Azerbaijan’s State Oil Fund (SOFAZ) has significantly increased its allocation to gold as a hedge against market volatility, the fund told Euronews on Feb. 5, 2026. As of Jan. 1, 2026, gold comprised 38.2% of SOFAZ’s portfolio, up from the prior year, after the fund purchased 53.4 tonnes of gold last year, bringing its total reserves to about 200 tonnes. SOFAZ said decisions on the gold sub‑portfolio follow its approved investment framework and risk‑return targets rather than short‑term price swings. The fund reported USD 22.7 billion in investment returns over the past five years, driven largely by a fourfold expansion of its equity holdings that delivered roughly USD 10 billion and a 305% return since a diversification strategy launched in 2012. Recent wild gold price moves — a record above $5,500 an ounce followed by a drop after the announcement of Kevin Warsh as U.S. Federal Reserve chair, and a rebound to around $5,000 — have underscored SOFAZ’s rationale for increasing precious metals exposure to protect state reserves and support budgetary and strategic projects.

Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveler Review Awards, published in early February 2026 and cited by Travel + Leisure and Time Out, ranked Fredericksburg, Texas, as the most welcoming destination in the United States. The awards analyzed more than 370 million verified reviews to identify places where accommodation partners consistently deliver standout hospitality. Fredericksburg, about 80 miles west of Austin in the Texas Hill Country, was highlighted for its arts scene, historic German heritage, outdoor attractions such as Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, and more than 75 wineries and tasting rooms. Palm Desert, California, and Cape May, New Jersey, finished second and third respectively, with Broken Bow, Oklahoma, and Waikoloa, Hawaii, completing the U.S. top five. Internationally, Montepulciano, Italy, topped Booking.com’s global hospitality list, followed by destinations including Magong (Taiwan), San Martín de los Andes (Argentina) and Harrogate (UK). Booking.com said the awards celebrate local partners that consistently earn positive traveler reviews, reflecting a broader trend that friendliness and service weigh heavily in travel decisions.

India’s Competition Commission (CCI) has ordered a formal antitrust investigation into InterGlobe Aviation’s IndiGo after finding prima facie evidence that the carrier abused a dominant market position by cancelling thousands of flights in early December and contributing to sharp fare increases for stranded travellers. In a 16-page order dated Feb. 4, 2026, the watchdog directed its Director General to investigate possible violations of Sections 4(2)(a)(i) and 4(2)(b)(i) of the Competition Act and to file a report within 90 days. The CCI said IndiGo’s cancellations—more than 4,200 flights in early December by some counts—created an “artificial scarcity” and limited consumer choice during peak demand; aviation regulator DGCA data show IndiGo’s disruptions affected nearly one million passengers in December and led to a fall in its monthly market share to about 59.6%. The probe comes as IndiGo scales back some international services, suspending Copenhagen flights from Feb. 17 and cutting Manchester and London frequencies because of airspace restrictions and congestion. The stock of InterGlobe Aviation fell in Mumbai trade following the CCI order. Government measures including a domestic airfare cap and DGCA schedule limits remain in place while regulators review operations.

German authorities this week moved against two separate security threats linked to Russia-related activity. In Hamburg, prosecutors and Eurojust said two port workers — a 37-year-old Romanian and a 54-year-old Greek — were arrested after last year’s attempted sabotage of German naval vessels. Investigators allege the pair deactivated electronic safety switches, removed fuel caps, punctured water lines and dumped more than 20kg of abrasive gravel into a ship’s engine, actions that could have seriously damaged ships and delayed operations. Separately, federal prosecutors in Karlsruhe and customs officers arrested five people in Lübeck and other German cities on Feb. 2 over a procurement network accused of arranging about 16,000 shipments worth roughly €30 million to listed Russian defence firms since February 2022. Authorities say shell companies and sham recipients were used to circumvent EU export bans; investigators suspect direction by Russian state agencies. Searches and evidence seizures took place across Germany and in Greece and Romania; several suspects remain at large and asset freezes have been ordered. Both investigations are ongoing.

Qantas has agreed to divest its 33.32% stake in Jetstar Japan, moving the low-cost carrier to full Japanese ownership under a memorandum of understanding signed on Feb. 3, 2026. Japan Airlines will remain the largest shareholder while the Development Bank of Japan and Tokyo Century are set to join the ownership group. The agreement is expected to be reached in July 2026, with the transaction and a planned rebrand to be completed by mid-2027, and a new brand name likely announced in October 2026. Companies said there will be no immediate impact on schedules, staff or existing codeshare arrangements. Qantas said the sale will allow it to redirect capital into its core Australian operations and a major fleet renewal programme. The move follows Qantas’ recent shutdown of Jetstar Asia and reflects a broader strategy of exiting minority overseas investments. Jetstar Japan will retain a low-cost model and pursue international expansion centered on Narita, benefiting from slot access and closer alignment with Japan’s aviation and tourism policy objectives.

