Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong stock market experienced a decline on the first trading day of the Year of the Horse, with major indices falling, while domestic AI models and robotics stocks surged significantly [1][2]. Market Performance - As of February 20, the Hang Seng Index closed at 26,413.35 points, down 1.1%; the Hang Seng Tech Index closed at 5,211.5 points, down 2.91%; and the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index closed at 8,959.56 points, down 1.22% [2][3]. - The AI model sector saw strong performance, with Zhizhu and MiniMax both surpassing a market capitalization of 300 billion HKD. Zhizhu surged by 42.72% to 725 HKD per share, marking a cumulative increase of 206% in February [3][5]. Robotics Sector - The robotics sector also experienced a collective rise, with companies like Yujian up 21.4% to 48.44 HKD per share, and Suton Ju Chuang rising 9.24% to 37.58 HKD per share [5]. Oil Sector - Oil-related stocks also saw gains, with Yanchang Petroleum International up 3.75%, China Petroleum International up 3.70%, and CNOOC Services up 3.20% [6]. Sector Outlook - Huatai Securities suggests focusing on three key areas in the Hong Kong market: semiconductor hardware represented by storage, improving specialty consumption, and electrical equipment [6]. - Galaxy Securities recommends attention to precious metals and energy sectors due to geopolitical uncertainties, as well as the technology sector as a long-term investment focus, particularly in the context of accelerating AI applications [6].

Core Insights - The article highlights that Trump's military action threat against Iran has caused a significant spike in oil prices this week [1] Oil Industry Impact - The threat of military action has led to increased volatility in oil prices, reflecting market sensitivity to geopolitical tensions [1]

Core Viewpoint - A potential full-scale war between the United States and Iran could lead to soaring oil prices and an economic downturn, with a significant military buildup in the Middle East and a decision on military action expected within 10 days [1] Oil Market Impact - Oil prices have increased nearly 6% this week as traders react to the heightened risk of military action, with fears centered on the disruption of oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade [3] - More than 14 million barrels per day of oil and condensates passed through the Strait of Hormuz in 2025, accounting for one-third of total worldwide seaborne oil exports [3] Regional Oil Flow - Approximately 75% of the oil that transits through the Strait of Hormuz is destined for China, India, Japan, and South Korea [4] Military Preparedness - Iran's Revolutionary Guard has conducted military exercises that temporarily closed the strait, indicating readiness to shut it down if ordered by Iranian leadership [4] - Experts suggest that Iran could disrupt oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz for a longer duration than many market participants anticipate [5] Worst-Case Scenario - A potential conflict could resemble the 52-day air campaign against Houthi militants in Yemen, but with greater implications due to Iran's superior weaponry and coastline advantages [6] - Iran possesses significant stockpiles of mines and short-range missiles that could threaten commercial traffic in the strait [6] Insurance and Shipping Concerns - Insurers, such as Lloyd's, may refuse to cover tankers operating in the Strait of Hormuz under conditions of heightened military tension [7]

>> GOOD MORNING, THIS IS "HORIZONS MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA." TOP STORY, ASIA EQUITIES FALL AND OIL PRICES ARE HIGH AS IRAN WEIGHS ON SENTIMENT. PRESIDENT TRUMP WARNS IRAN THEY HAVE AT MOST 15 DAYS TO REACH A DEAL. THIS AS THE U.S. ASSEMBLES A VAST ARRAY IN THE MIDDLE EAST.PRESIDENT TRUMP SAYS HIS BOARD OF PEACE HAS PLEDGED BILLIONS TOWARD PEACE IN GAZA. $10 BILLION FROM THE U.S. TODAY THE FOCUS IS ON GEOPOLITICS, IT’S RARE YOU SEE AN IMPACT OF REGIONAL GEOPOLITICS ON THE LOCAL MARKET. BUT THAT’S WHAT WIE SEE ...

Core Insights - Sudan's mineral sector, particularly gold, has seen significant growth, with record gold production of 70 tonnes in 2023 generating approximately $1.8 billion, contributing nearly 4% to GDP [1][5] - The country is actively seeking foreign investment to develop its mineral resources, emphasizing its untapped geological potential and strategic partnerships [2][4] Industry Overview - Sudan is Africa's third-largest and the world's thirteenth-largest nation in terms of mineral diversity, with substantial deposits of gold, copper, iron ore, and rare earth elements, yet approximately 75% of its resources remain unexplored [5] - The gold sector has become a crucial source of foreign exchange following the loss of 75% of oil revenue after South Sudan's secession in 2011 [5] Investment Climate - The Sudanese government is simplifying licensing procedures and offering various investment incentives, including tax holidays and duty exemptions, to attract foreign investments [3][7] - The National Investment Encouragement Act protects foreign investors from nationalization and provides mechanisms for international dispute resolution [7] Infrastructure Development - A strategic plan approved by the Ministry of Minerals aims to enhance infrastructure, including road and rail networks, to facilitate mineral exports and increase production rates [9] - The government is prioritizing the modernization of its geological database to provide accurate information critical for investor confidence [8] Energy Integration - Sudan is focusing on integrating renewable energy, particularly solar power, to supply electricity to remote mining sites, aligning with national efforts to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels [10] - The World Bank is supporting this energy transition with a $76.3 million project aimed at boosting electricity access [11]

