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Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai sentenced to total of 20 years in national security trial

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Contender for Bank of Korea governor backs higher property taxes to contain inflation

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Contender for Bank of Korea governor backs higher property taxes to contain inflation


Contender for Bank of Korea governor backs higher property taxes to contain inflation

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Should long term investors bet on Aye Finance IPO?

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Should long term investors bet on Aye Finance IPO?
ET Intelligence Group: Aye Finance, a micro and small enterprise (MSME)-focused lender, plans to raise ₹710 crore through fresh issue to augment the company’s capital base. It will also raise ₹300 crore through an offer for sale wherein five existing investors including Alpha Wave India, LGT Capital Invest Mauritius and Alphabet’s growth equity fund CapitalG will partially offload stakes. The company has no designated promoter group.

Top three institutional holders including Elevation Capital (formerly known as SAIF Partners), LGT Capital Invest Mauritius, and Alpha Wave India (formerly Falcon Edge India) hold a combined 41% stake in the company.

The company has a geographically spread loan book and has reported improvement in net interest margin. It has a strong capital adequacy ratio, which supports long-term business growth. However, the issue is priced at a discount to peers, reflecting relatively higher asset-quality stress and return ratios that trail those of peers. Given these factors, the issue is suitable for long-term retail investors with a higher risk tolerance.

Aye Fin can Go a Long Way, but Asset Quality a ConcernAgencies

net interest is getting better Geographical spread, capital adequacy ratio seem good for the lender, but return ratios trail that of peers

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Founded in 1993 and later rebranded in 2014, Aye Finance provides small-ticket business loans to MSMEs. It had ₹6,027 crore worth of assets under management (AUM) spread across 568 branches in 18 states and three union territories as of September 2025. It focuses on micro-businesses with annual turnovers of ₹2-10 crore, primarily in semi-urban markets. Nearly 91% of customers own their residence or place of business, and 94% employ five or fewer workers, highlighting the grassroots nature of its borrower base. No single state accounts for more than 16% of AUM, while the top five states together contribute 57%. Loan disbursements expanded by 34.9% annually to ₹4,291.3 crore in FY25 from ₹2,357.1 crore in FY23.The business faces risks such as rising non-performing assets, vulnerability to interest rate fluctuations, and competition from other NBFCs.

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Financials
Net interest income rose by 52.6% annually to ₹858 crore in FY25 from ₹368.5 crore in FY23. Net profit surged to ₹175.2 crore in FY25 from ₹39.9 crore in FY23. The capital adequacy ratio remained robust at 35% in FY25 rising from 31% in FY23. Net interest margin expanded to 15% in FY25 from 13.5% in FY23-within the 10-16% peer range. Gross NPA rose to 4.2% in FY25 from 2.5% in FY23, exceeding the 1.8-2.7% range of its peers. Return on equity rose to 12% in FY25 from 5.5% in FY23, placing it at the lower end of the 11.6-18.7% peer range.
Valuation
Aye Finance is valued at a price-to-book (P/B) multiple of 1.3, which is at a discount to listed peers such as MAS Financial Services at 2.05, SBFC Finance at 3, and Fedbank Financial Services at 1.9.

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Seattle Seahawks Dominate New England Patriots to Win

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The 2020 NFL entry draft was the most watched ever, with more than 55 million North American  viewers tuning in during the 'virtual' three-day event

The Seattle Seahawks claimed their second Super Bowl title in franchise history Sunday night, Feb. 8, 2026, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium. The Seahawks’ suffocating defense forced three turnovers, sacked quarterback Drake Maye six times and held the Patriots scoreless through three quarters, avenging their heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl XLIX 11 years earlier.

The 2020 NFL entry draft was the most watched ever, with more than 55 million North American  viewers tuning in during the 'virtual' three-day event
The 2020 NFL entry draft was the most watched ever, with more than 55 million North American viewers tuning in during the ‘virtual’ three-day event

Seattle (16-3 entering the game) dominated from the outset in a defensive battle that saw no offensive touchdowns until the fourth quarter. Kicker Jason Myers set a Super Bowl record with five field goals, while quarterback Sam Darnold managed the game efficiently with 202 yards passing and one touchdown. The win denied the Patriots (17-4) a record seventh Lombardi Trophy and marked a triumphant return to glory for the franchise that last hoisted the trophy in 2014.

