Category: News
Knicks consiguen su octava victoria seguida al superar 134-127 a los Nuggets tras dos tiempos extra
NUEVA YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson anotó 42 puntos, repartió nueve asistencias y capturó ocho rebotes, y los Knicks de Nueva York consiguieron su octava victoria consecutiva al superar el miércoles 134-127 a los Nuggets de Denver después de dos tiempos extra.
Karl-Anthony Towns añadió 24 unidades y 12 rebotes mientras jugaba con un vendaje sobre su ojo derecho después de sufrir un corte en un choque de cabezas en el primer cuarto. Fue expulsado por faltas en el primer tiempo extra, pero Brunson se hizo cargo con diez puntos en el segundo período adicional.
Jamal Murray anotó 39 puntos para los Nuggets, mientras que Nikola Jokic sumó 30 tantos, 14 tablas y 10 asistencias en su primer triple-doble desde que regresó de una lesión en la rodilla la semana pasada. Denver perdió su tercer partido consecutivo, habiendo caído ante los líderes de conferencia Oklahoma City y Detroit en sus dos juegos anteriores.
Los Knicks ganaron su racha de victorias por un promedio de 24,7 puntos antes del emocionante partido del miércoles en el que ninguno de los equipos lideró por cifras de dos dígitos. OG Anunoby anotó 20 tatos.
Los Nuggets perdieron a los delanteros titulares Peyton Watson y Spencer Jones por lesiones durante el juego, con Watson saliendo cojeando en el cuarto cuarto con una aparente lesión en la pierna derecha.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Is 3,000 points possible for Morgan Park Academy’s Tiara Williams? She moves up IHSA list. ‘It’s challenging.’
Morgan Park Academy’s Tiara Williams has been a player to watch for most of her life.
Just ask teammate Cecelia Drown, who has known Williams since they were 3 or 4 years old.
“She’s still as fun now as she was then,” Drown said. “Skill-wise, she was always athletic. That hasn’t really changed at all.”
Williams continued to show a variety of those skills Wednesday night.
The 5-foot-7 junior guard totaled 27 points, six rebounds, six assists and six steals to lead the Warriors to a 62-29 win over Wolcott in the Lake Shore Athletic Conference Tournament semifinals in Chicago.
Drown added 14 points, four rebounds and five steals for Morgan Park Academy (22-3). Tayler Rowland chipped in with eight points and six steals in the rout of Wolcott (10-13).
The Warriors face either Intrinsic or Horizon in Friday’s tournament championship game.
Williams, meanwhile, is one of the few players in the state who can score 27 points and have her average actually go down. Entering the game, she was averaging 29.1 points.
“Every time for three years, everybody comes at her,” Morgan Park Academy coach Tom Drahozal said of Williams. “The fact that she continues to put up numbers, to me, stands out.
“But now, more of her teammates are consistently involved. That takes a lot of pressure off of her. If you try to lock her down, our guards especially can go out and get their shots, too.”
Morgan Park Academy’s Tayler Rowland, left, fires off a pass as Wolcott’s Tara Roche defends in a Lake Shore Athletic Conference Tournament game in Chicago on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2026. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)
Williams had an extraordinary performance on Jan. 7 against Intrinsic, creating history in the process.
She scored 43 points, including a game-winning 3-point basket with six seconds left, in a 61-60 victory that gave her the school record — for both boys and girls — with 2,055. She eclipsed the 2,012 of Damon Williams. She long ago passed the girls record of 1,705 set by Isis Rodriguez.
“When she’s done, she could very well be over 3,000-point mark,” Drahozal said of Williams. “If she stays healthy, she could be one of the top five or six scorers in the state.”
But Williams isn’t looking that far ahead. She’s locked in on trying to get her team a sectional title. The Warriors have earned 11 regional titles in Class 1A since 2008 but haven’t won a sectional.
Morgan Park Academy’s Logan Lomax, right, hauls down a rebound against Wolcott in a Lake Shore Athletic Conference Tournament game in Chicago on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2026. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)
In Williams’ freshman season, Morgan Park Academy lost 75-22 to St. Bede in the Gardner-South Wilmington Sectional semifinals.
As a sophomore, Williams and the Warriors dropped a 54-26 decision to Amboy in the Hinckley-Big Rock Sectional semifinals.
This winter, however, could be different, according to Williams.
