The World Economic Forum in Davos last week was marked by some surprising moments, particularly featuring former President Donald Trump and a public spat between Elon Musk and Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary. Trump delivered a passionate speech regarding Greenland, promising not to use force to claim the territory and urging for a peaceful transfer. He also announced the cancellation of "threatening" tariffs on EU countries related to Greenland, showcasing a peculiar victory for his TACO strategy in the stock market. Rumors are swirling about a NATO agreement concerning the island, with reports suggesting the U.S. will not gain ownership but will have increased control over military bases there.
In another notable development, Trump established a new Council for World Peace, signing the founding documents with representatives from 19 nations. Belarus was the first European country to join, with Hungary and Bulgaria being the only EU members involved so far. Interestingly, Twitter users pointed out that 11 out of the 25 nations in the council are currently banned from receiving immigrant visas to the U.S. Initially aimed at managing Gaza, the council now appears as a potential alternative to the UN Security Council, with membership contingent on a $1 billion fee to support Gaza's recovery.
French President Emmanuel Macron stole the spotlight with his appearance in dark sunglasses due to an eye issue, leading to a 64% surge in the shares of eyewear manufacturer iVision Tech. Meanwhile, Musk shared his vision for the future at the forum, suggesting that humanity will inhabit Mars and rely on solar power harnessed from orbiting stations.
On the aviation front, a significant Twitter conflict erupted between Musk and O'Leary after the Ryanair CEO rejected the idea of equipping their planes with Musk's Starlink service, citing potential fuel cost increases. Musk countered O'Leary's claims, leading to further insults exchanged between the two. O'Leary reiterated that EU regulations prevent non-Europeans from owning controlling stakes in airlines, dismissing Musk's suggestion to buy Ryanair.
In market news, silver prices skyrocketed, surpassing $100 per ounce, marking a staggering 257% increase since early 2025. Financial analysts noted that the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cuts have not led to a decrease in long-term bond yields, casting doubt on the market's confidence in the U.S. government's ability to manage debt and inflation sustainably.
In Russia, the AI sector is seeing significant investments, with plans for a 2.3 billion ruble investment in an AI system for internet traffic management and censorship. Meanwhile, OpenAI's Sam Altman is seeking $50 billion in funding from Middle Eastern investors to sustain the company’s operations.
These developments reflect a dynamic and often unpredictable landscape in both international relations and financial markets, suggesting that companies and investors need to remain agile to stay competitive and responsive to rapid changes.
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