[Para 1: The Lead]

The software industry is at a pivotal juncture as artificial intelligence (AI) models redefine the landscape. Box's CEO, Aaron Levie, describes it as the most thrilling moment in the company's 20-year history. However, Wall Street investors are concerned that AI agents could replace existing software services, leading to a sell-off in software stocks. Since January 1, 2026, Box's (BOX-US) stock has fallen 17%, and HubSpot (HUBS-US) has dropped 39%, Figma (FIG-US) 40%, Atlassian (TEAM-US) 35%, and Shopify (SHOP-US) 29%.

[Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context]

Since OpenAI's ChatGPT launch three years ago, generative AI has rapidly permeated the enterprise market. New tools can create applications, websites, and digital products with minimal text instructions in seconds to minutes. Levie notes a cognitive dissonance in the industry, where companies see AI as a means to enhance product capabilities while external concerns linger about AI potentially dismantling the entire software sector. Investors are worried that AI could disrupt the software ecosystem, leading to a significant sell-off in software stocks.

The market's reaction to AI is evident in the performance of major software companies. Salesforce (CRM-US), ServiceNow (NOW-US), and Ironclad have seen their stocks decline by approximately 25% each. Despite this, Stifel analysts report that there's no significant evidence of enterprises cutting back on software systems due to AI. They maintain a buy rating on HubSpot, suggesting that the market's concerns may be overblown.

Bessemer Venture Partners' investor, Byron Deeter, advocates for a buy-and-hold strategy, viewing market volatility as an opportunity for investment. He believes that AI will drive innovation among software companies, creating a positive development for market and enterprise IT procurement. Levie concludes that even with market apprehensions, software companies must rapidly integrate AI to remain competitive, accelerating innovation and providing more value to customers.

[Para 1: The Lead] The Hang Seng Index is poised to remain stagnant on Thursday, February 08, 2026, as market sentiment remains cautious amidst global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions. Analysts predict minimal movement, with the index hovering around 23,500 points, reflecting a lack of significant catalysts in the short term.

[Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] According to market data, the index has seen no major fluctuations over the past week, with trading volumes at their lowest since the start of the year. The absence of major corporate earnings releases and limited economic data releases has contributed to the lack of momentum. Investors are closely monitoring developments in the US-China trade relations and the ongoing global supply chain disruptions. Notably, the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) has reported stable trading activity, maintaining its role as a key financial hub despite market volatility.

[Para 1: The Lead] Indonesia's stock market is expected to open below the waterline on February 9, 2026, due to concerns over domestic economic data and geopolitical tensions in the region. Investors are reacting to a recent decline in consumer confidence and rising inflation rates, signaling a potential correction in the market.

[Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context] The Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) is anticipated to drop by 1.5% at the opening bell, reflecting a 0.7% decline in the previous session. The move is driven by a 2.3% drop in the consumer discretionary sector and a 1.8% fall in the financials sector. The JCI has been under pressure since the start of the year, with the index down 5.2% year-to-date. Geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing trade disputes and regional political instability, are also contributing to investor uncertainty. Analysts recommend monitoring the upcoming economic data releases for any signs of recovery in the market.

Elon Musk announced the integration of SpaceX with its AI operations and a plan for a large IPO to fund a orbital supercomputer made of about 1 million satellites. The proposed facility would be powered by solar energy to support AI and chatbots without stressing terrestrial grids.

Experts warn significant technical, financial, and environmental hurdles remain. Key challenges include managing heat in a vacuum, where conduction and convection fail, requiring radiative cooling through ultra-large, lightweight heat radiators. Collision risks with space debris also rise as the Starlink constellation expands from roughly 10,000 satellites to a planned 1 million, with velocities up to 17,500 mph making impacts catastrophic. Additionally, servicing satellites in space is impossible, so redundancy and longer lifespans are essential, significantly increasing costs.

Competitors such as Starcloud, Aetherflux, and Google are exploring similar concepts, but Musk’s access to SpaceX’s cost-advantaged launch services provides a critical edge in achieving the project.

Microsoft (MSFT-US) co-founder Bill Gates issued his first public response to爆料 contained in U.S. Department of Justice documents from the Epstein case. The documents, released on January 30, allege he had an affair and contracted a sexually transmitted disease, with internal emails suggesting he tried to delete such claims and give antibiotics to his then-wife.

