U.S. stocks and gold surge! Dow Jones breaks through 50,000 points

Local time February 6th, the three major U.S. stock indices closed higher, with the Dow Jones reaching a historic high and breaking through the 50,000-point mark for the first time. Chinese concept stocks generally rose, with the NASDAQ Golden Dragon China Index soaring 3.71%.

Precious metals surged significantly, with both spot gold and silver prices rising sharply. London gold spot prices increased by 3.98%, and London silver spot prices rose by 9.70%.

Dow Jones Hits Record High

On February 6th, local time, the three major U.S. stock indices closed higher. The Dow Jones rose 2.47%, to 50,115.67 points, setting a new record and breaking through the 50,000-point mark for the first time; the S&P 500 increased by 1.97%; the Nasdaq gained 2.18%.

Large-cap U.S. technology stocks had mixed performances, with the US Tech Seven Giants Index up 1.02%. Among individual stocks, Nvidia surged over 7%, Tesla rose more than 3%, Microsoft increased nearly 2%, and Apple gained 0.80%. Amazon fell over 5%, Google declined more than 2%, and Meta dropped 1.31%.

Chinese concept stocks generally rose, with the NASDAQ China Golden Dragon Index up 3.71%, and the Chinese tech leader index up 2.90%. Notable individual stocks included Zhengye Bio up 16%, Century Internet and Land Holdings up over 10%, Hesai Technology and Xiaoma Zhixing both up more than 9%, GDS Holdings and Niu Technologies both up over 8%, and NIO rose more than 7%.

Precious Metals Rebound Significantly

As of 6:22 AM Beijing time on February 7th, London gold spot prices increased by 3.98%, to $4,966.61 per ounce; COMEX gold futures rose by 2.03%, to $4,988.6 per ounce. London silver spot prices increased by 9.70%, to $77.78 per ounce; COMEX silver futures rose by 1.06%, to $77.53 per ounce.

In crude oil, according to Xinhua News Agency, as of the close on February 6th local time, international oil prices edged higher. NYMEX March delivery light crude futures rose by 26 cents, closing at $63.55 per barrel, up 0.41%; April delivery London Brent crude futures rose by 50 cents, closing at $68.05 per barrel, up 0.74%.

Iran-U.S. Negotiations “Temporarily” Conclude

Iranian Foreign Minister Says Start Was Good

According to Xinhua News Agency, Iran and the U.S. held indirect talks in Muscat, Oman, on February 6th. Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian stated after the negotiations that the start was good, and both sides had reached a consensus to continue talks, but avoiding threats and pressure is a necessary precondition for any dialogue.

Iranian media reported on the 6th that Abdollahian said the talks were positive, with both sides engaging in long, substantive discussions. “I think the atmosphere is very good, and it’s a good start.” He added that if the negotiations maintain this momentum, it might be possible to reach a mutually acceptable framework, but whether negotiations will continue depends on the leadership of both countries.

Abdollahian emphasized that despite the U.S. deploying relevant military forces around the region, the negotiations on that day were limited to nuclear issues, and Iran would not engage in dialogue with the U.S. on any other topics. He stressed that avoiding threats and pressure is a necessary precondition for any dialogue.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson told Iranian media that the Iran-U.S. talks in Oman “are temporarily” concluded, and the delegations may return to their respective capitals. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Badri posted on social media that all parties plan to hold negotiations again at an appropriate time, and both Iran and the U.S. will take the results back to their capitals for careful review.

The negotiations started at noon that day, slightly delayed from the original schedule. The Iranian delegation was led by Abdollahian, and the U.S. delegation was led by President Biden’s special envoy Robert Malley and Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former President Trump. According to Qatar’s Al Jazeera, U.S. Central Command Commander General Michael Kurilla participated as a member of the U.S. delegation. The CENTCOM commander is the highest-ranking military commander of the U.S. military in the Middle East.

During the negotiations, Abdollahian first held talks with Badr al-Badri, expressing positions and suggestions on negotiation topics, related demands, and concerns. After their discussion, Wittekov and Badr al-Badri held talks. This indirect negotiation cycle continued in this manner. During the consultations, Badr al-Badri communicated with both Iran and the U.S. when necessary.

Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported on the 6th that Iran explicitly stated during the negotiations that it would not accept the condition of “not conducting uranium enrichment activities.”

U.S. White House spokesperson John Kirby stated on the 5th regarding the Iran-U.S. negotiations that besides diplomatic means, “there are many options available for consideration.” When asked by reporters, Kirby said that the negotiations with Iran on the 6th would focus on “advancing the diplomatic process,” and achieving “zero nuclear capability” is a position repeatedly emphasized by President Trump. “He wants to see if an agreement can be reached.”