Good morning.

No headlines today.

I do have something exciting to announce tomorrow when I’ll be sharing full details on how to access the complete news feed as an API. That way, you’ll be able to have the stories, updates, and stability ratings piped directly into your app, website, and even spreadsheets.

More tomorrow.

Daily News for Curious Minds

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Key Metrics

WTI is $73.51 (Down)

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Wheat is $185.794 (Up)

Low |--------- > ----------| High

EuroDollar is $1.04 (Down)

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YuanDollar is $0.14 (Unchanged)

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Graphs are illustrative to show comparative price over last 180 days

Metrics via AlphaVantage updated Feb 05 2025 21:16 UTC

Asia Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇦🇲 Armenia, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇧🇩 Bangladesh, 🇧🇹 Bhutan, 🇰🇭 Cambodia, 🇨🇳 China, 🇹🇱 East Timor, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇲🇻 Maldives, 🇲🇲 Myanmar, 🇳🇵 Nepal, 🇰🇵 North Korea, 🇵🇰 Pakistan, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka, 🇹🇼 Taiwan, 🇹🇯 Tajikistan, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇹🇲 Turkmenistan

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇧🇳 Brunei, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇱🇦 Laos, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇲🇳 Mongolia, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan, 🇻🇳 Vietnam

Regional News Summary

The National University of Singapore is set to launch Acacia College, its first residential college dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, in August. This initiative aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of AI and its applications, underscoring Singapore's commitment to remain at the forefront of technological advancements in the rapidly evolving field of AI [SOURCE - Malay Mail].

In parallel, the Singapore government has announced plans to raise salaries for 37,000 healthcare workers by mid-2025, a move designed to improve working conditions and attract talent in the healthcare sector [SOURCE - Malay Mail]. This decision reflects a broader trend in Asia, where governments are increasingly recognizing the importance of investing in human capital to bolster public services.

Meanwhile, the region's technology sector is witnessing significant shifts. Microsoft has signed a land deal in Johor, Malaysia, to expand its data center presence, highlighting the growing importance of data infrastructure in Southeast Asia [SOURCE - Forbes]. This expansion aligns with the increasing demand for digital services and the need for robust data management solutions.

As the tech landscape evolves, concerns about cybersecurity are also rising. Japan has reported a significant increase in cybercrime, prompting both the government and tech companies to enhance their cybersecurity measures [SOURCE - TOKYO REPORTER]. This trend is indicative of the challenges that accompany rapid technological advancement, as nations grapple with the dual imperatives of innovation and security.

In the realm of international relations, tensions continue to escalate between the US and China, particularly in the context of trade. The US has imposed new tariffs on Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to announce countermeasures, including tariffs on American exports [SOURCE - ECNS]. This ongoing trade dispute has significant implications for global supply chains and economic stability in the region.

Amidst these geopolitical tensions, India is making strides in its economic development. The government has announced measures to boost affordable and clean energy, aligning with its ambition to become a hub for electric vehicle manufacturing [SOURCE - The Times of India]. Furthermore, India is developing its own generative AI model, aiming to enhance its technological capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign technologies [SOURCE - The Economic Times].

In the context of regional cooperation, India and the Maldives have commenced a joint military exercise aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism and maritime security operations, reflecting the strengthening strategic partnership between the two nations [SOURCE - The Economic Times].

Oceania Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇺 Australia, 🇰🇮 Kiribati, 🇲🇭 Marshall Islands, 🇳🇷 Nauru, 🇳🇿 New Zealand, 🇵🇬 Papua New Guinea, 🇼🇸 Samoa, 🇸🇧 Solomon Islands, 🇻🇺 Vanuatu

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇫🇲 Federated States of Micronesia, 🇫🇯 Fiji, 🇵🇼 Palau, 🇹🇴 Tonga, 🇹🇻 Tuvalu

Regional News Summary

In Australia, significant social movements have emerged, with large protests against the oppression of Aboriginal people and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, reflecting a growing wave of activism within the country [SOURCE - World Socialist Web Site]. This unrest coincides with a troubling rise in antisemitic attacks, prompting Jewish communities to enhance their security measures. The Australian government has condemned these attacks, calling for greater tolerance and understanding [SOURCE - The Jerusalem Post].

Economically, Australia is witnessing a steady housing market, particularly in Melbourne, which has shifted to a buyers' market as house prices remain stable amid high interest rates [SOURCE - ABC News]. Additionally, the government has renewed its sourcing deal with Amazon Web Services, indicating a commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure [SOURCE - IT News]. However, the country is also bracing for severe floods, with multiple storms causing evacuations in eastern and northeastern regions [SOURCE - Financial Post].

New Zealand is also experiencing notable economic shifts, with a recent trade surplus attributed to a decline in imports, particularly in the automotive sector [SOURCE - RTT News]. However, experts warn that ongoing trade tensions, particularly those stemming from U.S. tariffs, could pose risks to New Zealand's economic stability [SOURCE - RNZ]. The government is also addressing concerns in the beer industry, which has become a significant contributor to the GDP, accounting for nearly 1% of the country's economic output [SOURCE - RNZ].

In Fiji, the political landscape remains influenced by a history of coups, with many citizens expressing a preference for strong leadership [SOURCE - Lowy Institute]. The country is currently grappling with a dengue outbreak, raising concerns about its healthcare infrastructure [SOURCE - RNZ]. Additionally, Fiji's Rugby Director has faced backlash for discriminatory comments, highlighting ongoing social issues [SOURCE - Scoop].

Meanwhile, Tuvalu and Palau are confronting the dual threats of climate change and external pressures. Tuvalu's low-lying islands are increasingly vulnerable to rising sea levels, while its Exclusive Economic Zone is under scrutiny due to China's ambitions for a new deep-sea order, which could impact its marine resources [SOURCE - Jamestown Foundation]. Similarly, Palau is concerned about the environmental implications of increased Chinese presence in its waters, as the government calls for international cooperation to protect its unique marine ecosystem [SOURCE - Jamestown Foundation].

Carpe tomorrow!