The USA and Colombia have reached an agreement on deportation flights with US military aircraft, averting possible punitive measures and tariffs. President Trump had previously threatened to impose tariffs of up to 50% on Colombian goods and other sanctions if Colombia refused to take back migrants. Colombia agreed to accept the deportation flights. The measures against Colombia have been suspended for the time being, but remain in place as a means of exerting pressure. Colombia is heavily dependent on the US market, with around a third of its exports going there. The agreement ends the diplomatic crisis triggered by Trump's tough immigration policy.
Gunfire erupted in the eastern Congolese city of Goma on Monday morning after the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels claimed control of the city. Thousands of people are on the run and the situation risks escalating the long-running conflict. The rebels called on the government troops to surrender; according to reports from the UN peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO), 100 soldiers surrendered. UN personnel evacuated across the border to Rwanda. The security situation remains tense, while international criticism of Rwanda's support for the rebels is being voiced. Rwanda rejects these accusations and holds the DR Congo government responsible for the escalation.
After a clear interest rate hike to 0.5%, the BOJ is planning vague communication in order to remain more flexible. Uncertainties about the neutral interest rate and risks such as the cost of living and US trade policy are making further steps difficult.
US President Donald Trump has proposed that Jordan and Egypt take in Palestinians from Gaza. Both Hamas and the Jordanian and Egyptian governments firmly rejected this, as did Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. While Israel's Finance Minister Smotrich welcomed the proposal, UN representatives condemned it as illegal and immoral. The situation in Gaza remains catastrophic: over 47,000 people have died since October 2023 and millions have been displaced.
According to official figures, Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko was re-elected with 86.8% of the vote, continuing his 31-year rule. Western governments condemned the election as undemocratic, as independent media are banned and leading opposition figures were imprisoned or forced into exile. Lukashenko, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, declared himself unimpressed by the criticism from the West. Exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya described the election as a “ritual for dictators”. Demonstrations took place in Warsaw and other Eastern European cities. The EU and the USA have not recognized Lukashenko as a legitimate leader since the controversial 2020 elections. There are currently around 1,250 political prisoners in Belarusian prisons.
After devastating forest fires in Los Angeles that claimed 28 lives and destroyed 16,000 buildings, there is now a threat of toxic rain. Experts warn that pollutants from burnt houses and cars could be released into the environment. While the rain improves air quality, there is a risk of mudslides and pollutants entering the soil and water. Authorities are installing barriers and filters, but many residents are avoiding their homes for fear of long-term risks. The region faces years of difficult reconstruction.
An undersea cable between Sweden and Latvia was damaged on Sunday, presumably by external influences, prompting Sweden to launch a sabotage investigation. NATO deployed ships and aircraft to investigate the incident. The Latvian government said it was likely that the damage was intentional. Sweden and Latvia are working with NATO to clarify the circumstances. The damaged section of cable connects Latvia to the Swedish island of Gotland. Repairs are planned, but the exact cause of the damage will not be known until the work begins.
The US State Department has announced the almost complete suspension of development aid. Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered a review of all aid programs to ensure their efficiency and consistency with President Trump's “America First” agenda. Only emergency food aid and military funding for Israel and Egypt remain exempt. The measure is intended to ensure that foreign aid is in line with Trump's policy. This decision has caused concern, particularly regarding the impact on life-saving programs such as the Pepfar HIV initiative and aid to Ukraine. Aid organizations and Democrats have criticized the suspension and warned of serious consequences for those in need worldwide.
The SPD sharply criticizes CDU chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz for his proposals to tighten migration policy. SPD General Secretary Matthias Miersch accuses Merz of seeking AfD votes and dividing the democratic center. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz also expressed his disapproval, as some of Merz's proposals would violate the German constitution and European treaties. Merz himself announced that he would introduce motions to tighten migration policy in the Bundestag, which led to further tensions. The Greens and FDP are also expressing concerns, while CDU/CSU representatives such as Carsten Linnemann are calling for tougher action to be taken against migration. Meanwhile, interior ministers are planning a meeting on the security situation.
Ceasefire in Lebanon extended. The ceasefire between Israel and the Hezbollah militia has been extended until February 18, 2025, after the 60-day deadline expired. Despite the agreement, Israeli troops remain in southern Lebanon. Another 22 people died in renewed attacks. The UN warns of further escalation.
“President Trump wants to meet with Vladimir Putin immediately. President Selensky has informed President Trump that he is prepared to conclude an agreement to end the war.”
Niagara Falls in Canada is currently completely frozen at -22 degrees.
The 2025 crime index actually shows Berlin as the most dangerous city in the world.
Friedrich Merz, who is leading Germany's bid to become chancellor, has warned German companies of a “huge risk” investing in China. - FT
Viktor Orbán: Today it is generally recognized that we are living in a time of change in the world order, in a time of the rise of the East, of Asia. The world order known to date, the world order of the West, or more precisely, the world order that was established and dominated under the rule of the Anglo-Saxons, has come to an end.
Another German company collapses. The reason is allegedly imminent fundamental changes in the company. The German manufacturer of sneakers and sportswear has suddenly realized that its “corporate structures are too complex for the ever-changing world”. And how do you make it simpler? Apparently by throwing 500 people out the door, according to insiders. The company itself is keeping a low profile so far. And yes, on paper there is no crisis - even a profit increase last year.
“Almost all parties promise to strengthen the Bundeswehr, but avoid the question of where the necessary billions are to come from” (Spiegel)
The White House is negotiating a takeover of TikTok by Oracle or Microsoft. NPR reports on this.
Donald Trump demanded that the Danish Prime Minister hand over Greenland to him. Five current and former high-ranking European officials told the Financial Times about a tense phone call. Trump spoke to Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and the conversation went “very badly”. This was because the US president conducted the conversation in an extremely aggressive and “confrontational” manner.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is blocking the planned extension of EU sanctions against Russia. On Friday, Orban made it a condition that Ukraine resumes piping Russian gas to Eastern Europe.
US intelligence confirms Hamas has recruited up to 15,000 new fighters since the war began, according to two congressional sources familiar with the information, meaning the movement has made up all its manpower losses - Reuters
US Marines have been deployed to the Mexican border to combat illegal immigration.
Pete Hegseth was confirmed by the Senate as U.S. Secretary of Defense after a controversial process. Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote. Allegations of misconduct and lack of experience overshadowed the confirmation process.
Thousands of displaced people from the Gaza Strip have been waiting since yesterday for the Netzarim corridor to be opened and for them to return to their homes in the northern Gaza Strip.
US equities have reached their highest valuation level compared to government bonds since 2002, a warning signal similar to the dotcom bubble. The valuation differential between equity yields and ten-year US government bonds is negative, which historically indicates overheating. Strong corporate profits and the boom in tech stocks are driving investors, but rising bond yields could make equities less attractive. In addition, the high proportion of a few tech stocks in the indices indicates a growing concentration risk. Analysts are warning against market exaggeration.
- ECB: No longer buying government bonds - will foreign investors fill the gap? (SUED)
- German e-commerce: Growing in 2024 despite recession (MM)
- Deka: Does not want to exonerate Thyssenkrupp board (HB)
- Ex-real estate mogul: René Benko must be remanded in custody (TAG)
- After Musk radicalization: First German companies turn their backs on Tesla (NTV)
- Japan: Inflation rises to 3.6% (CNBC)
- Trump: Calls for “immediate” interest rate cut (CNBC)
- Hedge funds: Investing more in European luxury goods stocks (RT)
- Taiwan: Private investors bought record amounts of US assets in 2024 (BBG)
- OpenAI: Launches new AI agent (TC)
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