“I like how we’re all connected,” she said. “When we’re in school or out of school, we always message each other. When we get here (on the court), we have a bond.”
This season, the Warriors also will not be sent out west for the sectionals, leading to less travel time. They are at the Fenger Sectional, which consists of several city and suburban teams.
“Any team can do it on any given day,” Drown said of the postseason. “It’s who wants it more. Our work has to match the want. That means we have to be cohesive with each other.”
Morgan Park’s Tiara Williams smiles after narrowly missing a steal attempt against Wolcott in a Lake Shore Athletic Conference Tournament game in Chicago on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2026. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)
Williams has been working hard during the offseason to sharpen her game. While she has been amazing playing against small schools, she still challenges herself during the AAU season.
She played with Midwest Elite Meanstreets and participated in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League, going up against some of the best players her age in the nation.
She wasn’t averaging 29 points a game against that type of formidable competition, but she confirmed that she likes going up against the best.
“It’s challenging,” Williams said. “We’re all good, so we force each other to get better.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/02/04/tiara-willliams-morgan-park-academy-basketball/
Hong Kong Graduates Face Toughest Job Market In Five Years
Hong Kong Graduates Face Toughest Job Market In Five Years
Hong Kong’s graduate job market reached its weakest level in five years in 2025, as hiring dropped sharply and wages showed almost no growth, according to SCMP. University data revealed that job openings fell by 55 per cent from the previous year, declining to just over 30,000 positions, even lower than during the pandemic period. This marked a major shift from earlier years, when more than 80,000 graduate jobs were available annually. The steady decline since 2023 suggests that opportunities for young people have been shrinking for some time, rather than collapsing suddenly.
At the same time, salary growth has slowed to a near standstill. The average monthly pay for new graduates rose by only 0.5 per cent to HK$20,961, the smallest increase in recent years. This was a sharp contrast to the stronger wage growth seen between 2022 and 2024. Management trainee positions, which are often viewed as a gateway to leadership roles, were also badly affected. Their numbers fell to the lowest level in five years, and average pay in this category even declined slightly.
These trends have had a direct impact on youth unemployment. The jobless rate among people aged 20 to 24 climbed to 12.3 per cent, one of the highest levels recorded in decades. More than 17,000 young people were without work during the final months of 2025. For many graduates, this means longer job searches, repeated rejections, and growing uncertainty about their future.
SCMP writes that frustration and anxiety have become common among jobseekers, especially on social media platforms. One graduate wrote, “I am also a graduate from a professional discipline and have been looking for a job since May, but I still have no offer.” Another shared her emotional struggle, saying, “Being unable to secure a job makes me feel very nervous, and my emotions have become difficult to control. When will I get a suitable job?” Some users also complained that available positions often came with low pay and limited prospects, making it difficult to build a stable career.
Experts point to rapid technological change as one of the main causes of the decline in entry-level jobs. Human resources consultant Alexa Chow explained, “The speed and penetration of AI have been so fast that it has created many challenges for jobseekers,” adding that “Jobs like general customer service and translation are quite easily replaced by AI.” As companies adopt automated systems, fewer junior staff are needed to handle routine tasks that once served as training grounds for graduates.
Economic uncertainty has also played a major role. Weak consumer spending, especially in retail, catering, and entertainment, has forced many businesses to cut costs. As a result, employers are more reluctant to invest in fresh graduates who require training and supervision. Management trainee programmes, which demand long-term commitment and resources, have been among the first to be reduced.
Recruiters say companies are now far more selective in their hiring. Jobsdb’s Bill Lee observed, “In the current environment, we observe that employers are more selective in their hiring criteria.” Many firms prefer candidates who can contribute immediately, rather than those who need time to develop. This puts fresh graduates at a disadvantage, particularly those without internship or part-time work experience.
Despite the gloomy outlook, experts stress that graduates are not without options. Developing practical skills, gaining real-world experience, and learning to use digital and AI tools can help improve employability. Some professions that rely heavily on human interaction, such as counselling and psychology, remain less affected by automation. In a tougher job market, adaptability, continuous learning, and resilience may be key to helping young people navigate an increasingly competitive employment landscape.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/04/2026 – 23:00
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/hong-kong-graduates-face-toughest-job-market-five-years
Varios policías de Toronto son arrestados antes de difusión de resultados de pesquisa por corrupción
Por ROB GILLIES
TORONTO (AP) — Varios agentes de policía de Toronto han sido arrestados y una fuerza policial vecina anunció que el jueves dará detalles de una investigación sobre crimen organizado y corrupción.