France’s parliament is set for a renewed showdown over assisted dying after the Senate rejected a government-backed bill on Jan. 28-29 by 181 votes to 122. On Feb. 4-5 the National Assembly’s Social Affairs Committee approved a text mirroring the Assembly’s May 2025 version but notably removed a clause that had explicitly excluded “psychological suffering alone” from eligibility. The committee’s endorsement paves the way for a second-reading plenary session beginning Feb. 16 and a solemn vote on Feb. 24. The draft law would create a right to medical aid in dying for adults with grave, incurable illnesses in an advanced or terminal phase, limited to patients whose physical condition prevents self-administration. Eligibility would require confirmation by a team of medical professionals — at least two doctors and a nurse — and the patient to be a French citizen or resident. The bill also includes a conscience clause obliging objecting health workers to refer patients to willing colleagues. If the Assembly approves the text again and no agreement is reached with the Senate, the lower house can have the final say; authorities aim for adoption by summer 2026.

Rome has introduced a €2 entrance charge for non-residents who want to approach the Trevi Fountain’s basin, a move that came into effect in early February 2026. The token fee applies during peak visiting hours and can be purchased online in advance, at civic museums, tourist info points, authorised retailers or at the fountain’s entrance. Exemptions include Roman residents, young children (typically under six), people with disabilities and their carers. The measure complements a new €5 tourist ticket applied to some city museums and follows earlier experiments to stagger access at the monument. City officials say the fees aim to reduce overcrowding, improve visitor experience and raise funds for maintenance; they estimate the combined measures could generate about €6.5 million a year. The public piazza around the fountain remains freely viewable from a distance. The charge forms part of a wider trend in Italy and Europe — including ticketing at the Pantheon and Venice’s day‑tripper tax — where authorities are experimenting with visitor charges to manage overtourism and protect historic sites.

Starbase, the South Texas company town founded around SpaceX’s Starship testing site, has taken steps to form its own municipal police department after the city commission approved an ordinance this week. The move, reported Feb. 4-5, 2026, is subject to approval by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). The plan foresees an elected chief of police chosen by the city commission and about eight officers who could be on duty within months. City administrator Kent Myers cited the need to protect significant SpaceX assets in an isolated community of a few hundred residents, most of them employees. Starbase has previously pursued a five-year, $3.5 million contract with the Cameron County sheriff’s office for patrols and jail access, but that deal faltered amid recruitment problems and concerns over civil service protections. The city has also formed a volunteer fire department and hired security consultant Vision Quest Solutions to help build the new force. It is not yet clear whether Starbase has submitted its formal application to TCOLE or when the agency will rule.

Tumbling River Ranch, an all-inclusive guest ranch in Colorado’s Pike National Forest about an hour (roughly 60 miles) from Denver, reopened in February 2026 after an $8 million renovation timed to mark the property’s eightieth anniversary. The historic ranch’s 21 guestrooms and cabins — including a restored four-bedroom Ranch House dating to 1936 — were refreshed and five new rooms were created, bringing the total to 21 accommodations that can host up to 60 guests. The 5,500 sq ft lodge was rebuilt with a presentation kitchen, dining room, bar, lounge and activity spaces. Upgrades emphasize sustainable materials and bespoke design: organic Birch Luxe mattresses, sustainable linens, Waterworks fixtures, custom cabinetry by Carma House, and original furnishings. Seasonal, all-inclusive programming covers three daily meals and activities such as horseback riding, archery, mountain biking, ice skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, with optional excursions (rafting, rock climbing, fly-fishing) available for a fee. Renovation work was led by Resort Design Architects and Carma House; nightly rates start around $840 in winter and $1,180 in summer.

Boeing announced two significant commercial deals at the Singapore Airshow on Feb. 3-4, 2026, bolstering its presence in Southeast Asia. The company secured its largest landing-gear exchange agreement to date with Singapore Airlines Group, covering overhaul and exchange support for more than 75 aircraft across the 737 MAX and 787 fleets to reduce maintenance downtime and improve schedule flexibility. Separately, Boeing confirmed a landmark sale to Air Cambodia: a firm order for 10 737-8 MAX jets with options for 10 more (up to 20), marking the Cambodian carrier’s first Boeing purchase. Boeing said the 737-8’s range, capacity and fuel-efficiency will help Air Cambodia expand direct services across North and Southeast Asia. Boeing framed the deals as part of its broader aftermarket and commercial-sales strategy to enhance fleet readiness and deepen regional ties. Both announcements were released by Boeing and reported by industry outlets and PR channels at the Singapore Airshow.

