[Davos Forum Opens: Geopolitics and AI in Focus, Markets Hold Their Breath] ⑴ The 56th World Economic Forum (Davos Forum) will be held in Switzerland from January 19th to 23rd. Global political and business leaders will exchange views on the theme of "the spirit of dialogue," but Trump's planned personal attendance makes him the most watched figure this year. ⑵ Market participants generally expect that Trump's speech, in addition to addressing housing and affordability issues, may also release signals regarding his tariff rhetoric, international trade, and broader geopolitical direction. These statements could trigger immediate volatility in global markets. ⑶ Regarding policy uncertainty, Trump's attendance itself may exacerbate market concerns about potential changes in some current international policies and trade relations. Investors need to be wary of the short-term impact of his remarks on specific industries or currency exchange rates. ⑷ Besides geopolitics, artificial intelligence is expected to be a core technological topic at this forum. Discussions may focus on its global governance, economic impact, and investment opportunities. Related developments may affect the long-term narrative and valuation logic of the technology sector. (5) For traders, two key areas of information to watch during the forum are: first, informal statements from major national leaders or central bank governors regarding economic growth, inflation, and monetary policy; and second, forward-looking assessments from global business leaders regarding supply chains and investment strategies. (6) Historical experience shows that market sentiment during the Davos Forum is often sensitive to immediate major statements, but the formation of a trend still requires verification through the implementation of specific policies. Investors are advised to focus on core policy signals with sustainability amidst the noise.

[Survival Battle Under Trade Agreement: The "Low Price" Dilemma for Greek Rice Farmers] ⑴ The free trade agreement between the EU and Mercosur was ratified by Greece and other countries last week and will be signed on Saturday. This move has triggered strong concerns among farmers in Greece's third-largest rice-producing region, who fear that duty-free rice from South America will render them completely uncompetitive. ⑵ According to the agreement, Europe will import a total of 60,000 tons of rice duty-free from Mercosur countries such as Brazil and Argentina over five years. The European Commission stated that this amount is only a small fraction of Europe's annual consumption, with about half of Europe's rice demand relying on imports. ⑶ However, the actual pressure faced by Greek rice farmers is already very severe. In Thessaloniki, a major producing region, farmer Menelaos Koukourdis revealed that his rice is currently selling for only €0.25 per kilogram, a price cut in half from a year ago, due to the influx of low-priced rice imports from Asian countries. (4) Rising production costs and recent droughts have exacerbated the already dire situation. Greek rice farmers have joined weeks of nationwide protests, blocking roads to protest delayed EU aid. Now, the new trade agreement has intensified their anxieties about the future. (5) Many rice farmers, like 52-year-old cooperative head Christos Gatzaras, have been pressured to abandon their fields and machinery to find other livelihoods. For farmers like Koukourdis, switching to other crops is not easy, given the long-standing practice of monoculture in the region. (6) Although the Greek government defends the agreement, claiming it will open a market of 270 million people for specialty products like feta cheese and includes a safeguard mechanism for surging imports, rice farmers believe this cannot offset the immediate threat to their survival. (7) This contradiction reveals the difficult balance within the EU between promoting free trade and protecting domestic agriculture and maintaining rural social stability. The specific implementation of the agreement and the triggering of its safeguard clauses will be key to observing its actual impact.

Spot platinum has just broken through the $2,340.00/ounce mark, and is currently trading at $2,339.35/ounce, down 2.88% on the day; Nymex platinum futures are currently trading at $2,338.8/ounce, down 2.95% on the day.