Category: Flash News

On February 1st, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) reported that as of the week ending January 28th, speculators’ net long positions in COMEX gold decreased by 3766 contracts to 230592 contracts; The absolute value of long positions increased to 242828 contracts, setting a new three-month high. On January 30-31, gold prices continued to hit historic highs, reaching as high as $2817.18 per ounce at one point. The net long position in COMEX silver has decreased to 26318 contracts, hitting a three week low; The net long position in COMEX copper has decreased to 15523 contracts. The net long position in NYMEX platinum increased to 2395 contracts, while the net short position in NYMEX palladium decreased to 8513 contracts, hitting a seven week low.

On February 1st, data from the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) showed that as of the week ending January 28th, speculators’ net long position in NYMEX WTI crude oil decreased by 59095 contracts to 191792 contracts, hitting a five week low. The net long position in Brent and WTI crude oil has decreased to 477122 contracts. The net long position in NYMEX gasoline increased to 40400 contracts, setting a new 16 week high. Instead, hold a net short position of 252 contracts in NYMEX heating oil. The net long position in NYMEX natural gas held has increased to 325349 contracts, setting a new three-year high. In addition, data from the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) shows that ICE’s net long position in Brent crude oil has increased to 307704 contracts, reaching a new high in approximately nine months.

On February 1st, data released by Statistics Canada on January 31st local time showed that Canada’s gross domestic product shrank by 0.2% in November 2024. On a monthly basis, it is the largest contraction since December 2023. Out of 20 categories, 13 categories experienced a decline in output value. Most industries have shrunk due to inland transportation and port shutdowns.

On January 31st, European Central Bank Managing Director Villeroy stated that inflation levels should be sustainably maintained around the 2% target by this summer. The European Central Bank is currently confident in the decline of core inflation, and the risk of economic growth is clearly inclined towards a downward trend. The European Central Bank should be flexible and pragmatic in the pace of future interest rate cuts.

On January 31st, the Federal Reserve’s Gulsby stated that inflation data was better than expected. As interest rates move towards neutrality, uncertainty should decrease. Seeing that inflation continues to remain at around 2%, the performance over several months has been quite stable. It is expected that the base effect will further reduce inflation, and there is a possibility of further decline in 2025. In theory, a one-time tariff increase is temporary and may not require policy response.

On January 31st, the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States announced on January 30th that all flights operated by Frontier Airlines will be suspended due to ongoing information technology issues until further notice. At present, the company’s flights have been suspended from 17:30 Eastern Time on the 30th to 19:30.

On January 31st, a US appeals court ruled on January 30th local time that the US government’s long-standing ban on gun dealers holding federal licenses from selling handguns to individuals under the age of 21, i.e. between the ages of 18 and 20, is unconstitutional. Media analysis suggests that this marks the first time that a US appellate court has determined that the ban violates the right to possess and carry weapons under the Second Amendment of the US Constitution.

① 15:00 UK January Nationwide House Price Index Monthly Rate; ② 15: Actual retail sales annual rate in Switzerland for December 30; ③ 15: 45. Initial monthly CPI rate for January in France; ④ 16: 55 Germany’s January seasonally adjusted unemployment figures and January seasonally adjusted unemployment rate; ⑤ 21:00 Initial value of January CPI rate in Germany; ⑥ 21:30 Canadian November GDP monthly rate; ⑦ 21:30 US December Core PCE Price Index Annual Rate, December Personal Expenditure Monthly Rate, Fourth Quarter Labor Cost Index Quarterly Rate, December Core PCE Price Index Monthly Rate; ⑧ At 21:30, Federal Reserve Governor Bauman delivered a speech 22:45 Chicago PMI for January in the United States; ⑩ The total number of oil wells drilled in the United States for the week ending January 31st at 02:00 the next day.

On January 31st, local time, it was learned from the Chinese Embassy in the United States that, after preliminary investigation, two Chinese citizens were among the victims of the Washington plane crash. The embassy expresses deep condolences to all the victims and offers heartfelt condolences to their families. The embassy has requested the US to verify the relevant situation and officially report it to the Chinese side, providing assistance to the families of the victims in the aftermath. The embassy will also provide relevant consular protection and assistance within its scope of responsibilities. (CCTV News)

On January 31st, the CEO of Apple stated that the launch date of Apple Intelligence in China has not yet been determined. In markets where Apple Intelligence is available, the sales performance of the iPhone 16 model is better.