Paralympic swimmer Simone Barlaam, a 13-time world champion who won three golds and a silver at the 2024 Paris Olympics, offers a personal guide to Milan ahead of the Milano Cortina Winter Games (6-22 February) and the Paralympics (6 March-15 March). Barlaam, a torchbearer and ambassador who also worked as a graphic designer for the Games, highlights neighbourhoods, eateries and cultural sites he frequents: his NoLo district, Via Paolo Sarpi’s Chinatown, Pasticceria Grossi, Panificio Storico Vailati, Pizzeria da Mimmo, Grano e, Ratanà and Vietnam Mon Amour. He points to green spaces such as Parco Sempione (linked to Castello Sforzesco and Arco della Pace) and the Acquario Civico, and notes museums including Mudec and the Museum of Natural History. Barlaam emphasises recent accessibility improvements driven by the Games — for example a new metro elevator near his home — while urging further work on ageing buildings. The piece also notes cultural oddities like Maurizio Cattelan’s L.O.V.E. statue and mentions original Olympic posters on display until 15 March.

The European Commission has unveiled EU‑INC, a proposed optional EU‑wide company regime intended to cut through 27 national corporate law systems and make it easier for firms to start and scale across the bloc. Announced by President Ursula von der Leyen at the World Economic Forum on Jan. 20, 2026, the ‘28th regime’ would allow companies to incorporate online in 48 hours via a single digital portal and operate across all member states under one standardised rulebook. The Commission says EU‑INC would not change tax or labour rules and is designed to lower legal costs, simplify stock option schemes and make the single market more attractive to investors. Brussels seeks parliamentary approval by the end of March, with the first EU‑INC entities targeted to launch in 2027. The initiative has gained grassroots support from the start‑up community — a petition grew from about 15,000 to over 23,000 backers — but member states have yet to formally respond. Supporters say it could help retain European unicorns and attract capital; critics warn it risks eroding national supervisory powers and raises questions about enforcement and cross‑border oversight.

Walt Disney Co. warned this week that its US theme parks face headwinds from a decline in international visitors, though the company said it will offset the shortfall with increased domestic marketing and still expects modest growth in its parks business. Executives reported US and international parks revenue rose about 6% year-on-year to more than $10 billion in the quarter, with attendance up roughly 1% and full-year US bookings about 5% ahead and weighted to the back half of 2026. Disney CFO Hugh Johnston said the company has “less visibility” into overseas travel patterns and is pivoting promotional efforts toward US consumers. The comments came as preliminary US government data showed foreign visits to the United States fell (excluding Mexico and Canada), with steep drops from Canada; analysts and industry groups point to new US travel fees and proposed social-media checks, plus broader political sentiment, as deterrents. Disney shares fell about 4-5% after the results. Despite the visitation warning, Disney’s experiences unit — parks, cruises and related businesses — remained a major profit contributor in the quarter.

European institutions and leaders convened across several major events early February as the EU moved to deepen support for Ukraine and global policymakers gathered in Dubai to debate trade, AI and geopolitics. On Feb. 5 the EU agreed a €90 billion loan package for Ukraine, announced amid ongoing peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Those talks continued even as Russian strikes hit Kyiv on Feb. 4, underscoring the fragility of a diplomatic track. Earlier, on Feb. 3, a large global gathering in Dubai drew around 150 governments and some 500 ministers to discuss how to adapt to technological and economic shifts; topics ranged from artificial intelligence to international trade. Former ECB chief Mario Draghi urged willingness to pursue differentiated EU integration, while in France Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu used a constitutional provision to force through the budget and survived two no-confidence votes. Markets also reacted: gold and silver prices tumbled even as retail demand in Europe remained strong.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to decertify Canadian-made aircraft and impose a 50% tariff has rattled North American aerospace and prompted talks between Transport Canada and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. Trump said in a social media post last week he would strip certification for Bombardier Global Expresses and “all Aircraft made in Canada” unless Ottawa approved certain Gulfstream business jets; a White House spokesperson later clarified the move would apply only to new aircraft, not planes already in U.S. service. FAA administrator Bryan Bedford declined to say whether the agency would withdraw existing certifications, while Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said Ottawa is working with the FAA, Bombardier and General Dynamics to resolve outstanding Gulfstream certification matters. Industry sources warned the move — and the uncertainty around enforcement — could hit Bombardier and some Airbus A220 sales to U.S. carriers and inject volatility into aerospace stocks. Regulators have already given the G700 and G800 temporary exemptions elsewhere while Canada continues its review. The dispute has left manufacturers, airlines and regulators seeking assurance that safety processes won’t be politicized amid pressure over market access.

