Global Headlines | The three major US stock indices fluctuate, and the UK may ban Elon Musk's social media platform 'X' due to AI controversy

【U.S. Stock Indices】

On January 8th, Eastern Time (Thursday), the three major U.S. stock indices moved mixed. The S&P 500 rose 0.01% to 6,921.46; the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 0.55% to 49,266.11; the Nasdaq declined 0.44% to 23,480.02.

【U.S. Bonds】

On January 8th, the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury yield was 4.19%, and the 2-year Treasury yield, most sensitive to Federal Reserve policy rates, was 3.49%.

【Popular U.S. Stocks】

Among popular stocks, Nvidia fell 2.17%, Google Class C rose 1.11%, Google Class A increased 1.08%, Apple dropped 0.50%, Microsoft declined 1.11%, Amazon rose 1.96%, TSMC fell 0.18%, Meta decreased 0.41%, Tesla gained 1.02%, Super Micro Semiconductor dropped 2.54%, and Intel fell 3.57%.

【Global Indices】

【China Indices】

On January 8th, overnight Hang Seng Tech Index futures fell 1.09%, Nasdaq China Golden Dragon Index rose 1.09%, and FTSE China A50 Index declined 0.91%.

【Chinese Concept Stocks】

In popular Chinese concept stocks, Tencent Holdings (HK) fell 1.36%, Alibaba rose 5.27%, Pinduoduo increased 0.52%, NetEase gained 0.23%, Ctrip rose 0.87%, Baidu dropped 3.78%, XPeng Motors rose 3.35%, Li Auto declined 0.71%, and NIO fell 1.04%.

【Forex and Commodities】

【Global News】

UK May Ban Musk’s Social Media Platform “X” Over AI Chatbot Disputes

Musk’s social media platform “X” may be banned in the UK due to disputes over AI chatbots.

OpenAI Launches OpenAI for Healthcare

OpenAI has launched OpenAI for Healthcare.

U.S. Congressional Budget Office Projects GDP Growth to Accelerate to 2.2% in 2026

The Congressional Budget Office forecasts that U.S. GDP growth will accelerate to 2.2% in 2026. The PCE inflation rate is expected to be 2.7% in 2026 and 2.1% in 2028. The unemployment rate will fall to 4.6% in 2026 and further to 4.4% in 2028. The labor market in 2026 shows increased demand for labor but sluggish labor supply growth. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate is projected to fall to 3.4% in Q4 2026. (Cailian Press)

Who Will Be the Next Fed Chair? Trump: I Have Made My Decision

U.S. President Trump stated that he “already has a decision” on the Fed Chair candidate but did not disclose the final choice. On the evening of the 7th, Trump said, “I already have a decision in mind, I haven’t discussed it with anyone.” When asked about his Chief Economic Advisor Kevin Hasset, Trump said, “I don’t want to say,” but described Hasset as “undoubtedly one of my favorites.” (CCTV News)

South African Agriculture Expert Says the Country Is Facing Its Worst Foot-and-Mouth Disease Outbreak Ever

A South African agriculture expert recently stated that the country is experiencing its worst foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in history. As the epidemic spreads rapidly, the country’s livestock industry faces unprecedented challenges. Theo De Jager, President of the Southern African Agricultural Initiative and the Pan-African Agricultural Organization, said on the 6th that the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in South Africa has become an “unprecedented disaster,” with fast virus transmission and high infectivity. Without systematic intervention, effective control will be difficult. (CCTV News)

Federal Reserve Board Member Milan: Expect About 150 Basis Points of Rate Cuts by 2026

Federal Reserve Board member Milan predicts approximately 150 basis points of rate cuts by 2026.

PuLiTe (002324) Hits 4 Consecutive Limit-ups: LCP Films Are in Testing with Downstream Brain-Computer Interface Clients but Short-term Large Orders Are Unlikely

PuLiTe announced that LCP films are one of the company’s core materials developed over many years, widely applicable across various industries, and are general-purpose products rather than customized solutions. Although the company’s LCP films are currently being tested with downstream clients in the brain-computer interface field, due to long certification cycles, large-scale orders in this area are unlikely in the short term. Currently, no revenue is generated from this sector, and it will not significantly impact the company’s performance in the near future. There is also a risk of market competition in the medium to long term. Investors are advised to invest rationally and be aware of risks. Additionally, certification failure is possible in client validation. The company will strictly comply with relevant laws and regulations, fulfill disclosure obligations, and disclose information timely. The company’s LCP fiber materials, supplied in April 2025 for a domestic leading client’s low-orbit satellite flexible solar wings, constitute a very small portion of total revenue (less than 0.01%), with minimal short-term impact and no clear growth trend. Long-term, market competition risks remain. Investors are advised to invest rationally and be aware of risks.

Mexico Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation on U.S. Fresh Apples

On January 7, 2026, Mexico’s Ministry of Economy announced that, upon request from the regional agricultural organization Unión Agrícola Regional de Fruticultores del Estado de Chihuahua, A.C., an anti-dumping investigation was launched on fresh apples originating from the United States. (China Trade Remedy Information Network)

Ministry of Commerce Responds to Review of Meta’s Acquisition of Manus: Companies Engaged in Foreign Investment Must Comply with Chinese Laws and Regulations

On January 8th, the Ministry of Commerce held a routine press conference. Spokesperson He Yadong responded to questions about reviewing Meta’s acquisition of AI platform Manus, stating that the Chinese government has always supported enterprises in conducting lawful and compliant international operations and technological cooperation. Companies involved in foreign investment, technology exports, data outbound, cross-border M&A, etc., must comply with Chinese laws and regulations and follow legal procedures. The Ministry of Commerce will evaluate the consistency of this acquisition with relevant laws and regulations concerning export controls, technology import/export, and foreign investment. (Xinhua News Agency)

China Fruit Network: Apple Market Remains Stable, Local Inquiry Phenomena Increasing

On January 8, 2026, apple trading remains concentrated in Gansu, with overall transactions steady and fast turnover. Farmers’ stocks are being consumed normally, with mostly negotiated deals. Trading in Shaanxi and Shandong remains somewhat weak, mainly driven by buyers requesting goods. Local inquiry phenomena among farmers are increasing, but actual transactions are limited. Prices for average and inferior quality apples are slightly weaker. (China Fruit Network)