Markets opened 2026 with mixed sentiment: S&P 500 and Nasdaq showed modest gains while the Dow lagged as investors weighed AI optimism against policy risks. Asian markets rallied—Hong Kong led on tech and AI bets—while safe havens like gold jumped and the dollar softened after a steep 2025 drop, boosting commodity and EM sentiment.
A deadly New Year’s Eve blaze at Crans-Montana’s Le Constellation bar has left dozens dead and scores injured. Authorities and regional leaders are racing to establish cause and coordinate rescue and diplomatic responses as investigations begin.
40 – Approximate number of people killed in the Crans‑Montana ski‑resort bar fire.
The White House has paused major tariff hikes on furniture and related goods amid trade talks and political pressure. The move eases immediate cost pressures for retailers but leaves broader trade frictions unresolved.
Neuralink says it will scale production of its brain-chip implants as it pushes to move from trials toward broader commercial output. The plan raises regulatory and manufacturing questions ahead of 2026 targets.
BYD set to overtake Tesla as world’s top EV seller
BYD’s sales momentum and global expansion threaten to unseat Tesla as the top EV seller — a major shift in auto industry leadership that underscores China’s growing electric‑vehicle clout.
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Apple has scaled back production and promotional spending for Vision Pro after weak consumer demand. Supplier reports indicate assembly pauses and sharply reduced headset advertising budgets.
Chinese AI chipmaker Biren’s Hong Kong listing drew frenzied investor demand, sending shares sharply higher on debut. The IPO underscores investor appetite for domestic GPU makers amid technology and geopolitical tensions.
Northern Star shares tumble after miner cuts production forecast
Northern Star slashed its production outlook, sending shares lower as investors fret about supply issues and weaker commodity prices — a setback for the miner after a volatile year for resources.
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Tether significantly increased its bitcoin reserves at year-end, moving into the ranks of the largest private holders. The stablecoin issuer’s purchases add a new dynamic to institutional crypto holdings and market liquidity.
Iran is reportedly turning to crypto to sidestep sanctions for weapon sales while domestic anti-government protests escalate. The twin developments raise geopolitical, financial‑crime and sanctions‑evasion concerns.
Major moves: Trump delays planned tariffs on furniture and cabinets for a year; ACA subsidy enhancements expire, lifting federal premium support; HHS freezes childcare payments nationwide amid fraud probes. EU ‘green tariff’ border rules also came into force.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro signals openness to talks with the US on drug trafficking and invites American oil investment, marking a diplomatic thaw. The outreach could alter sanctions dynamics and energy markets if talks progress.
The United States and Israel say they will press Hamas to be fully disarmed within two months, setting a fixed, high‑stakes timetable. The deadline raises immediate pressure on military and diplomatic channels in the region.
“We suffered one of the worst tragedies our country has ever experienced.”
— Guy Parmelin, Swiss President
Federal health subsidies under the Affordable Care Act have lapsed, threatening higher premiums for millions. The policy lapse creates political and economic fallout as states and consumers face abrupt cost increases.
Federal agencies have frozen funds and suspended borrowers amid fraud probes tied to childcare programs and SBA lending in Minnesota. The actions could ripple through service providers and small businesses reliant on federal support.
Asian markets opened 2026 on a positive tone with Hong Kong advanced after a strong 2025 rally. Investors are betting on tech and AI momentum even as regional market starts show mixed breadth.
Precious metals opened 2026 higher after a runaway 2025 rally as investors seek safe havens amid policy uncertainty. Analysts watch central bank buying and Federal Reserve signaling for whether the rally can persist.
Washington granted TSMC an annual licence to export US chipmaking tools to China, a significant move for global semiconductor supply chains. Chinese chip and AI hardware firms are also stepping toward public listings, signaling continued industry momentum.
December FOMC minutes show Fed officials worried about short‑term funding strains, adding to market jitters. The dollar started 2026 softer after a sharp 2025 decline, lifting risk assets but stoking FX policy concerns.
Europe’s banks are preparing sweeping job cuts as AI automation reshapes front and back‑office work. Analysts warn the industry faces a painful restructuring as efficiency drives accelerate.
Three of America’s largest private tech groups and other big names are preparing landmark IPOs this year while satellite operators tweak orbital strategies for safety. Markets brace for major supply and regulatory shifts in space and AI capital markets.
Warren Buffett’s long era at Berkshire Hathaway has formally ended as leadership passes to Greg Abel. Investors are parsing how the handover and Buffett’s retirement reshape strategy at the $1.1 trillion conglomerate.