Clayton Campbell, presidente del sindicato de la policía de Toronto, afirmó el miércoles que está al tanto de que “varios de sus miembros” fueron arrestados, pero se negó a proporcionar más detalles.
La Policía Regional de York informó que el jueves anunciará los resultados de una extensa pesquisa sobre crimen organizado y corrupción.
El jefe de la Policía Regional de York, Jim MacSween, estará acompañado por el jefe del Servicio de Policía de Toronto, Myron Demkiw, en una conferencia de prensa por la mañana.
El sindicato, llamado Asociación de Policía de Toronto, señaló que representa a más de 8.500 miembros uniformados y civiles del Servicio de Policía de Toronto, “cuya dedicación a la seguridad pública y compromiso con los valores de nuestras organizaciones no debería ser cuestionada o puesta en duda ante estas acusaciones”.
Un portavoz de la policía de Toronto no respondió por el momento a una solicitud de comentarios.
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Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con la ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Tigres y el lanzador Framber Valdez acuerdan por 115 millones y 3 años, según fuente de AP
Por LARRY LAGE
El lanzador Framber Valdez y los Tigres de Detroit han llegado a un acuerdo contractual de tres años y 115 millones de dólares, dijo el miércoles una persona familiarizada con la situación.
La persona habló con The Associated Press bajo condición de anonimato porque el acuerdo no había sido anunciado oficialmente.
Valdez se convirtió en uno de los abridores más duraderos del béisbol con los Astros de Houston. Ahora, el zurdo está listo para unirse a una rotación de los Tigres encabezada por el dos veces ganador del premio Cy Young de la Liga Americana, Tarik Skubal.
Skubal asistió a una audiencia de arbitraje salarial récord el miércoles. El zurdo pide 32 millones de dólares y los Tigres ofrecen 19 millones.
Valdez ha sido seleccionado dos veces al Juego de Estrellas y conquistó la Serie Mundial 2022. Fue el as de Houston la temporada pasada con un récord de 13-11 y una efectividad de 3.66, y se convirtió en agente libre por primera vez.
Ponchó a 187 y caminó a 68 en 192 entradas. El dominicano realizó 12 lanzamientos descontrolados, la mayor cifa en las Grandes Ligas.
Devengó 18 millones de dólares mediante un acuerdo alcanzado en el receso anterior entre campañas, que evitó el arbitraje salarial. Inició los últimos cuatro duelos inaugurales de temporada de Houston.
Desde que debutó en las Grandes Ligas en 2018 con los Astros, Valdez tiene un récord de 81-52 con una efectividad de 3.36. El dominicano de 32 años promedió más de 191 entradas en las últimas cuatro temporadas, uniéndose al derecho de los Gigantes, Logan Webb, como los únicos dos lanzadores en laborar al menos 175 entradas cada uno de esos años.
Valdez ostentó un récord de 15-7 con una efectividad de 2.91 en 28 juegos en 2024 y lanzó un juego sin hit en 2023, cuando fue elegido al Clásico de Mitad de Temporada por segundo año consecutivo. Tiene un récord de 8-4 con una efectividad de 4.34 en 17 juegos de postemporada, incluyendo 16 aperturas.
Valdez lanzó en dos Series Mundiales con los Astros y fue el ganador en el sexto y decisivo duelo que aseguró su campeonato de 2022 contra Filadelfia.
En la Serie de 2022, tuvo un récord de 2-0 en dos aperturas. Toleró dos carreras en 12 innings y un tercio (efectividad de 1.46) con 18 ponches. Un año antes, permitió diez carreras y 12 hits en cuatro entradas y dos tercios (efectividad de 19.29) en dos aperturas contra Atlanta.
Valdez rechazó una oferta calificada de 22.025.000 dólares de los Astros en noviembre, por lo que recibirían una selección compensatoria en el draft si completa su acuerdo con Detroit.
El 1 de agosto de 2023, Valdez lanzó un juego sin hit contra Cleveland. Estuvo cerca de otro poco más de un año después contra Texas, pero esa oportunidad se rompió cuando Corey Seager conectó un jonrón con dos outs en la novena entrada.
