WTI crude oil fell 1.00% on the day and is now at $77.32/barrel; Brent crude oil fell to $82/barrel, down 0.91% on the day.

Prince William of the United Kingdom: We remain deeply concerned about the horrific humanitarian costs of the conflict in the Middle East since the Hamas terrorist attacks on October 7. It is hoped that the fighting will end as soon as possible and humanitarian aid to Gaza will be increased.

Market news: SpaceX reaches agreement with the Bahamas for the landing of a space tourism booster.

The New Zealand dollar NZD/USD rose 0.5% on the day to 0.6178, its highest level in five weeks.

Finnish Interior Minister: This situation poses a threat to society.

Finnish Interior Minister: The information we have shows that thousands of people are waiting on the Russian side to go to Finland.

Breimann, First Deputy Governor of the Riksbank: February inflation data is expected to be slightly better, and more stability is needed before planning to cut interest rates.

Swedish Immigration Minister: Russia’s attempts to undermine Finland and the EU will fail.

Baird: Raise target price on Nvidia (NVDA.O) to $1,050 from $750.

Walmart (WMT.N) turned higher before the market opened, with gains expanding to 2.6%.

After the financial report was released, Walmart (WMT.N) fell before the market opened and is now down 1.27%.

Walmart (WMT.N) Q4 revenue for fiscal year 2024 was US$173.39 billion, market expectations were US$170.35 billion, and US$164.05 billion in the same period last year.

Breimann, First Deputy Governor of the Riksbank: Inflation in January was in line with expectations, but I hope to see more positive conditions in terms of core inflation.

Breimann, First Deputy Governor of the Riksbank: I do not rule out the possibility of pausing interest rate cuts when they begin, nor do I rule out the possibility that we will take a bigger step if we have the momentum.

Breimann, First Deputy Governor of the Riksbank: The main expected scenario is to gradually adjust interest rates at the appropriate time.

The Institute of Conflict Studies (ISW), an American think tank: After capturing Avdeyevka, Russia slowed down the pace of offensive operations near the area.

Czech car production increased by 17.3% year-on-year in January to 132,289 units.

Ukraine’s Economy Minister: Kyiv has informed the European Commission of the actions of Polish protesters at the border and looks forward to a strong response.

[Commerzbank: Brent oil prices will be around US$80-85 per barrel by mid-year] According to Commerzbank research, crude oil prices are likely to remain near current levels until the middle of this year, and then rise in the second half of the year. "Ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, the threat of supply disruptions and the resulting rise in risk premiums are strongly supporting prices currently above $80 a barrel," analyst Carsten Fritsch said in a note. levels. There is currently no sign that risk premiums will be priced out in the short term." Commerzbank estimates that Brent crude oil prices will rise to 80 to 80 per barrel by the middle of this year, driven by a modest economic recovery and limited supply. It will be around $85 and will then rise to $90.

Indonesia has extended the value-added tax exemption policy for electric vehicles until the end of 2024.