In a recent interview, Gates categorically denied the allegations. He said he met James Epstein in 2011 and they dined together for over three years, but described the relationship as a mistake that he now deeply regrets. “That letter didn’t go out. I don’t know why he wrote it. It only makes me more sorry for every minute I spent with him. I apologize for that,” he said.

Gates further clarified, “I never went to the island, and I never met any women. So as more emerges, the facts will become clearer. This was a mistake, not involving those acts.”

Paul Weiss & Peck (PM) announced on February 4, 2026, that Brad Karp has resigned as chairman of the New York-based law firm. The firm has appointed Scott Barshay as his successor effective immediately. The firm did not provide details on the timing of Karp's last day or the reasons for his departure.

[Para 1: The Lead]

Samsung Electronics has opened its first 'Samsung House' in Milan's historic Palazzo Serbelloni, aiming to elevate its profile during the Milano Cortina Winter Games. The South Korean tech giant will distribute 3,800 Galaxy Z Flip7 Olympic Edition smartphones to all Olympians and Paralympians.

[Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context]

Samsung, a long-time Olympic sponsor since 1988, seeks to engage the Olympic community through its 'Samsung House,' a space dedicated to connection and sharing stories. The company has revived its 'victory selfies' program, allowing athletes to feature Samsung products in their social media. Executive Vice President Stephanie Choi emphasized the values of excellence, respect, and human achievement that define the Olympic Games. The Milano Cortina Games, scheduled for February 6-21, 2026, are the first major event since Samsung's sponsorship extended through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Lean hog futures closed mixed on February 4, with contracts ranging 55 cents lower to 30 cents higher. USDA reported the national base hog price at $86.29, up 45 cents from the prior day. The CME Lean Hog Index was up 12 cents at $85.83 on February 2.

USDA pork carcass cutout value fell to $93.00 per cwt, with the picnic higher and the belly down $19.49. Estimated federally inspected hog slaughter on February 4 was 495,000 head, bringing the week to 1.416 million, 34,000 head above last week but 32,293 head below the same period last year.

Feb 26: HOG @ $88.000, - $0.550

Apr 26: HOG @ $98.450, + $0.300

May 26: HOG @ $101.750, - $0.175

Data source: USDA and CME. The authors have no positions in the securities mentioned herein.

Cotton futures fell on Wednesday, with front-month contracts down 7–12 points. Crude oil CL rose $1.26 to $64.47/bbl; the USD index rose 0.214 to 97.515.

Tuesday’s online auction sold at 55.62¢/lb on 8,680 bales. The Cotlook A Index closed at 73.35¢/lb on Feb 3. ICE certified stocks rose 2,247 to 36,515 bales.

Mar 26: CTC @ 62.24, -7

May 26: CL @ 63.99, -12

Jul 26: CC @ 65.72, -8

Data source: Barchart.com. Austin Schroeder has no positions in any of the securities mentioned. This is for informational purposes only.

Corn futures extended gains Wednesday, with front-month contracts up 1–2 cents at settlements of $4.29 1/2, $3.96 1/4, $4.37, and $4.43 1/4 for March, Cash, May, and July, respectively. The CmdtyView national average Cash Corn price rose 2 cents to $3.96 1/4.

USDA reported private export sales of 130,480 MT this morning; the weekly total for the week ending January 29 is expected Thursday, with a 0.8–2.1 MMT range implied. Ethanol production in the week of January 30 totaled 956,000 bpd, down 158,000 from the prior week; ethanol stocks fell 264,000 bbls to 25.136 MMbbls; exports rose 59,000 bpd to 216,000 bpd; refiner inputs declined 92,000 bpd to 791,000 bpd. A South Korean importer bought 65,000 MT in a private tender Tuesday.

Live cattle futures posted gains of 17 to 60 cents on Wednesday, with front-month contracts up 0.175 to 0.600 dollars. The Wednesday Fed Cattle Exchange online auction saw no sales on 1,602 head offered. Cash trade has been slow this week, with last week's cash prices at $238–$240. Feeder cattle futures advanced $1.35 to $2.15 on the day. The CME Feeder Cattle Index closed at $374.57, down 44 cents from February 3.

