Market Update US markets were closed today for the Presidents' Day holiday. International crude oil futures ended higher across the board, supported by escalating Middle East tensions and a weaker US dollar. Spot gold fell nearly 1%, trading at $4,992.08 per ounce. European stock markets were flat, with technology stocks under pressure and Dassault Systèmes' share price declining.

Macro Developments The United States and Iran are set to hold another round of indirect talks today. US banks will face new capital requirements for mortgages under the Basel plan. The US Air Force has deployed an additional 18 F-35 fighter jets to the Middle East. A Russian delegation has departed for Geneva, where bilateral contact with Ukraine is possible. The British Prime Minister and Canadian Prime Minister stated that NATO should become more European-focused. The Swiss Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Russia-US-Ukraine talks in Geneva will be held behind closed doors. A spokesperson for the Russian President noted that territorial issues will be discussed during the Geneva talks. The UK will implement strict new cybersecurity regulations for AI chatbots. India's AI summit opened in New Delhi amid long queues and chaotic scenes. Canadian Prime Minister Carney appointed veteran official Charette as the chief US trade negotiator.

Corporate News SpaceX will participate in the Pentagon's autonomous drone technology competition. Apple Podcasts introduced new video features in an effort to catch up with YouTube and Spotify. Apple has scheduled a product launch event for March 4, where updates to the Mac series are expected. The US Department of Defense is nearing a break with Anthropic due to disagreements over the military use of AI. BHP Group reported first-half underlying profit in line with estimates. Goldman Sachs noted that hedge fund buying of Asian stocks reached its highest level in a decade. Alibaba's Qianwen App revealed that users have said "Qianwen, help me" five billion times over the past 11 days. Crypto firm Nexo is re-entering the US market after a three-year conflict with regulators. Behind the scenes of Unitree's Spring Festival Gala performance "Wǔ BOT," which set multiple global records and began preparations last November.

Commentary Oil prices rose as Iran conducted naval exercises ahead of the new round of US-Iran talks. Eurozone finance ministers are pushing for the euro to play a larger role and expand its global influence. Austria and Germany advocate for following the ECB's customary process in selecting a new president, opposing acceleration due to the French elections. With Chinese and US markets closed, gold prices hovered near $5,000 per ounce. The dark side of AI: Wall Street interprets recent stock sell-offs driven by disruption concerns. European bond markets saw UK government bonds rise as bets on a Bank of England rate cut increased. This week's outlook includes Walmart's earnings, consumer spending data, and further AI impacts. Three conclusions from last week's AI-driven market movements. What CEOs are worried about. Will 2026 be the year of "quasi-unicorns"? How the wealthy pass on their fortunes—strategies accessible to ordinary people.