Geopolitical Tensions Escalate in Iran Amidst Unrest; China Probes Online Delivery Sector; Global Food Prices Dip
Stock Market News·2026-01-09 09:38

Geopolitical Tensions - Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has intensified rhetoric against former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to focus on domestic issues while accusing "rioters" of damaging public property to appease foreign powers amidst ongoing internal unrest [2][3][8] - Khamenei emphasized the need for Iranians to "preserve unity" in the face of challenges, as protests continue due to economic hardships [3] Online Delivery Market in China - China's regulatory bodies, led by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), are scrutinizing the online delivery sector, particularly food delivery platforms, to evaluate competition and ensure fair practices [4][5] - Major players in the sector, including Meituan, Ele.me, and JD.com, are facing investigations regarding their competitive practices and adherence to food safety standards [5] Global Food Prices - The World FAO Food Price Index recorded a decline for the fourth consecutive month in December, reaching an average of 124.3 points, down from 125.1 points in November, indicating a slight easing in global food commodity prices [6][8] Retail Sales in Italy - Italy's retail sales showed stable growth in November, with a year-on-year increase of 1.3%, matching the previous month's growth rate, and a month-over-month rise of 0.5%, indicating consistent consumer spending [7][8]