Stories from New York · United States

Goldman Sachs has filed documentation with the SEC to launch a Bitcoin fund. Oil prices remain high despite a slight recent decline, having increased by over 75% since the start of the year. The firm announced a crude oil price forecast of 90 dollars. The report comes amid ongoing searches for a solution to current regional tensions. Analysts suggest the outlook could determine if the current price rally continues or loses momentum. The bank warned that the current pace of inventory depletion is unsustainable and could lead to demand disruption and macroeconomic strain. The firm noted that prolonged supply shocks increase the risk of demand disruption and broader macroeconomic strain if disruptions persist. Markets are increasingly pricing in a prolonged supply shock.

The US IPO market is projected to experience high volume this year driven by several mega-scale deals. Analysts anticipate activity from companies such as SpaceX, Tropico, and OpenAI. While Hong Kong led in total deal count last year, the US market is expected to see large absolute numbers due to these specific large-scale transactions. The market landscape includes both IPOs and secondary offerings.

Cooper Flagg of the Dallas Mavericks has been named the NBA Rookie of the Year. Flagg averaged 21 points per game during his debut season. He won the award over VJ Edgecomb of the Charlotte Hornets and the Philadelphia 76ers' candidate. Additionally, Minnesota Timberwolves player Anthony Edwards is listed as week-to-week following an MRI that revealed a hyperextended left knee and bone bruise. The announcement follows a Nuggets victory over the Timberwolves with a score of 125 to 113. Flagg narrowly beat former teammate Duke Conknipple for the award. He is the second youngest player to win the honor, following LeBron James.

Choreographer Cameron Cinqueau Fraser will premiere a new full-length ballet titled 'Seca Lacquem, Controlled Burn' with Ballet Colonne. The performance features indigenous leadership at the helm and is scheduled for May 1 and May 2 at the Colonne Community Theatre. The production aims to present indigenous stories led by indigenous peoples.

Verizon reported adding 55,000 net new mobile phone customers during January. This marks the first time in 13 years that the wireless provider has signed up more subscribers than it lost. The company remains the number one wireless provider in the United States.

Iran has been elected as one of 34 vice-presidents at the 11th Review Conference of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) held at the UN headquarters in New York. The United States criticized the election, calling it an insult to nations that comply with non-proliferation obligations. The Trump administration maintains a demand for the complete removal of highly enriched uranium and a 20-year suspension of Iran's nuclear program. Iran has dismissed the US criticism as political posturing. The election follows an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting US port blockades, while delaying complex nuclear discussions.

The NBA has issued fines to players Marcus Smart and Luke Kennard.

Critical Metals has reached an agreement to acquire European Lithium for $835 million. The acquisition of European Lithium by Critical Metals is trending in Chinese financial markets. Critical Metals' acquisition of European Lithium has caused US rare earth concept stocks to rise across the board.

The Trump administration is reportedly focused on removing Diaz-Canel from power in Cuba. Analysts suggest the administration will seek a deal similar to Venezuela's, where current power structures remain but cooperate with the US. The Cuban Communist Party is not expected to disappear.

The United States aims to ensure Chinese infrastructure projects do not undermine the region's infrastructure and energy grids. This approach seeks to encourage better behavior from China without completely blocking its participation in the region. The conversation also touched upon the possibility of regime change in Cuba.