India–U.S. Interim Trade Pact Cuts Auto Tariffs but Leaves Tesla Out 
Dollar Near Two-Week High as Stock Rout, AI Concerns and Global Events Drive Market Volatility 
U.S. Stock Futures Slide as Tech Rout Deepens on Amazon Capex Shock 
Gold Prices Slide Below $5,000 as Strong Dollar and Central Bank Outlook Weigh on Metals 
Japanese Pharmaceutical Stocks Slide as TrumpRx.gov Launch Sparks Market Concerns 
South Africa Eyes ECB Repo Lines as Inflation Eases and Rate Cuts Loom 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Dollar Steadies Ahead of ECB and BoE Decisions as Markets Turn Risk-Off 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
South Korea’s Weak Won Struggles as Retail Investors Pour Money Into U.S. Stocks 
Oil Prices Slide on US-Iran Talks, Dollar Strength and Profit-Taking Pressure 
Silver Prices Plunge in Asian Trade as Dollar Strength Triggers Fresh Precious Metals Sell-Off 
Asian Stocks Slip as Tech Rout Deepens, Japan Steadies Ahead of Election 
Thailand Inflation Remains Negative for 10th Straight Month in January 
Global Markets Slide as AI, Crypto, and Precious Metals Face Heightened Volatility 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
China Extends Gold Buying Streak as Reserves Surge Despite Volatile Prices 
Southwest Airlines Close to Settlement with Elliott Investment to Avoid Proxy Fight
Southwest Airlines (NYSE: LUV) is reportedly nearing a settlement with Elliott Investment Management to avoid a proxy battle over the airline's board control. According to Bloomberg, negotiations are in progress to grant Elliott several board seats, though fewer than a majority, potentially resolving the standoff by Thursday.
Elliott, holding a 10% stake in Southwest, has been pushing for significant changes, including replacing eight directors and shrinking the board from 15 to 12 members by next year. The activist investor has also advocated for a shift in strategy to enhance financial performance and boost share prices. It has sought to oust CEO Bob Jordan and held discussions with other shareholders to garner support.
While the potential settlement may provide Elliott with board representation, it remains unclear whether CEO Bob Jordan’s position will be impacted. The talks are ongoing, and a final agreement has not been confirmed, with the possibility that negotiations could break down.
Both Southwest and Elliott declined to comment on the matter.
Southwest has been facing profitability challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, the airline has implemented measures such as increasing legroom and reconsidering its open seating system to improve passenger experience and drive revenue growth.