Hubo un momento extraño la temporada pasada cuando Valdez negó haber golpeado intencionalmente a su receptor en el pecho con un lanzamiento casi inmediatamente después de haber permitido un grand slam en una derrota ante los Yankees de Nueva York.
Dos lanzamientos después del grand slam de Trent Grisham en la victoria de los Yankees por 7-1 en aquel duelo del 2 de septiembre, Valdez confundió al receptor mexicano César Salazar al lanzar un sinker de 92,8 mph a Anthony Volpe.
Salazar movió su guante hacia abajo mientras el lanzamiento se acercaba al plato, una indicación de que esperaba un lanzamiento con menos velocidad y más quiebre. La bola lo golpeó en el peto.
Justo antes del lanzamiento que Grisham envió por encima de la cerca, Salazar había hecho una señal para que Valdez se bajara del montículo. Valdez y Salazar dijeron después del juego que el lanzamiento que golpeó al receptor no fue intencional.
El manager boricua de los Astros, Joe Espada, insistió un día después en que la situación estaba “100% resuelta” en su mente. Añadió que quería “superar esto y volver al béisbol”, y se reunió con ambos jugadores.
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El escritor de deportes de AP, Stephen Hawkins, contribuyó a este informe.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Oficialismo espera que Ley de Amnistía acelere y potencie el diálogo y la convivencia en Venezuela
CARACAS (AP) — El presidente de la Asamblea Nacional de Venezuela, Jorge Rodríguez, manifestó el miércoles que espera que el proyecto de Ley de Amnistía sea discutido y aprobado pronto en el legislativo, y sirva de herramienta para potenciar el diálogo con los sectores políticos, económicos y sociales del país.
“En este caso lo que quisiéramos es que esta ley dé un mensaje poderoso, potente, de la intención de un nuevo momento político que además potencie de manera acelerada el diálogo entre los factores políticos, sociales, económicos y culturales del país”, manifestó Rodríguez a la prensa, luego de una reunión entre representantes de los partidos de la alianza oficialista y varias organizaciones de oposición.
La presidenta encargada, Delcy Rodríguez, anunció el viernes pasado un proyecto de ley de amnistía para la liberación masiva de dirigentes opositores, sindicalistas, periodistas, estudiantes y activistas de derechos humanos presos por motivos políticos.
Rodríguez fue juramentada como presidenta encargada el 5 de enero ante la Asamblea Nacional, dos días después de que Estados Unidos, en un audaz operativo militar, depuso y capturó en la capital venezolana al exmandatario Nicolás Maduro. La entonces vicepresidenta era, de acuerdo con la Constitución, la primera en la línea de sucesión.
La propuesta de ley fue recibida con cautela por organizaciones defensoras de los derechos humanos, entre ellas Foro Penal, una de las más prestigiosas del país sudamericano y que monitorea la situación de los presos.
El presidente del Foro Penal, Alfredo Romero, sostiene que la citada ley genera optimismo, pero pidió cautela y que “no sirva para crear un manto de impunidad por violaciones a los derechos humanos en el pasado”.
La ley de amnistía era una de las principales exigencias de la oposición y activistas por los derechos humanos, y Estados Unidos la respaldaba. Esa petición se acentuó especialmente tras la separación de Maduro del poder.
Los años a considerar en el proyecto de ley incluyen el mandato del fallecido presidente Hugo Chávez (1999-2013) y el de Maduro (2013-2026), su sucesor y heredero político. La ley de amnistía, según se informó, excluirá a los condenados por homicidio, tráfico de drogas y violaciones graves a los derechos humanos.
Previamente, el 8 de enero —luego del traslado de Maduro para comparecer ante un tribunal en Nueva York con el fin de que enfrente cargos por presunto narcoterrorismo—, la presidenta encargada ofreció la liberación de un “número importante” de presos como una señal para consolidar la paz y convivencia.
Sin embargo, el proceso ha enfrentado críticas de familiares y organizaciones civiles por falta de celeridad e información de las excarcelaciones.
Voceros del gobierno han dicho que ha liberado a casi 900 reclusos desde diciembre.
Según cifras de Foro Penal, desde el 8 de enero hasta las 10 de la mañana del miércoles, 350 personas han sido excarceladas y más de 600 permanecen detenidas por razones políticas.
El gobierno niega que existan “presos políticos”, y acusa a los detenidos de conspirar para desestabilizarlo.
