Former US President Donald Trump stated on February 10 that he is considering deploying an additional aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East if negotiations with Iran fail to yield results. Trump emphasized that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons or missiles and indicated that a second round of US-Iran talks is expected next week. He stressed that any agreement must address both nuclear and ballistic missile issues.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for the United States on February 10 for a meeting with Trump. Before his departure, Netanyahu stated he would present Israel's "principled stance" on Iran, asserting that these principles concern all nations seeking peace and security. Sources indicated Netanyahu would provide new intelligence on Iran's military capabilities, particularly regarding its ballistic missile program.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian criticized Netanyahu, accusing him of attempting to drag the US into a war with Iran. He stated that Netanyahu rejects peace and supports war, citing Israeli attacks on seven countries in the past two years. Amirabdollahian claimed such efforts have failed and will not succeed if repeated.
Veteran investor Jim Rogers, 84, revealed he has liquidated all US stock holdings but refuses to sell his positions in gold, silver, and copper. Rogers described these commodities as "perfect insurance" and plans to leave them as inheritances. He advised investors to hold physical gold and silver, highlighting their role as safe havens during crises and potential profit sources in stable times. Rogers emphasized copper's growing demand from electric vehicles and electronics, coupled with limited new mining supply, as reasons to maintain exposure.
With the Chinese New Year holiday approaching, domestic futures markets will close while overseas markets continue trading. Analysts caution that geopolitical developments and policy expectations during the holiday could impact markets upon reopening. Key data releases include US retail sales, PMI figures, and GDP data, alongside Fed meeting minutes and central bank speeches.
Base metals face short-term volatility due to recent corrections, though medium-term prospects remain positive supported by Fed rate cuts and global manufacturing demand. Aluminum supply risks exist if Middle East tensions escalate and disrupt shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest using options strategies to manage holiday volatility.
Precious metals show stabilized volatility after recent declines, with gold viewed favorably for long-term allocation. Silver, platinum, and palladium exhibit higher volatility due to industrial attributes.
Crude oil markets remain driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly US-Iran and Russia-Ukraine negotiations. Price adjustments may occur if risks ease, but supply disruptions could push prices higher. Traders are advised to reduce positions and use hedging strategies.