The Seahawks struck first with Myers’ 33-yard field goal midway through the first quarter, capitalizing on strong field position after a punt return. New England struggled offensively early, managing just 0 yards in the opening period as Seattle’s front seven pressured Maye relentlessly. The Patriots’ defense held firm initially, but Myers added a 41-yarder late in the half to make it 9-0 at the break — the first scoreless first half for both teams since Super Bowl LIII.

The third quarter remained a grind, with Myers extending the lead to 12-0 on a 57-yard bomb and then 15-0 on another kick. Seattle’s defense continued to harass Maye, who completed only a handful of passes under duress. The Patriots’ first points came in the fourth when Maye connected with wide receiver Mack Hollins for a 35-yard touchdown strike, cutting the deficit to 19-7 after a Seahawks fumble return touchdown by DeMarcus Lawrence pushed Seattle ahead 19-0 earlier in the period.

Seattle responded immediately, with Darnold finding tight end A.J. Barner for a 16-yard touchdown — the game’s first offensive score — to make it 26-7. Myers tacked on his fifth field goal for the record, sealing the 29-13 final after a late Patriots consolation touchdown from Maye to running back Rhamondre Stevenson.

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Defensive end Leonard Williams led Seattle with two sacks, while the unit as a whole limited New England to under 200 total yards. Maye finished with modest numbers amid constant pressure, throwing one interception and losing two fumbles. Darnold, in his first Super Bowl start, avoided mistakes and let the defense carry the load.

The game echoed Seattle’s 2014 championship formula: elite defense and opportunistic special teams. Coach Mike Macdonald’s scheme neutralized New England’s explosive plays, forcing Maye into uncomfortable decisions. For the Patriots, the loss ended a resurgence under new leadership, falling short of adding to their storied legacy.

Halftime provided a cultural spectacle as Bad Bunny headlined the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show, delivering a 13-minute celebration of Puerto Rican heritage. The performance featured hits like “Tití Me Preguntó,” “Yo Perreo Sola,” “Safaera” and “El Apagón,” with surprise guests Lady Gaga (performing a Latin version of “Die with a Smile”) and Ricky Martin (joining for “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii”). A live wedding ceremony onstage and cameos from Pedro Pascal, Jessica Alba, Karol G and Cardi B added to the festive vibe. Bad Bunny closed with a unifying message naming countries across the Americas before declaring “God Bless America.”

The show drew widespread praise for its inclusivity and energy, contrasting the low-scoring on-field action. It marked the first primarily Spanish-language halftime performance, boosting viewership among diverse audiences.

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Postgame, Seahawks players hoisted the Lombardi Trophy amid confetti and celebrations. Darnold was named MVP for his steady play, though the defense earned equal acclaim. Myers’ record five field goals highlighted special teams’ impact.

The victory caps a remarkable season for Seattle, who overcame early injuries and emerged as the NFC’s top seed. For New England, the defeat stings as a missed opportunity to reclaim dominance, but the young core around Maye offers hope for future runs.

Super Bowl LX will be remembered for its defensive masterclass, historic halftime celebration and Seattle’s sweet redemption over their longtime rivals. As the Seahawks begin their championship parade, the NFL offseason begins with questions about dynasty potential in the Pacific Northwest.

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Trump predicts Dow will hit 100K by end of term, says ‘great tariffs’ driving ‘record stock market’

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Trump predicts Dow will hit 100K by end of term, says 'great tariffs' driving 'record stock market'

President Donald Trump on Sunday said he was predicting the Dow Jones Industrial Average to reach 100,000 by the time he leaves the White House in January 2029.

This comes after the Dow closed past 50,000 on Friday for the first time.

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“Record Stock Market, and National Security, driven by our Great TARIFFS. I am predicting 100,000 on the DOW by the end of my Term,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

US, INDIA REACH INTERIM TRADE DEAL LOWERING TARIFFS ON BOTH COUNTRIES’ GOODS AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Donald Trump White House Oval Office

President Donald Trump said he was predicting the Dow Jones Industrial Average to reach 100,000 by the time he leaves the White House. (Photo by Andrew Harnik/Getty Images / Getty Images)

“REMEMBER, TRUMP WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING! I hope the United States Supreme Court is watching,” he added.