Timberwolves consiguen su quinta victoria en seis juegos al vencer 128-126 a los Raptors
TORONTO (AP) — Anthony Edwards anotó 13 de sus 30 puntos en el último cuarto, Bones Hyland sumó 20 unidades y los Timberwolves de Minnesota superaron un déficit de 18 tantos para vencer el miércoles 128-126 a los Raptors de Toronto.
Jaden McDaniels anotó 19 puntos, Naz Reid y Julius Randle tuvieron 17 cada uno y Donte DiVincenzo agregó 15 para la quinta victoria en seis juegos de los Timberwolves que rompieron una racha de cuatro derrotas consecutivas al norte de la frontera.
Rudy Gobert tuvo diez puntos y 12 rebotes mientras los Timberwolves mejoraron a 14-5 contra oponentes de la Conferencia Este.
Brandon Ingram anotó 25 tantos, Immanuel Quickley tuvo 23 y Scottie Barnes tuvo 22 puntos y diez rebotes para los Raptors.
A pesar de que Ingram encestó un triple en el último segundo, Toronto perdió por cuarta vez en sus últimos cinco juegos en casa.
Sandro Mamukelashvili anotó 14 puntos para Toronto. RJ Barrett y Collin Murray-Boyles tuvieron 13 cada uno.
El escolta Ochai Agbaji no estuvo con los Raptors el miércoles en el último juego antes de la fecha límite de intercambio del jueves por la tarde.
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Deportes AP: https://apnews.com/hub/deportes
Netanyahu Tells US Envoys Iran Cannot Be Trusted If Deal Is Reached
Netanyahu Tells US Envoys Iran Cannot Be Trusted If Deal Is Reached
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US envoy Steve Witkoff during a meeting in Jerusalem on Tuesday that Iran cannot be trusted, as Witkoff prepares for potential talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
“Ahead of Envoy Witkoff’s departure to meet with a representative of Iran, the Prime Minister clarified his position that Iran has proven time and again that its promises cannot be relied upon,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement after the talks.
According to Haaretz, President Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, also attended the meeting. While holding no official position in the Trump administration, Kushner has been deeply involved in US engagement with Israel and negotiations on Gaza.
Initial reports said Witkoff and Araghchi were expected to meet in Turkey, but the venue may now be changed to Oman. Axios reported on Tuesday that Iran was making new demands related to the talks, but the claim was contradicted by Ali Vaez of the Crisis Group.
“A senior Iranian official just told me that this report is not accurate: ‘Both sides are deciding together on the best format and venue,’ he noted,” Vaez wrote on X in response to the Axios report. The White House also said that talks are still planned for this Friday.
It’s unlikely that a deal between the US and Iran can be reached as the Trump administration is demanding that any agreement must include limits on Tehran’s missile program, a condition Iranian officials have said is a non-starter.
President Trump has been threatening to bomb Iran for weeks and has ordered a major US military buildup in the region, which has involved the deployment of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its strike group and additional air defenses.
The president is now pushing the idea of some sort of deal with Iran, but before the launch of the 12-Day War, he was also calling for diplomacy as part of a deception campaign to keep Tehran offguard.
U.S. official to Axios:
It’s really the Israelis who want a strike on Iran.
The President is just not there. pic.twitter.com/dTpkxeHNAI
— Clash Report (@clashreport) February 3, 2026
Israel launched the war on June 13, a few days before the US and Iran were scheduled to hold another round of nuclear talks. Hours before the first Israeli airstrikes hit, President Trump said he was committed to diplomacy with Iran.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/04/2026 – 22:35
Appeals court revives Michigan City woman’s wrongful termination suit
The Indiana Court of Appeals sided with a Michigan City woman who alleged multiple state agencies wrongfully dismissed a complaint after she appealed her termination at the Indiana State Prison.
“This is a major victory for transparency for thousands of state employees who had no warning that this so-called ‘reform’ was coming as it appeared in the late days of the 2011 legislative session without debate or consideration in any committee,” Shaw Friedman, principal of Friedman and Associates, said in a news release. “By allowing this claim to proceed … the court has ensured that the state cannot use procedural technicalities to shield arguably unconstitutional laws from judicial review.”
The law firm called the appellate court’s decision “a significant ruling for state employees,” and it has allowed for a direct constitutional challenge to the 2011 Civil Service Reform Act, according to the news release. Court of Appeals Judges Elizabeth Tavitas, Dana Kenworthy, and Mark Bailey unanimously sided with Callie Burke’s complaints.
