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Latest Business News

📅February 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Global markets rebound on strong US manufacturing data and AI optimism, as Trump slashes India tariffs, SpaceX merges with xAI at $1.25T, and RBA hikes rates amid trade and nuclear talks.
1

Trump Slashes US Tariffs on India to 18% in Russian Oil Deal

President Trump announced the US will reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18% after Prime Minister Modi agrees to stop buying Russian oil, boosting Indian stocks and the rupee.Source 1Source 3Source 4 This trade deal eases tensions for Indian exporters previously hit by high US tariffs.Source 3 Markets react positively with Asian shares rallying.Source 1

2

Elon Musk's SpaceX Merges with xAI at $1.25 Trillion Valuation

SpaceX has combined with xAI in an all-stock deal ahead of a planned IPO, valuing the new entity at $1.25 trillion and uniting two major private companies.Source 1Source 2Source 3Source 4 Musk stated the merger forms a vertically integrated AI and space powerhouse, with IPO expected later this year.Source 4 The deal fuels AI optimism in markets.Source 3

3

Palantir Stock Rockets Nearly 8% on Strong Earnings

Palantir hailed 'incredible' earnings, calling itself 'an n of 1,' sparking an after-hours surge of nearly 8% in its stock.Source 1Source 2 The results contribute to tech momentum amid rebounding equities.Source 3 Investors focus on its performance post-US manufacturing boost.Source 1

4

US Manufacturing Data Hits Strongest Level Since 2022

US ISM manufacturing data showed expansion at the fastest pace since 2022, lifting S&P 500 futures and equities.Source 1Source 5 This positive data supports market rebound and knocks on yields rising.Source 5 It counters recent volatility in global markets.Source 1

5

Asian Stocks Rebound from Worst Selloff in Two Months

Asian markets, including Indian shares, bounced back led by tech like Samsung, on AI optimism and tariff relief.Source 1Source 3Source 4 Gold and silver also rebounded, calming volatility after Monday's selloff.Source 1Source 4 US handover boosts S&P futures.Source 3

6

RBA Hikes Rates by 25 Basis Points to 3.85%

Australia's Reserve Bank executed a rate hike of 25 bps to 3.85%, breaking from global trends.Source 1Source 4 This U-turn aims to address inflation concerns amid FX volatility.Source 4 Markets watch for impacts on regional growth.Source 1

7

US-Iran Officials Plan Nuclear Deal Talks This Week

US and Iranian officials are set to discuss a new nuclear deal, but Trump warns 'bad things would happen' without agreement.Source 1Source 4 Crude oil prices slide on the news.Source 1 Talks add to geopolitical market tensions.Source 4

8

Oracle Shares Fall After OpenAI Confidence Tweet

Oracle expressed high confidence in OpenAI's fundraising despite a $50B raise plan, triggering a stock selloff.Source 2 The tweet undercut initial share gains from the announcement.Source 2 Investors react to shifting AI commitments.Source 2

9

Nvidia's $100B OpenAI Pledge Was 'Never a Commitment'

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang clarified a $100B investment pledge in OpenAI from a September letter of intent was not binding.Source 2 This follows Oracle's OpenAI comments amid AI sector flux.Source 2 It highlights uncertainties in big tech AI deals.Source 2

10

Trump Misses FY 2027 Budget Deadline, CFRB Warns

President Trump missed the FY 2027 budget deadline, with CFRB stating debt fixes require touching Social Security, Medicare, defense, or revenue.Source 2 Math doesn't work without heroic growth or rate crashes.Source 2 Fiscal concerns weigh on markets.Source 2

11

Gold and Silver Rebound After Rally Unwinding

Precious metals like gold clawed back losses after a dramatic selloff, aiding market calm.Source 1Source 4 Rebound supports broader equity recovery in Asia.Source 3 Investors eye volatility amid trade news.Source 1

12

South Africa Triples Private Investment Plans

South Africa announces plans to triple private investment, boosting economic prospects.Source 1 Saudi Arabia unleashes reforms to attract more FDI.Source 1 These moves signal emerging market optimism.Source 1