A federal appeals court has vacated a Biden administration rule that would have required airlines and ticket agents to disclose baggage, change and other ancillary fees upfront during booking. In an en banc decision issued Feb. 3, 2026, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit in New Orleans found the Department of Transportation violated the Administrative Procedure Act by failing to give the public a chance to comment on a study relied on in its cost‑benefit analysis. The rule, issued in April 2024, was challenged in May 2024 by trade groups including Airlines for America and IATA and six U.S. carriers; the Fifth Circuit had stayed the rule in July 2024 so it never took effect. The en banc court reversed a January 2025 three‑judge panel decision and vacated the regulation in full, saying the procedural defect undermined the entire rulemaking. The DOT said it was pleased with the outcome, as did Airlines for America. Travel agent group ASTA supported the transparency aim but had opposed some offline disclosure requirements for advisors.

A Jet2 passenger flight from Lanzarote to Manchester declared a medical emergency after one of its pilots became incapacitated during the final approach, airline and local reports said. Flight LS980, an Airbus A321 that departed Lanzarote at about 15:45 GMT on Tuesday, Feb. 3, transmitted a squawk 7700 general emergency code roughly 25 minutes before its scheduled arrival. The co-pilot landed the aircraft safely at Manchester Airport at 20:14 local time, where emergency services and medical personnel were waiting on the stand. Passengers disembarked normally and there were no reported injuries among those on board. Jet2 said the aircraft requested a priority landing after a pilot’s medical issue and confirmed the plane landed safely. Manchester Airport and emergency crews assisted the affected crew member on arrival. The incident did not cause wider disruption to airport operations, and initial accounts indicate standard cockpit redundancy and emergency procedures were followed.

Boeing plans the first flight of a production-configured 777X in April 2026, a company document and Reuters reporting show, marking a key step toward FAA certification and customer deliveries. The airframe, built for Lufthansa, is undergoing fuel system checks at Paine Field in Everett, Washington, with engine tests due later this month. The 777X programme is about six years behind schedule and has generated roughly $15 billion in charges. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg recently disclosed a potential new issue with engines supplied by GE Aerospace, though the company says it does not expect the problem to change delivery plans. Boeing expects certification of the 777X in the second half of 2026, with entry into service likely in 2027. Separately, Boeing told reporters at the Singapore Airshow it will begin delivering improved 787-9 and 787-10 Dreamliners in the first half of 2026; upgrades will boost range by about 400 miles or add five to six tonnes of cargo capacity. Together these developments affect Boeing’s commercial launch cadence, airline fleet planning and competitive positioning versus Airbus.

MSC Cruises will add its premium MSC Yacht Club ‘ship‑within‑a‑ship’ experience to two additional vessels, MSC Musica and MSC Orchestra, expanding the offering to 19 ships across its fleet. MSC Musica is scheduled to debut its Yacht Club accommodations for a South America season from November 2026 through April 2027, including festive sailings to Buenos Aires, Montevideo and Punta del Este and a 16‑night transatlantic crossing from Santos to Genoa on April 1, 2027. MSC Orchestra’s upgraded Yacht Club will begin sailings from Bari, Italy, between March 13 and April 24, 2027, on Mediterranean itineraries calling at Izmir, Istanbul, Piraeus and Corfu. The Yacht Club provides suites with 24‑hour butler service, a dedicated concierge, private restaurant, lounge and sundeck, in‑suite treats and a complimentary bottle of premium spirits, plus priority embarkation, unpacking/packing, private shopping appointments and bespoke shore excursions. The rollout will complete Yacht Club coverage across all four Musica‑class ships (Poesia, Magnifica, Musica and Orchestra) and follows planned upgrades to other vessels this year. Bookings for the new suites will open soon, according to company announcements in early February 2026.

Disney warned this week that international attendance at its U.S. theme parks is weakening and could dent results in the months ahead. Executives flagged “international visitation headwinds” in the company’s latest quarterly update and said they will shift marketing toward U.S. consumers. Preliminary U.S. International Trade Administration data show foreign visits to the United States fell about 2.5% last year excluding Mexico and Canada; other industry measures put overall arrivals down roughly 5–6% in 2025, with visits from Canada plunging more than 20% year‑to‑date. Disney reported U.S. and international parks revenue rose about 6% to more than $10 billion in the quarter while total company revenue was $26 billion and profits slipped nearly 6%. Attendance at California and Florida parks dipped about 1%, though bookings remain on track for modest growth. The visitation slowdown and concerns over U.S. policy — higher visitor fees, a $250 visa integrity charge and proposals to check five years of social media — helped send Disney shares down roughly 4–5% after results.