Category: Flash News

On February 22nd, informed sources reported that AMD is in talks with Asian companies to sell the data center manufacturing plant it agreed to acquire last year. According to informed sources, companies based in Taiwan such as Compal, Inventec, Pegatron, and Wistron have expressed interest in acquiring these assets, including debt, which could be valued at $3 billion to $4 billion. According to informed sources who declined to be named due to the discussion of confidential information, the sale transaction could be announced as early as the second quarter. They stated that negotiations are still ongoing and it is uncertain whether AMD will reach an agreement. (Bloomberg)

On February 22nd, Ukrainian President Zelensky had a phone call with leaders from multiple European countries to discuss issues such as Europe’s active participation in the negotiation process and Ukraine’s security guarantees. In a phone conversation with German Chancellor Scholz, Zelensky expressed gratitude for Germany’s continued significant military and financial support. Scholz reiterated Germany’s firm support for Ukraine and emphasized that Germany will closely coordinate with European and international partners to continue supporting Ukraine until a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace is achieved. Both sides agree that in future peace negotiations in Ukraine, it is necessary to ensure Ukraine’s right to participate, while European security issues should also be jointly explored and resolved by European countries. Scholz and Zelensky both emphasized that only by establishing a close consultation mechanism can a solid foundation be laid for the peace process. In a phone call with Polish President Duda, both sides discussed the issue of US support for Ukraine. Duda suggested that Zelensky engage in “calm and constructive cooperation” with US President Trump. During the phone call with Czech President Pavel, both sides discussed the next steps of action, joint plans, and other related topics. Zelensky pointed out that Europe must speak with one voice to promote a just peace and firmly believe that this goal can be achieved. In addition, the two also discussed the Czech Republic’s initiative to continue providing ammunition and the Czech Republic’s new proposal to support Ukraine. In a conversation with Swedish Prime Minister Kristensen, Zelensky expressed gratitude for Sweden’s military assistance to Ukraine and looked forward to the country’s 18th defense aid program. Zelensky also briefed Kristensen on the constructive meeting with US envoy Kellogg and details of recent talks with other foreign leaders. He pointed out that both sides are striving to build a common vision for security. Zelensky emphasized that a solution must be prepared before any possible negotiations begin, and Europe should actively participate in the negotiation process. Ukraine is pursuing a just and lasting peace, not just a temporary ceasefire. In a phone call with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, the two sides engaged in in-depth discussions on bilateral relations, future plans, and common action steps, and also exchanged views on ending the conflict in Ukraine and ensuring security.

On February 22nd, according to the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the net long position of WTI crude oil held by speculators decreased by 18907 contracts to 103330 contracts in the week ending February 18th, hitting a 16 week low. The net long position in Brent and WTI crude oil decreased by 48868 contracts to 325974 contracts, hitting an eight week low. The net long position in NYMEX gasoline has decreased to 45856 contracts, hitting a three week low. The net long position in NYMEX heating oil has decreased to 11872 contracts. The net long position in NYMEX natural gas held has increased to 435480 contracts, reaching a new high in over three years.

On February 22, according to the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the net long position of COMEX gold held by speculators decreased by 13605 contracts to 201962 contracts in the week ending February 18, hitting a six week low. The net long position in COMEX silver increased to 39402 contracts, reaching a new high in 16 weeks. The net long position in COMEX copper increased to 26595 contracts, reaching a new high in over four months. The net long position in NYMEX platinum decreased to 19573 contracts, and the net short position in NYMEX palladium decreased to 7109 contracts.

On February 22nd, Anhui, Shandong and other places recently released their 2025 local government work reports. Among them, quantum technology, as an important component of future industries, has once again received attention. Various regions have set their sights on this cutting-edge track and put forward development plans. Yuan Shuai, Deputy Secretary General of the Zhongguancun Internet of Things Industry Alliance, said, “Quantum technology, as a cutting-edge field of the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation, has significant strategic value. Incorporating quantum technology into development plans or key tasks in various regions is not only a positive response to the national science and technology innovation strategy, but also a precise grasp of future industrial development trends

On February 22nd, according to data from the US Department of Homeland Security, President Trump expelled 37660 people in his first month in office. A senior official and expert in the Trump administration stated that as Trump opens up new avenues to increase arrests and deportations, the number of deportations will increase in the coming months.

On February 22, Bank of Canada Governor McLham stated that the update to the 2026 monetary policy framework should maintain the 2% inflation target unchanged. The policy update by the Bank of Canada will focus on whether a more comprehensive monetary policy toolbox is needed and how to measure potential inflation levels. The updated Bank of Canada model shows that if the United States implements tariffs, Canada’s output will almost decrease by 3% within two years, which will almost completely erase growth expectations for 2025 and 2026. The model shows that exports will decrease by 8.5% in the year after Trump’s tariffs take effect.

On February 22nd, Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Philip Jefferson stated that artificial intelligence tools may help with the transmission of monetary policy, but cautioned against the limitations of this technology. Jefferson stated that research has shown that automated analysis of Federal Reserve information and automated trading have increased the speed at which information is integrated into asset prices.

On February 22, according to the Canadian news agency, a public opinion poll showed that 70% of Canadians support implementing retaliatory tariffs on the United States to the same extent. US President Trump has previously promised to impose high tariffs on imported products from Canada and other countries. The survey shows that 45% of respondents strongly support retaliatory tariffs against the United States, while 25% of respondents express some support.

On February 22nd, European stocks closed with mixed gains and losses, with the German DAX 30 index falling 0.12% to 22287.56 points, a cumulative drop of 1% for the week. The French stock index closed up 0.39%, but fell 0.29% this week; The UK stock index closed down 0.04%, with a cumulative decline of 0.84% for the week. The Stoxx Europe 600 Index closed up 0.5%, with a cumulative increase of 0.3% for the week, marking its ninth consecutive week of gains and the longest streak since March last year.