Markets

• Asia markets mostly fall, tracking Wall Street losses as tech sell-off continues - In Asia, investors will keep an eye on tech and tech-related stocks in the region to watch for any spillover.
• Hedge funds made $24 billion shorting software stocks so far in 2026 — And they are increasing the bet - Hedge funds are increasing their short bets against software stocks, contributing to the brutal sell-off in the space so far this year, according to sources at two major funds on Wall Street.
• U.S. plans critical mineral price floors with Mexico, EU and Japan - The Trump administration has put critical minerals at the heart of its trade and industrial policies in an effort to reduce dependence on China.
• Oil prices jump on report that plans for U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are collapsing - President Trump has threatened to launch military strikes on Iran if the Islamic Republic doesn't agree to a deal on its nuclear program.
• Asian software stocks plunge after U.S. peers decline on fears over AI-led disruption - Wall Street's fears around artificial intelligence-driven disruption affecting software companies have made their way into Asia.
• Fed's Stephen Miran resigns from White House post - Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran has stepped down from his position as chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, CNBC has confirmed.
• Chipotle stock sinks as restaurant chain reports falling traffic, weak guidance - Chipotle stock has fallen about 33% over the last year, dragging the company's market value down to about $51 billion.
• U.S. military shoots down Iranian drone that 'aggressively approached' aircraft carrier - The U.S. Central Command said the drone approached the USS Abraham Lincoln with "unclear intent."
• Ray Dalio warns the world is ‘on the brink’ of a capital war - The billionaire Bridgewater founder also weighed in on investing in gold after the metal was gripped by a sharp sell-off.
• PepsiCo earnings beat estimates as drinks sales pick up around the world - PepsiCo reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that topped Wall Street's estimates.