Financial Summary: Monday, February 2, 2026

Oil prices fell over 5% as U.S.-Iran negotiations eased supply disruption fears.

The Indian stock market dropped 2% following a significant increase in the Securities Transaction Tax on futures and options.

Asian markets declined as investors prepare for key central bank decisions amid falling gold prices.

The BSE Sensex rebounded sharply, gaining 943 points, led by strong performances in autos, metals, and energy sectors.

GIFT Nifty surged nearly 600 points after India and the US announced a trade deal reducing tariffs.

European stocks opened lower due to concerns over AI and a sell-off in precious metals.

The Dow Jones gained as mixed performances from Disney and Oracle stocks reflected volatility in the US market.

Kontigo raises $20 million to offer cryptocurrency solutions to Venezuelans amid ongoing sanctions.

Nvidia's $100 billion investment proposal for OpenAI faces delays due to regulatory and financial challenges.

Google enhances Chrome with new features powered by its Gemini AI to improve user experience.

Oracle's stock rises 5% after announcing a $50 billion fundraising plan to enhance its AI infrastructure.

Waymo's increasing valuation strengthens Alphabet's position in the tech market, boosting stock outlook.

OpenAI launches a standalone Codex app for Apple computers, targeting the competitive AI coding tools market.

Chinese short-video streaming apps are transforming the media landscape in Latin America as regional wealth increases.

The UK is reassessing its involvement in the EU defense fund while redefining its relationship with the European Union.

China's factory activity shows robust growth with the PMI rising to 50.3, marking the fastest expansion since October.

President Trump has unveiled a new trade deal with India aimed at reducing tariffs and enhancing U.S. exports.

Diplomats are gearing up for expected U.S.-Iran talks to mitigate tensions in the Middle East.

The U.S. government has partially shut down due to Congress's failure to pass funding legislation, complicating crisis resolution.

France's Prime Minister survived a no-confidence vote and utilized special powers to adopt a budget addressing the national deficit.

China's economy faces challenges as the controversial 'Are you dead?' app is shut down, while a 'crying horse' plushie gains popularity.

UK Chancellor Reeves calls for unity between the UK and EU on trade discussions amid ongoing negotiations.

Disney CEO Bob Iger is expected to step down before his contract ends, with a board vote on his successor scheduled for next week.

Palantir's stock is showing concerning trends, raising alarms among investors about its future performance.

SiriusXM has reached a $28 million settlement, leading to inquiries from affected customers regarding eligibility.

Citizens has downgraded SAP SE due to a significant slowdown in growth, marking a nine-quarter low for the company.

BofA remains bearish on C3.ai, citing limited upside potential amid increasing competition in the AI sector.

Tesla is recognized as a leader in 'Physical AI' as Mizuho raises its price target, reflecting confidence in its innovations.

Meta Platforms has had its price target lifted by Evercore, driven by expectations of AI-driven revenue growth.

Tobacco stocks, including ITC and Godfrey Phillips, fell over 5% following a significant excise duty hike that raised cigarette prices.

Hero MotoCorp shares gained attention after reporting a 26% increase in January dispatches, driven by strong demand for scooters and motorcycles.

Tech Mahindra's share price reflects a strong market position, indicating positive investor sentiment and performance.

Latent View Analytics shares surged 8% following a 19% year-on-year profit increase in Q3FY26, driven by strong revenue growth.

Julius Baer reported a significant profit drop for 2025, attributed to credit write-downs and the sale of its Brazilian subsidiary.

Criticism of the Medicare Advantage program grows as it is linked to increasing entitlement costs, sparking a debate on healthcare funding.

A new strategy has been introduced to assist retirees in maximizing their Social Security benefits, potentially leading to higher payouts.

The release of the jobs report is postponed due to the ongoing partial government shutdown, echoing last year's situation.

New York Attorney General Letitia James cautions residents against participating in prediction markets ahead of the Super Bowl, citing potential risks.

India is opening up foreign investment by allowing non-residents to directly purchase listed stocks to attract global capital.

The Indian government has introduced a tax holiday for foreign companies establishing data centers in the 2026 budget to boost economic growth.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's 2026 budget emphasizes fiscal discipline while increasing the securities transaction tax on equity derivatives.

India is attracting global cloud service companies by offering a 20-year tax holiday to enhance its AI ambitions.

The Union Budget 2026 focuses on growth in sunrise sectors, infrastructure, and digital capacity while promoting inclusive development.

The budget aims to empower women entrepreneurs and enhance urban funding, all while ensuring macroeconomic stability.