Macro Calendar: Feb 9, 2026 6:29 AM EST

Highlights:

• Starmer's Communications Chief Resigns in Latest Blow to UK PM - Keir Starmer's director of communications Tim Allan resigned, marking the second senior departure from the prime minister's office in 24 hours. Source

• China Warns Banks to Rein in Holdings of US Treasuries - Chinese regulators have advised financial institutions to reduce their US Treasury holdings due to concentration risks and market volatility concerns. Source

• Japanese Voters Empower Takaichi to Fight Tokyo's Corner - Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi achieved the biggest electoral victory of the postwar period. Source

• Iran Hardens Crackdown on Political Dissidents After US Talks - Iran extended a Nobel peace laureate's prison sentence and detained reformist figures, escalating repression weeks after security forces killed thousands during nationwide protests. Source

• EU Says Meta Warning Is About Protecting Consumers - The EU warned Meta over policies blocking rival AI assistants on WhatsApp, potentially raising tensions with the Trump administration over US tech regulation. Source

• Canada's Race to Rebuild Military Triggers a Defense-Tech Gold Rush - Mark Carney has promised significant defense spending increases, creating opportunities for Canadian technology companies. Source