The S&P/TSX composite index was up 205.25 points at 33,594.98.The April crude oil contract was up US$1.35 at US$66.40 per barrel.“Energy is the big sector today, that’s why the Canadian market is doing as well as it is,” said Pierre-Benoît Gauthier, vice-president of investment strategy at IG Wealth Management.U.S. President Donald Trump has been ratcheting up pressure on Iran, which is home to some of the world’s largest oil reserves, because of its disputed nuclear program. If a conflict were to break out ...

Company Updates - Rio Tinto (ASX: RIO) has committed to a "stronger, sharper, simpler" strategy focusing on iron ore, copper, and industrial metals after abandoning talks with Glencore [5] - Telstra (ASX: TLS) reported a 9.4% increase in net profits to $1.1 billion but cautioned that overinvestment in AI could be "risky" [5] - APA Group (ASX: APA) CEO Adam Watson defended the company's $480 million East Coast pipeline commitments, stating that government actions are crucial for the project's success [5] - QBE (ASX: QBE) has reported a 20% increase in profits [6] Market Trends - The ASX is experiencing a decline of -0.33% as global equities soften, influenced by rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran [1] - ASX futures are closely following Wall Street trends, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq both down -0.3% [2] - Iron ore prices have decreased by -0.4%, now selling at $95.35 per tonne [7] - Brent Crude has increased by +1.5%, priced at $71.29 per barrel, while gold is up to $5,011 per ounce [7]

This is something that we want to explore before we hand things over to Bloomberg Businessweek daily. Kaylee, Where are we at. $66.West Texas Intermediate 66 and a half. Now, there's a 2% move today. And of course, you know, we were talking about plumbing, the depths of prices with oil just weeks ago this march to a potential strike once again against Iran has changed the game.And we wanted to ask Mike McGlone about the latest here. Bloomberg Intelligence, senior commodity strategist, has been a bear on oil ...

Core Viewpoint - The oil market is experiencing fluctuations due to potential geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iran, which could lead to supply disruptions and affect prices significantly. Group 1: Current Oil Prices and Market Trends - West Texas Intermediate crude oil is currently priced at $66.50, reflecting a 2% increase today, following a period of low prices earlier this year [1] - The lowest price for oil this year was $55, and the market is now approaching last year's average price, which was around $80 [3] - Historical trends indicate that supply disruptions in the Middle East often lead to price peaks, after which Western producers typically sell forward, causing prices to decline [3] Group 2: Geopolitical Factors and Supply Concerns - Traders are focused on how high oil prices can rise and when they can adjust their hedges to manage supply surpluses in the Western hemisphere [4] - There are concerns about whether Gulf states can maintain excess capacity if the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, which could impact global oil supply [4][5] - The U.S. administration's relationships with Middle Eastern producers, particularly Saudi Arabia, may influence supply levels and pricing strategies [6] Group 3: Impact of Venezuelan Oil and Western Hemisphere Supply - The shift in oil supply dynamics is evident, with net liquid fuel exports from the U.S. and Canada reaching 8 million barrels per day, compared to 11 million barrels per day during the peak prices of $145 [11] - Venezuela's oil production is contributing to the trend of increased supply from the Western Hemisphere, which includes countries like Canada, Brazil, and Guyana [12] - The geopolitical landscape is changing, with Venezuela's oil previously going to Cuba, now facing restrictions, which may further isolate Iran, China, and Russia [12]

Core Insights - Hedge funds have revealed their Q4 portfolios, indicating a shift in investment strategies among the world's largest investors [1] - The Federal Reserve's recent meeting minutes show a divided stance on potential rate hikes, with a hawkish tone suggesting inflation concerns [2] Investment Trends - The 13F filings indicate that major investors are moving away from trades that were successful last year, particularly in mega-cap tech stocks [3] - Significant capital is being directed towards hard assets, with Bridgewater increasing investments in gold miners as gold prices surpass $5,000 and oil prices rise above $65 [3] - The discussion of rate hikes by the Fed is reinforcing the trend towards inflation hedges, attracting renewed investment in these areas [3] Portfolio Strategy - The diversification away from mega-cap tech concentration is a notable trend among the largest funds, suggesting a reevaluation of portfolio strategies [4] - Investors are encouraged to reconsider their portfolio allocations if they remain heavily weighted towards previous years' successful trades [4]