Archive: January 2026
102 articles published this month
Fed independence flagged as US rating risk by Fitch
Fed independence is becoming a market and ratings issue after Fitch warned that a meaningful erosion would be “credit negative” for the U.S., as a DOJ probe of Jerome Powell over Fed HQ renovation overruns turns into a political flashpoint.
The 2026 IPO surge: bankers position for a deal rebound
The 2026 IPO surge is back in view as Wall Street bankers cite stronger pipelines after 2025 fees topped $100B. OpenAI, SpaceX and Cerebras are among names floated as markets steady and private equity hunts exits.
Gaza ceasefire phase two: diplomacy starts, strikes continue
Gaza ceasefire phase two was announced by the U.S., but Israeli strikes continued and Netanyahu called the start “declarative.” With disarmament, crossings, and reconstruction unresolved, the truce looks fragile and regional risk premia may persist.
US sanctions Iran officials and ‘shadow banking’ networks
US sanctions Iran security leaders and ‘shadow banking’ networks, Treasury says, targeting the protest crackdown and laundering tied to oil proceeds. Reuters reports five senior officials and Fardis Prison were sanctioned, alongside 18 people and entities linked to illicit finance.
Bangladesh election set for Feb 12 as Jamaat signals unity
Bangladesh election authorities set Feb 12, 2026 for the national vote alongside a referendum, with voting 7:30am–4:30pm and near-term deadlines. Reuters reports Jamaat-e-Islami is open to a post-vote unity government as coalition math takes shape.
Section 232 AI chip tariff hits Nvidia, AMD chips
The Section 232 AI chip tariff is now in force: the White House imposed a 25% duty on select advanced AI chips, citing national security. The measure names Nvidia’s H200 and AMD’s MI325X and includes carve-outs tied to U.S. supply-chain buildout.
China Economy Fractures: CPI Surges, Deflation Persists
December data reveals a widening split in China's economy: consumer prices hit a three-year high while producer prices remain in deflation, signaling severe industrial overcapacity.
Iran Cyber Siege Banking and Fuel Systems Freeze
A massive cyberattack has paralyzed Iran’s banking and fuel infrastructure, coinciding with IAEA warnings that nuclear breakout time has shrunk to theoretical days.
Uganda 2026 Election: Voting Proceeds Under Digital Blackout
Polling opens for Uganda’s general election amidst a nationwide internet shutdown and heavy military deployment, threatening the East African trade corridor.
Greenland US tension spikes as PM says ‘we choose Denmark’
Greenland US tension rose after PM Jens-Frederik Nielsen said “we choose Denmark” ahead of Washington talks with VP JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The dispute tests NATO cohesion as Arctic security and minerals competition intensify.
Iran sanctions: EU/UK push, Trump floats 25% tariff
Iran sanctions are set to expand as the EU and UK cite Iran’s protest crackdown, while Trump warned a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran. The move could widen trade friction with Iran-linked partners and reprice sanctions and commodities risk.
CPC terminal drone strikes hit tankers, raising export risk
CPC terminal drone strikes hit two tankers waiting to load Kazakhstan crude on January 13, raising operational and insurance risk for a route that carries most Kazakh exports. Traders are watching for schedule slippage, higher war-risk premia, and wider crude differentials.
UNICEF Gaza ceasefire: 100+ children killed since Oct
UNICEF Gaza ceasefire concerns are rising after UNICEF said 100+ children have been killed in Gaza since the early-October 2025 ceasefire. Winter storms, shelter collapses, and hypothermia are worsening displacement pressures as violence persists at lower intensity.
TSMC Q4 profit seen at record as AI demand surges
TSMC Q4 profit is expected to hit a record as AI demand keeps leading-edge lines full. Analysts see net profit up about 27% YoY, after Q4 revenue rose 20.45%. Guidance on Jan. 15 will shape views on 2026 growth, capex, and margins.
Citigroup job cuts: Citi to trim ~1,000 roles this week
Citigroup job cuts are set to hit about 1,000 roles this week, sources say, extending CEO Jane Fraser’s restructuring. The reductions sit inside a plan to cut 20,000 jobs by end-2026, with investors watching cost progress ahead of earnings.
Bank earnings: Big U.S. banks eye stronger Q4
Bank earnings are in focus as JPMorgan kicks off results on Jan. 13, with peers through Jan. 15. Analysts expect stronger Q4 profits on rebounding deal fees, while credit-card APR cap headlines add policy risk.
Iran unrest fuels Hormuz tail risk as deaths pass 500
Iran unrest deaths topped 500, according to HRANA, as Tehran tightens its crackdown and strike calls lift oil tail-risk fears. With Hormuz vital to global flows, markets are watching for any tangible supply disruption.
Oil prices steady as Iran risk meets Venezuela return
Oil prices edged up on Jan 12 as Iran unrest and strike calls lifted supply fears, while Venezuela’s export restart capped gains. Brent near $63, WTI near $59 as traders awaited tangible disruption.
Powell DOJ probe sends gold past $4,600
Powell DOJ probe headlines jolted markets after reports of a criminal investigation tied to Fed renovations. Gold hit about $4,600/oz, the dollar slipped, and stock futures fell as investors priced fresh risks to Fed independence.
UN Iran protests: Guterres urges restraint, restore net
UN Iran protests drew fresh scrutiny on Jan. 12, 2026 as Guterres urged “maximum restraint” and restored communications, while Europe condemned killings and Iran widened its diplomatic counter-offensive amid a blackout.