Core Viewpoint - Goldman Sachs has increased its end-2026 gold price forecast to $5,400 per ounce from a previous estimate of $4,900 per ounce, highlighting a trend of diversification into gold by private-sector and emerging market central banks [1] Group 1 - The revised gold price forecast reflects a significant increase of $500 per ounce [1] - The shift in central banks' strategy indicates a growing interest in gold as a diversification asset [1] - Emerging market central banks are playing a crucial role in this trend towards gold investment [1]

Group 1 - BitGo, a crypto custody firm, priced its U.S. initial public offering (IPO) above its indicated range [1] - The IPO raised a total of $212.8 million [1] - This event marks the first stock market debut by a digital asset company anticipated in 2026 [1]

Core Viewpoint - Oil prices increased on Thursday following the U.S. president's decision to retract threats of tariffs related to the acquisition of Greenland, which mitigated the risk of a U.S.–Europe trade war and provided support for the oil market [1] Group 1 - The U.S. president's actions have reduced tensions that could have escalated into a trade conflict with Europe, positively impacting oil prices [1] - The easing of trade war threats is seen as a stabilizing factor for the oil market, contributing to the upward movement in prices [1]

Core Viewpoint - The Finance Sector Union of Australia criticized ANZ Group for its decision to lay off employees in various divisions of Suncorp Bank, arguing that these layoffs go against the commitments made to workers [1] Group 1: Job Cuts - ANZ Group announced job cuts across multiple divisions of Suncorp Bank [1] - The Finance Sector Union stated that these layoffs contradict previous commitments made to employees [1]

Group 1 - BitGo Holdings has priced its initial public offering at $18 per share, which is above the marketed range [1]

Core Viewpoint - Apple is offering discounts of up to 1,000 yuan ($143.60) on selected products in China from January 24 to January 27 [1] Group 1: Discounts and Promotions - The discount applies to designated iPhone, Mac, iPad, and Apple Watch models [1]

Core Insights - Valero has made a significant move by purchasing a cargo of Venezuelan crude oil, marking the first deal by a U.S. Gulf Coast refiner under the recent agreement between Washington and Caracas to buy up to 50 million barrels of oil [1] Company Actions - The acquisition of Venezuelan crude oil by Valero indicates a strategic shift in sourcing, potentially influenced by geopolitical factors and U.S. policy changes regarding oil imports from Venezuela [1] Industry Implications - This transaction could signal a broader trend in the refining industry, where U.S. refiners may increasingly engage with Venezuelan oil supplies, reflecting a potential easing of restrictions and a response to global oil market dynamics [1]

Group 1 - Venture Global announced that an arbitration tribunal ruled in its favor in a dispute with Repsol regarding the initial failure to deliver liquefied natural gas [1]

Group 1 - Honeywell has reached an agreement with Flexjet to resolve their litigation [1] - The agreement aims to rebuild their commercial partnership [1]

Core Viewpoint - U.S. President Donald Trump emphasized the need for credit-card companies to provide relief to consumers, reinforcing a proposal aimed at easing financial burdens on individuals [1] Group 1: Credit Card Companies - President Trump mentioned receiving calls from credit-card companies, indicating their willingness to consider consumer relief measures [1] - The proposal aims to encourage credit-card firms to adopt more consumer-friendly practices during challenging economic times [1]