Wholesale boxed beef prices were mixed: the Chc/Select spread at $5.93. Choice boxes closed at $368.02, down $2.69; Select at $362.09, down $5.14. USDA reported 113,000 head slaughtered Wednesday, for a weekly total of 336,000, 12,000 head above last week but 20,175 head below same week last year.

Feb 26: Live Cattle @ $240.525 +$0.200

Apr 26: Live Cattle @ $241.800 +$0.175

Jun 26: Live Cattle @ $237.225 +$0.600

Mar 26: Feeder Cattle @ $370.075 +$2.150

Apr 26: Feeder Cattle @ $367.500 +$1.625

May 26: Feeder Cattle @ $363.750 +$1.350

[Para 1: The Lead]

Cathie Wood's Ark Invest increased net exposure to crypto with a $21.5 million purchase of Coinbase ($COIN), Circle ($CRCL), and Bullish ($BLSH) amid weakness in Bitcoin below $90,000. Nancy Pelosi's family sold about $50 million in Apple and shifted to long-term LEAPS and high-yield assets, including exercising Vistra and Tempus AI options for gains.

[Para 2: Supporting Details & Context]

Ark Invest added 920K shares of Circle at $71.33 for about $9.2M and 42.2K shares of Coinbase for about $9.15M. Pelosi sold $50M Apple and bought LEAPS in GOOGL, AMZN, AAPL, and NVDA expiring in 2027. She sold PayPal and bought significant AllianceBernstein shares with a 7-9% historical dividend yield, and exercised VST and TEM options in January 2026.

[Para 3: Market Context]

NYSE and ICE are developing tokenized equity platforms to address real-time settlement and 24/7 trading needs, complementing platforms like Bitget that offer USDT-pegged stock futures for fractional exposure to major tech and thematic names.

NOV Inc. (NOV) reported a fourth-quarter loss of $78 million, or 21 cents per share, missing analyst expectations of 25 cents per share. Revenue reached $2.28 billion, exceeding the $2.17 billion average forecast. For the year, the oil and gas equipment supplier posted a profit of $145 million, or 39 cents per share, on $8.74 billion in revenue.

Bitcoin plunged below $72,000 on February 04, 2026, hitting its lowest level since November 6, 2024, as global risk-off sentiment intensified. It touched $71,179 in New York trading, a 42% decline from its 2024 high.

The selloff began with specific liquidations in the crypto market but has since spilled into broader asset classes, with the Nasdaq-100 down 2.6% and interest-sensitive sectors also retreating. Analysts describe a "faith crisis" in the market, with some warning that a break below $72,000 could trigger a retest of $68,000 and the 2024 lows.

According to Bloomberg, the U.S.-listed Bitcoin ETF saw a $2.72 billion outflow the day after a $5.62 billion inflow on February 2, 2026, amplifying volatility. The week saw the entire cryptocurrency market value erode over $4.6 trillion, with the year-to-date loss reaching 17%.

Elon Musk's China-based team visited the U.S. solar supply chain in late January, engaging with multiple Chinese solar companies. Following the visits, shares of Jinshi Solar (JKS-US, 688223-CN), Gaogao Solar (688556-CN), and Zhongshan Zhonghong (300316-CN) traded with volatility, with some issuing risk disclosures.

Sources confirm talks on granular silicon and perovskite projects at Xinhua Group, which has R&D facilities in the U.S. and is considering building granular silicon and perovskite capacity there. Jinshi Solar and Gaogao Solar released statements clarifying no formal or framework agreements were signed, and there are no current orders. High Test Materials and Zhongshan Zhonghong also reported initial engagement without concrete collaboration terms.

Industry participants noted the visit covered the supply chain from upstream silicon and equipment to products, including companies like Mayi and perovskite cell producers. U.S. solar is seen lagging behind China in scale and technology readiness, with potential for joint validation and capacity ramp-up.

[Para 1: The Lead]

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has launched an investigation into Nike Inc. (NKE) over allegations of discrimination against white employees through its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. The probe, announced on February 5, 2026, follows the EEOC's subpoena for detailed information on the company's employment practices and DEI initiatives.

[Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context]

The EEOC seeks data on criteria for layoffs, tracking of worker race and ethnicity, and specifics of programs offering race-restricted mentoring and career development. Nike has cooperated, sharing thousands of pages of information and responding in detail to the EEOC's inquiries. The investigation, prompted by EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas' commissioner's charge, highlights scrutiny of DEI policies potentially violating federal anti-discrimination laws. Nike maintains adherence to all applicable laws and is investigating the matter seriously.

[Para 1: The Lead]

Wolfe Research analysts predict Tesla (TSLA-US) will transform its Robotaxi service into a pivotal revenue driver, projecting revenues to soar to $250 billion by 2035. This forecast, based on a top-down model, assumes a 30% autonomous driving penetration rate, a 50% market share for Tesla, and a per-mile pricing of $1.00.

[Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context]

Emmanuel Rosner, Wolfe's analyst, highlights that 2026 could be a catalyst year for Tesla, with investors closely monitoring the expansion of Robotaxi services, the production progress of the Optimus humanoid robot, and the deployment of unsupervised full self-driving (FSD) software. Rosner estimates that if all factors progress favorably, Tesla's long-term investment returns will be highly attractive. The model assumes a 30% autonomous driving penetration rate, Tesla's 50% market share, and a per-mile pricing of $1.00. This scenario projects Robotaxi revenues to reach $250 billion by 2035, supporting a stock value of approximately $2.75 trillion, discounted back to present value at $900 billion, equivalent to over $250 per share. Optimus and FSD licensing could add further upside.

[Para 1: The Lead]

Mundi Ventures, a European venture capital firm, has successfully closed its largest fund to date, Kembara Fund I, at €750 million. This marks a significant milestone for Mundi Ventures, which is now poised to support deep tech and climate startups across Europe, focusing on Series B and C rounds.

[Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context]

The fund, managed by a team with offices in Madrid, London, Barcelona, and Paris, aims to invest between €15 million to €40 million per company, with potential follow-ons up to €100 million. Kembara Fund I's focus on deep tech and climate solutions is timely, as Europe seeks to bolster its innovation and scale-up ecosystem. The fund's size and strategic focus on non-dilutive financing aim to address the capital-intensive nature of European climate and deep tech startups, providing growth capital and venture debt to support these companies in their journey to global champions. With a goal of fostering European champions that cross borders, Kembara Fund I is well-positioned to capitalize on geopolitical support from European sovereign wealth funds and corporations.

Credit-card users may see a小幅, temporary impact on their FICO scores following a limit reduction due to lower usage, as issuers use utilization and activity to manage risk. Notifications are typically provided in advance and again after the change; failure to receive them does not indicate an error but reflects standard operational timing.

The CFPB requires 45 days’ notice before over-the-limit fees can be charged, and an adverse action notice must be provided when limits are lowered. Credit bureaus aggregate data across all accounts, so a reduction at one issuer is unlikely to trigger similar actions at others or cause “contagion.”

Maintaining a utilization rate of 25%–30% is advisable. Keeping one or two active cards and canceling others can help stabilize ratios and prevent future inactivity-driven reductions. Overall, while the change may register on reports, it is not a reflection of personal creditworthiness and is unlikely to affect major borrowing decisions in the short term.

[Para 1: The Lead]

ElevenLabs, backed by Nvidia, has seen its valuation skyrocket 300% in less than a month following a $500M financing round, now valued at $11B. This marks a significant leap from its $3.3B valuation post-C round financing in September.

[Para 2-3: Supporting details & Context]

The financing, led by Sequoia Capital, with continued backing from Andreessen Horowitz and Iconiq Capital, alongside new investors LightSpeed Venture Partners, Evantic Capital, and Bond. Nvidia, an early strategic investor, has been pivotal in the company's growth. Founded in 2022, ElevenLabs, headquartered in London, has expanded from AI text-to-speech technology to include voice recognition, sound synthesis, music creation, and conversational AI, serving clients like Time, Nvidia, Deutsche Telekom, and Revolut, among others, supporting major tech giants' metaverse and user experience projects. With annual recurring revenue surpassing $330M in 2025, enterprise commercialization has become the core driver of growth. The funds will be used to expand beyond single voice scenarios, redefining human-computer interaction, and accelerating the construction of a 'dialog + operation' smart assistant ecosystem. ElevenLabs is also accelerating its global expansion, with subsidiaries established in Europe, Brazil, India, Japan, South Korea, and Mexico, paving the way for an IPO.