Is it still worth investing in U.S. assets?

Following the U.S. president’s threat involving Greenland, calls to “sell America” continue to gain traction. Last week, the U.S. dollar index extended its downward trend, falling below the 98 mark. Bloomberg reported that mounting tensions between the U.S. and Europe have weighed on the dollar while reigniting global capital diversification. Inflows into emerging-market funds have surged at a record pace, pushing emerging-market equity indices

UK’s Starmer signals China reset in talks with Xi, eyes economic wins

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday that he wanted to build a ’’sophisticated relationship’’ with Beijing to bolster security and the economy, signalling a reset after years of strained ties.

Imran Khan has had no contact with his lawyers for 100 days, top aide says

Pakistan’s jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has now spent 100 days and counting without contact with his legal team, a top aide has said, raising fresh concerns over due process and the fairness of the ongoing legal proceedings against him.

Plane crashes in Colombia, killing all 15 on board

A passenger plane has crashed in northern Colombia, killing all 15 people on board, the country’s state-run airline Satena confirmed.

Trump warns Iran ’time is running out’ as US military builds up in Gulf

Donald Trump has warned Iran that ’’time is running out’’ to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf.

‘Mother of all deals’: How India-EU trade deal creates $27 trillion market

India and the European Union have signed a free trade agreement that both sides have hailed as “the mother of all deals”.

Deputy chief minister of India’s Maharashtra dies in plane crash

The deputy chief minister of India’s western state of Maharashtra, Ajit Pawar, was killed on Wednesday as his charter aircraft went down in flames, television channels said.

Former French senator found guilty of drugging MP

A former French senator has been found guilty of spiking an MP’s drink with ecstasy in order to sexually assault her.

China cancels all flights on 49 routes to Japan

All scheduled flights on 49 air routes between China and Japan have been cancelled for February, flight data showed on Jan 26, as Chinese airlines extended special ticket change and refund policies for Japan-related travel.

Three French tourists drown after their boat capsizes in Oman

At least three French tourists have drowned in Oman after the boat they were in capsized in waters off the sultanate’s capital city of Muscat, police said.

Bradman cap fetches record price at auction

A baggy green cap worn by Donald Bradman fetched A$460,000 (US$319,000) at public auction in Australia on Monday, a record price for a cap worn by the Australian cricket legend.

India and EU set to announce landmark trade deal

The European Union and India are set to announce a landmark trade deal after nearly two decades of on-off talks, as both sides aim to deepen ties amid tensions with the US.

Carney says Canada has ’no intention’ of pursuing free trade deal with China

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada has “no intention” of pursuing a free trade deal with China.

President Xi says India, China ‘friends, partners’ in republic day message

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said Beijing and New Delhi are “good neighbours, friends and partners” as the two Asian giants continue to improve ties in the wake of United States President Donald Trump’s tariff war, which has shaken global trade.

US flags pattern of visa abuse linked to Pakistani nationals

Pakistani immigrants who have been recently banned from seeking US visas have a problematic history of misusing the immigration process, such as submitting fraudulent applications, entering into sham marriages, concealing criminal histories, and even plotting terrorist attacks.

Airports reintroduce COVID-style checks after virus outbreak in India

Airports across parts of Asia have begun tightening health surveillance and travel screening after an outbreak of Nipah virus in an Indian state.

US defence plan prioritises deterring China, limits support for allies

The US military will prioritise protecting the homeland and deterring China while providing ’’more limited’’ support to allies in Europe and elsewhere, a Pentagon strategy document released on Friday said.

Gunmen kill 11 at soccer field in Mexico

A group of men opened fire at a soccer field in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato, killing at least 11 people and wounding 12 more, authorities said.

South Korea mourns death of former prime minister who nurtured democracy

South Korean former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, a veteran politician and influential fixture on the country’s road to democracy, died during an official visit to Vietnam’s southern hub of Ho Chi Minh City, both governments said.

Gold tops $5,000 for first time ever, adding to historic rally

The price of gold has risen above $5,000 (£3,659) an ounce for the first time ever, extending a historic rally that saw the precious metal jump by more than 60% in 2025.

Ferry carrying over 350 people sinks in Philippines, killing at least 15

A ferry carrying more than 350 people has capsized off the southern Philippine province of Basilan, killing at least 15 people, according to officials.

Pakistan arrests rights lawyer, husband, family says

Pakistani rights lawyer Imaan Mazari-Hazir was arrested alongside her husband Hadi Ali Chattha on Friday, according to her mother, politician and former minister Shireen Mazari.

China places military’s top uniformed officer under investigation

China announced Saturday that it has placed the military’s highest-ranked uniformed officer under investigation for “suspected serious discipline and law violations,” terminology often used to refer to corruption.

Trump threatens Canada with 100% tariffs if it ’makes a deal with China’

US President Donald Trump has threatened to slap a 100% tariff on Canadian goods if the country strikes a trade deal with China.

Italy and Germany seek raw materials security amid China concerns

Italy and Germany have pledged to work together to secure supply chains for raw materials vital to their economies, according to a document seen by Reuters, as Rome urges partners to counter what it sees as China’s growing influence over global prices.

Bangladesh officially out of T20 World Cup, ICC name Scotland as replacement

Scotland has officially been named as Bangladesh’s replacement for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026, the ICC announced on Friday, January 23. Bangladesh decided to pull out of the ICC event, citing security concerns and saying that their concerns weren’t adequately addressed by the cricket governing body.

China no longer Pentagon’s top security priority

China is no longer the top security priority for the US, according to the Pentagon’s new National Defense Strategy.

National security trial for HK’s Tiananmen activists begins

Three activists who organised annual vigils to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown have gone on trial in Hong Kong, facing charges under the city’s controversial national security law.

To Lam wins new term to rule Vietnam for the next five years

Vietnam’s top leader To Lam was reappointed on Friday as head of the ruling Communist Party for the next five years after a unanimous vote by its central committee, as he pledged to turbocharge growth in the export-reliant nation.

Japan PM Takaichi dissolves parliament, paving way for snap election

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has dissolved parliament in advance of a snap election scheduled for February 8.