Highlights:

• China Factory Activity Worsens During Holiday in Official Survey — China's factory activity contracted more than forecast as the longest-ever Lunar New Year holiday reduced manufacturing and construction output. Bloomberg Economics

• Australia's Strong Economic Growth Keeps Rate Hike in Play — Australia's economy accelerated in Q4 with broad-based momentum, reinforcing price pressures and keeping the door open to further Reserve Bank interest-rate hikes. Bloomberg Economics

• Won Hit by 'VaR Shock' May Face Even More Losses, Banks Say — South Korea's won is set for further declines as higher energy prices threaten growth in the world's eighth-largest oil consumer. Bloomberg Economics

• Iran War Oil Shock Threatens to Unleash Wave of Global Inflation — Sustained high oil prices from the Iran conflict would boost inflation and slow growth, putting central banks in a difficult position. Bloomberg Economics

• Will the US Insure Tankers in the Strait of Hormuz? — President Trump said the US would provide insurance guarantees and naval escorts for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz to prevent an energy crisis. Bloomberg Politics

• Trump Escalates Confrontation With Banks Over Crypto Agenda — President Trump warned banks against weakening his cryptocurrency agenda and pushed for passage of the Clarity Act to reshape digital asset regulation. Bloomberg Politics

• Iran Conflict Shows Failure of Rules-Based Order, Canada's Carney Says — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney characterized the Iran conflict as evidence of the international order's failure. Bloomberg Politics

• Bill Gates, Leon Black Testimony Sought for Epstein Probe — A congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein is seeking transcribed interviews with Bill Gates and Leon Black. Bloomberg Politics