The decision allows Burke to proceed with a declaratory judgment action that alleges the Civil Service Reform Act was passed in violation of the Indiana Constitution’s single-subject clause, according to the news release. Burke’s lawsuit alleges the act was “improperly tucked” into a 294-page 2011 budget bill.
“For 15 years, a lack of due process has silenced most of Indiana’s state employees, but this ruling breaks that silence,” Laura Nirenberg, associate attorney at Friedman and Associates, said in a release. “One of the most important findings in this decision is the court’s directive to the State Employee Appeals Commission … that it has a mandatory duty to consider an employee’s challenge to their status as ‘unclassified’ (versus) ‘classified,” a distinction that makes all the difference in whether an employee is protected by due process or left ‘at-will.’ The court has made clear that the state cannot simply ‘opt-out’ of its responsibility to provide a fair process for its workers.”
According to court documents, Burke was terminated from employment at the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City on April 10, 2023, because Burke failed to appropriately report and document information received and cell phone use and possession by an inmate.
Burke challenged her termination and sought to be reinstated.
She appealed her termination to the warden, the State Personnel Department, and the State Employees’ Appeals Commission. The commission dismissed Burke’s complaint, and she filed a petition for judicial review but failed to timely file the record.
The LaPorte County Circuit Court dismissed her petition, according to court documents. Burke’s appeal argued that the court made an error “by dismissing her petition for judicial review.”
Her appeal also argued that Burke’s petition presented a claim for declaratory judgment, which the appellate court agreed with. The judges will allow the claim to proceed, arguing that the LaPorte County court made an error by dismissing it.
Although the court ultimately sided with Burke, they agreed the court properly dismissed the petition for judicial review because she failed to timely file the agency record, according to court documents.
“Burke’s facial constitutionality claim, however, was not capable of being resolved by (the State Employee’s Appeals Commission), and thus, we remand for the trial court to consider that declaratory judgment claim,” the opinion said. “Accordingly, we affirm in part, reverse in part, and remand.”
Silver Crashes 20% As China Opens, Gold & Bitcoin Also Plunging
Silver Crashes 20% As China Opens, Gold & Bitcoin Also Plunging
On the heels of today’s momentum collapse in the US, Silver prices have puked almost 20% in a matter of hours after Asian markets opened…
…erasing the rebound gains of the last three days…
The overall decline from when Trump’s announcement of Warsh’s nomination as the next Fed Chair is now back up to 40%.
“Sentiment seems to have turned soggy across most asset classes, including regional equities and metals,” said Christopher Wong, a strategist at Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp Ltd.
“This underscores fragile sentiment” and has created “a feedback loop amid thin market liquidity,” he said.
Spot Gold prices are also down (around 4-5%), with $5000 seemingly acting as serious resistance…
There’s no obvious specific catalysts for the decline in precious metals for now but Goldman Sachs does note that data suggested that Chinese speculators may have played a minor role in the recent volatility (until now).
The timing suggests that Western flows rather than Chinese speculative activity drove late January’s volatility.
Most of the buildup and unwind in gold prices occurred while SHFE–the venue for Chinese speculative futures trading–was closed.
Additionally, China’s strong tradition of physical precious metals ownership and easy access to physical keep it as the dominant form of demand, with the speculative paper market in China — including SHFE futures market and ETF market — being relatively small.
But, given the magnitude and timing of tonight’s collapse, it would appear the speculative Chinese investor has pulled the rug (although gold-backed ETFs are gaining traction in China, their market size remains tiny compared to Western counterparts).
Silver’s relative underperformance has smashed the Gold/Silver ratio back above 65x (6 week highs)…
Bitcoin is also accelerating its losses during the US day session, back below $72,000…
The collapse of these ‘alt’ currencies is coming as the US dollar’s recent gains accelerate…
“Price action is likely to remain volatile until there is greater certainty on the monetary policy outlook,” Standard Chartered Plc analysts including Sudakshina Unnikrishnan said in a note.
Some of this near-term volatility is resulting from investors redeeming their holdings in exchange-traded products, they said, but “structural drivers remain intact and we continue to expect a rebuild to the upside.”
Tyler Durden
Wed, 02/04/2026 – 22:25
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/silver-crashes-20-china-opens-gold-bitcoin-also-plunging
