News

Australia's S&P/ASX200 index opened down 34.90 points, or 0.38%, on Friday, February 20, to 9051.30 points.

New Zealand Reserve Bank President Breman will speak in ten minutes.

According to the Financial Times: Equity awards for most Meta employees will be reduced by 5% as Mark Zuckerberg cuts costs to fund huge artificial intelligence spending.

Fed's Daley: I'm more focused on fulfilling my responsibilities to achieve our goals than on defending the Fed's independence.

Fed's Daly: More measures are needed to reduce inflation, but we don't want to lag behind the situation or use too much force.

Fed's Daley: The labor market is more depressed than before, so we don't see inflationary risks from artificial intelligence capital expenditures.

Fed Daley: Regarding artificial intelligence capital expenditures, there is real demand and it is not empty talk.

Fed's Daley: Inflation is expected to fall as the effects of tariffs fade.

Fed's Daley: Business applications of technology are likely to help ease inflation.

Fed Daly: The last step to achieve the inflation target has been challenging due to shocks such as tariffs.

Fed's Daley: Policy is in good shape.

Fed Daley: Labor market conditions are better after cutting interest rates by 75 basis points.

Situation in Gaza:1. The Israeli military claimed to have destroyed a kilometer-long Hamas tunnel in northern Gaza. 2. Trump: Hamas will give up its weapons, otherwise Hamas will be severely punished. 3. It is reported that Hamas consolidates its dominance in Gaza by placing cronies in key government positions, collecting taxes and paying wages. Iran situation:1. Iran and Russia held joint naval exercises. 2. IAEA Director General: Iran’s diplomatic window is closing. 3. Trump said Iran has 10 to 15 days to reach an agreement. 4. Iranian government spokesperson: The Iranian defense forces have entered full combat readiness. 5. Russian Foreign Minister: It is “inappropriate” to require Iran to completely give up its right to enrich uranium. 6. Russian Foreign Minister: Any new strikes by the United States against Iran will have serious consequences. 7. According to Punchbowl: The House of Representatives may vote on Iran’s war powers next week. 8. US media: Trump is considering limited strikes to force Iran to reach an agreement. 9. The British side is worried about violating international law and has not yet authorized the United States to use its bases to attack Iran. 10. The United States’ air power buildup in the Middle East is the largest since 2003. 11. Netanyahu warned Iran: Israel is "prepared for any situation." 12. Rosatom: If an agreement is reached, it is willing to receive enriched uranium from Iran. Others:1. The European Commission decided to send representatives to attend the so-called "Peace Commission" meeting, which caused strong dissatisfaction among many EU countries. 2. IAEA Director General: Iran discussed the possibility of the International Atomic Energy Agency returning to bombed nuclear facilities.

Australia's preliminary S&P Global Manufacturing PMI value in February was 51.5, compared with the previous value of 52.3.

Australia's preliminary S&P Global Composite PMI value for February was 52, compared with the previous value of 55.7.

Australia's preliminary S&P Global Services PMI in February was 52.2, compared with the previous value of 56.3.

New Zealand's trade balance for the 12 months in January was -2.305 billion New Zealand dollars, compared with the previous value of -2.203 billion New Zealand dollars.

New Zealand's exports in January were NZ$6.21 billion, compared with the previous value of NZ$7.65 billion.

New Zealand imported NZ$6.73 billion in January, compared with the previous value of NZ$7.6 billion.

New Zealand's trade balance in January was -519 million New Zealand dollars, compared with the previous value of 52 million New Zealand dollars.