I cover energy here at CNBC and here's what you need to know about Iran's role in the global oil markets. Iran pumps around 3.4% million barrels per day. By comparison, Saudi Arabia almost triples that at 9.5% million barrels and the U.S. pumps even more, about 13.5% million barrels per day.On top of that, existing sanctions due to disputes around Iran's nuclear program means that Iran's exports can't be sold on the open market. China has essentially become the lone buyer of Iranian barrels. What the sancti ...

They have an environment where they think they really can make progress growing their businesses. You got technology innovation that's helping people in their businesses and CEOs are very focused in that. >> Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.A conversation spanning business sentiment, consumer credit, and of course the markets. I think we're set up where we have the possibility for a stronger growth trajectory for the next few years. >> Business people around ...

♪ FRANCINE: GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE, AND WELCOME TO "THE PULSE," LIVE FROM THE WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM IN DAVOS. THE DUST IS SETTLING ON THE FINAL DAY OF THE MEETING. THE THEME HAD BEEN A SPIRIT OF DIALOGUE BUT WORLD LEADERS FIND THEMSELVES REASSESSING THEIR GLOBAL RELATIONSHIPS HAVING BEEN SHELL-SHOCKED BY THE U.S. PRESIDENT’S FOREIGN POLICY.THEY TURN THEIR ATTENTION TO UKRAINE AFTER BEING SHELL-SHOCKED FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP’S GREENLAND’S INTEREST. WE’LL HAVE SEVERAL GUESTS. LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FUTURES, BACK-T ...

We've been here as you know all week the World Economic Forum gathering here in Davos now officially complete literally uh as of just about an hour ago now. Uh I moderated what was the closing panel. It was focused on the global economic outlook.And as you'd expect, we talked about global trade, the impact of AI. And one particular moment though I want to show you stood out from ECB President Christine Lagarde at the very end of the session when we got into a philosophical conversation about trust and about ...

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of geopolitics and macroeconomics in investment decisions, highlighting the author's engagement with these topics to enhance investment knowledge [1]. Group 1 - The author expresses a passion for analyzing companies and industries, particularly those within their investment portfolio [1]. - Seeking Alpha serves as a platform for the author to share insights and opinions, aiming to foster a better understanding of investment opportunities [1].

Core Viewpoint - Geopolitical factors are hindering the S&P 500's performance, while the Russell 2000 index of smaller-cap companies is experiencing significant gains [1] Group 1: Russell 2000 Performance - The Russell 2000 marked its 7th record close of the new year on Wednesday [1] - The index achieved its best one-day gain on both a point and percentage basis since late November [1] - Since the beginning of the year, the Russell 2000 has outperformed the Nasdaq Composite by nearly 3% [1]

Market Overview - Futures have reversed modest overnight gains, with S&P futures down 0.1% and Nasdaq futures down 0.3% as small caps outperform for a record 12th day in a row [1] - The market mood remains shaky, with a significant drop in liquidity as top of book collapsed 60% overnight [4] - Gold continues to hit new highs, approaching $4,900 per ounce, while bond yields are 1-2 basis points lower [1][8] Corporate News - Biohaven (BHVN) rises 3% after an upgrade to outperform by RBC due to supportive data [5] - Halliburton (HAL) climbs 2% after reporting fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share that beat analyst estimates [5] - Kraft Heinz (KHC) declines 5% as Berkshire Hathaway may sell some or all of its stake in the company [5] - Nathan's Famous (NATH) rises 8% after Smithfield Foods agreed to buy the company for $102 per share [5] - Netflix (NFLX) falls 7% after forecasting first-quarter earnings below analyst estimates and pausing share buybacks [5] Economic Indicators - The US economic calendar includes October construction spending and December pending home sales, with expectations of a 0.1% increase and a 0.25% decrease respectively [18][38] - Inflation in the UK rose to 3.4% in December, slightly above expectations, driven by higher tobacco prices and airfares [27] Geopolitical Developments - President Trump's speech at the World Economic Forum is anticipated to address various topics, including trade and tariffs, amid ongoing tensions regarding Greenland [6][30] - The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments regarding Trump's ability to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, coinciding with a criminal investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell [11][25] Sector Performance - European stocks drifted lower, with the Stoxx 600 down 0.6%, weighed down by financials and tech, while materials and luxury names outperformed [13][26] - The Russell 2000 is outperforming the Magnificent Seven by more than 10% year-to-date, indicating a rotation in market leadership [9]

Group 1 - Gold prices consolidated in early morning Asia trade [1] - The broader geopolitical backdrop remains supportive for gold [1]

Group 1 - European bank CEOs are urging calm amid fears of renewed trade tensions, emphasizing the importance of assessing the situation carefully [1][3] - The Stoxx 600 Banks Index fell by 1.4% and financial services dropped by 1.3% following the announcement of potential tariffs on European countries [3] - The current geopolitical climate is creating volatility for investors, with Goldman Sachs International's co-CEO noting that this is becoming the "new normal" [4] Group 2 - ING Group's CEO highlighted that while European markets managed to cope with last year's tariff turmoil, the use of trade policies as geopolitical tools poses a significant risk [6] - Concerns are raised about the indirect impacts of trade disputes, such as changes in trade patterns and potential investment slowdowns, rather than just the direct effects of tariffs [7]

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were under pressure in early trading Tuesday, extending a geopolitical-led pullback that began a day earlier as the threat of U.S. tariffs on European countries over Greenland triggered a risk-off move in digital assets. ...