (Vatican Says Pope Francis Is in Critical Condition, https://time.com/7260677/pope-francis-health-critical-condition-vatican-updates/) 2. CPAC Straw Poll Results: According to a straw poll at the Conservative Political Action Conference, former White House advisor Donald Trump's allies, such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, were favored as potential 2028 presidential candidates. (CPAC straw poll reveals who conservatives believe will be 2028 presidential nominee,
Fox News
CPAC straw poll reveals who conservatives believe will be 2028 presidential nominee
Vice President JD Vance will be the GOP's presidential nominee in the 2028 election cycle, a straw poll conducted at the 2025 Conservative Politica...
) 3. Elon Musk and Federal Employees: Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, threatened to fire federal employees who did not explain their work productivity within a week. (Elon Musk says federal employees must explain their work weeks or lose jobs, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/musk-doge-federal-workers-explain-report-past-week-1.7466152?cmp=rss) 4. German Elections: Germany is heading to a critical election on Sunday, with the far-right party, Alternative for Germany (AfD), expected to make gains. (Germany heads to the polls on Sunday with far-right party expected to make gains, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/germany-election-preview-1.7464825?cmp=rss) 5. Trump's Tariffs and Car Insurance: Donald Trump's tariffs on imports are expected to cause a rise in car insurance costs, according to a Fortune article. (Trump tariffs won’t just make imports pricier — car insurance costs will go up too,
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)
1. Bybit Hack: Bybit, a major cryptocurrency exchange, suffered a $1.4 billion hack. The incident has led to increased scrutiny of the security measures in place within the cryptocurrency industry. Relevant link:
Cointelegraph
Bybit expresses deep gratitude for industry support amid $1.4B hack
Bybit thanks industry firms and leaders for coming together and supporting the exchange during the single biggest hack in crypto history.
 2. Pentagon Purge: President Trump fired several high-ranking military officials, including the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley. This move has been widely discussed in both political and military circles. Relevant link:
Fortune
Trump fires chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, top Navy officer, and Air Force's vice chief | Fortune
CQ Brown’s support of Black Lives Matter after the police killing of George Floyd made him fodder for Trump's wars against “wokeism” in the m...
 3. Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report: Warren Buffett, the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, released the company's annual report, which discussed the company's financial performance and plans for the future. Relevant link: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/warren-buffett-berkshire-hathaway-profit-135542870.html 4. Germany Elections: Germany held elections to determine the country's next government. These elections are important as Germany is one of Europe's most influential countries and has a significant impact on the region's political and economic landscape. Relevant link:
Global News
Germany election contenders make final pitches ahead of critical vote - National | Globalnews.ca
Germans are electing a new parliament Sunday after a campaign focused on the state of Europe’s biggest economy and calls to curb migration.
 5. Ukraine-US Mineral Deal: There have been reports of tensions between the United States and Ukraine over a potential mineral deal. The United States has reportedly threatened to cut Ukraine's access to Starlink satellites if the deal is not agreed to. Relevant link:
The Times of India
US may cut Ukraine's access to Starlink satellites over rejection of mineral deal: Report - The Times of India
US News: The United States is pressuring Ukraine to sign a mineral deal by threatening to cut off access to Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet...
1. Bybit Hack: Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit was hacked, resulting in the theft of over $1.5 billion worth of assets. This is reportedly the largest crypto heist in history. (https://cointelegraph.com/news/hackers-steal-1-5-billion-from-exchange-bybit-biggest-crypto-heist) 2. Wall Street Tumbles: U.S. stock markets experienced a sharp decline due to mounting concerns over the economy and tariffs. (
Yahoo Finance
Wall Street ends sharply lower on mounting concerns over economy, tariffs
The S&P 500 suffered its largest single-day percentage drop since December 18, as did the small cap Russell 2000. For the week, all three indexes ...
) 3. Tariffs and Trade: The impact of tariffs on businesses and consumers, as well as the diplomatic implications, is a recurring theme across various news sources. (e.g., The Latest Dilemma Facing Finance Chiefs: What to Tell Investors About Tariffs - https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-latest-dilemma-facing-finance-chiefs-what-to-tell-investors-about-tariffs-b3c14f54?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 4. Germany's Federal Election: The upcoming German federal election is a significant event in European politics, with many notable figures expressing their views. (e.g., Final push for votes as German frontrunner vows to lead in Europe -
Final push for votes as German frontrunner vows to lead in Europe
Germany's rival political leaders take their fight for votes right to the last minute before a pivotal election.
) 5. Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Release: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, including the release of hostages as part of a ceasefire deal, is a significant geopolitical event. (
Fox News
Hamas releases more hostages in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners as part of ceasefire deal
Hamas freed more hostages on Saturday in exchange for more than 600 Palestinian prisoners as part of the delicate ceasefire agreement with Israel.
)
1. Retail Retreat (Politics/Economy): Retail sales have been negatively impacted, as reported in the WSJ's "Heard on the Street Thursday Recap." The article discusses the struggles of several retailers, including Macy's and Kohl's, due to rising costs and changing consumer behavior. (Link: https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-earnings-02-21-2025/card/heard-on-the-street-recap-retail-retreat-QnF7i04sVzvMVjzjbVbs?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 2. US-Ukraine Relations (Politics/International Relations): The US has been reevaluating its relationship with Ukraine, as reported in various sources such as ABC News and the Washington Post. Tensions escalated after President Trump suggested that Ukraine could provide the US with rare earth minerals in exchange for military aid. (Link: https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/after-years-firm-support-10-days-upended-us-119071586) 3. Inflation Concerns (Economy): The Federal Reserve's Kugler expressed concerns about inflation risks, citing economic policy uncertainty, in a Yahoo Finance article. Inflation has been a significant issue for economists and policymakers worldwide. (Link:
Yahoo Finance
Fed
Kugler said she supported the Fed
) 4. Rivian's Financial Performance (Business/Energy): Rivian reported its first quarterly gross profit, marking a significant milestone for the electric vehicle manufacturer. The news was covered in multiple sources, including the WSJ and CNBC. (Link: https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-earnings-02-20-2025/card/rivian-reports-first-quarterly-gross-profit-TCTiJaDjphgdwdOuqepJ?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo) 5. Energy Prices (Economy/Business): Oil prices have been on the rise due to various factors, including geopolitical tensions and tariff concerns. The WSJ and Barrons both reported on the impact of these factors on energy prices. (Link: https://www.barrons.com/articles/oil-prices-mixed-as-traders-assess-global-tariffs-prospect-7fc4ccd1?siteid=yhoof2&yptr=yahoo)