The president’s comment about the Supreme Court comes as a high-profile case over the legality of his tariff authority is expected to be decided. The Supreme Court recently heard arguments on whether sweeping tariff powers used by Trump are constitutional.

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The tariff costs were found to be largely absorbed by American consumers and businesses rather than by foreign exporters, according to economists. A study published last month by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy found that about 96% of tariff costs were taken on by Americans.

President Donald Trump in the White House.

The Dow closed past 50,000 on Friday for the first time. (Anna Moneymaker / Getty Images / Getty Images)

Trump had made an identical post on Friday night, as well as a separate post that also credits himself for the Dow’s closing.

“The ‘Experts’ said that if I hit 50,000 on the Dow by the end of my Term, I would have done a great job, but I hit 50,000 today, three years ahead of schedule — Remember that for the Midterms, because the Democrats will CRASH the Economy!” he wrote on Friday.

TARIFFS MAY HAVE COST US ECONOMY THOUSANDS OF JOBS MONTHLY, FED ANALYSIS REVEALS

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President Donald Trump holds sign about his tariff plan

The tariff costs were found to be largely absorbed by American consumers and businesses rather than by foreign exporters. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images / Getty Images)

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In another post on Sunday, Trump wrote: “Enjoy the Super Bowl, America! Our Country is stronger, bigger, and better than ever before and, THE BEST IS YET TO COME!”

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Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong national security case

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Jimmy Lai sentenced to 20 years in Hong Kong national security case

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Indian rupee to gauge sustenance of foreign flows, bonds back to supply worries

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Indian rupee to gauge sustenance of foreign flows, bonds back to supply worries
Indian foreign exchange traders will watch foreign portfolio inflows this week to see whether the rupee’s ‍rally, sparked by last Monday’s U.S.-India trade deal announcement, could extend meaningfully.

In fixed income, bond market investors will monitor demand-supply dynamics, ⁠which could prove key in determining the direction of bond yields.

The rupee closed at 90.6550 on Friday, up over 1% on the week.

The U.S. and India unveiled an interim trade framework on Friday, building on an initial announcement earlier last week. While the ‌breakthrough has lifted ‌sentiment on Indian assets, analysts remain cautious about its impact on portfolio flows.

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Foreign investors have net bought nearly $900 million of Indian stocks so far in ‌February, after pulling $4 billion last month, though they have sold $19 billion so far in 2025.


“While the currency (INR) could trade more stably for a while, especially if the drawdown in risk extends, spot upside is likely to prove limited,” analysts at Goldman Sachs said in a note.
In global markets, the focus this week will be on the release of ​key U.S. economic data alongside reactions to elections outcomes in Japan and ​Thailand. BONDS

The 10-year benchmark 6.48% 2035 yield settled at 6.7363% on Friday, notching its second consecutive weekly ‌rise, after the ‍Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy decision.

The central bank held rates at 5.25% as ‍expected but offered no fresh liquidity support. Traders had expected tweaks to ‌liquidity rules to ease deposit tightness amid rising yields and credit growth.

Traders expect the yield to move in a 6.71%-6.80% range this week, with sellers in the driving seat. On Friday,

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With the budget and the central bank policy behind, the market focus will be on debt supply.

The MPC is set for a prolonged pause, with the RBI focusing on liquidity via open market purchases and FX swaps, though higher FY27 borrowing could add upward pressure on yields, said Puneet Pal, PGIM India MF.

India aims to gross borrow ‍a record 17.20 trillion rupees ($189.70 billion) next financial year, with net borrowing of 11.73 trillion rupees. India’s financial year starts in April and runs through March.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said ‍the focus on ⁠the size of gross borrowing could ⁠be misleading and that net borrowing provides a more accurate assessment of the fiscal position.

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“Looking at gross borrowing is not the correct way because there are many more redemptions next year than in the current year.”

KEY EVENTS: India January retail inflation – February 12, Thursday (4:00 p.m. IST) U.S. December import prices – February 10, Tuesday (7:00 p.m. IST)

December retail sales – February 10, Tuesday (7:00 p.m. IST) January non-farm payroll and unemployment rate – February 11, Wednesday (7:00 p.m. IST) Initial weekly jobless claims for week to February 7 – February 12, Thursday (7:00 p.m. IST) January existing home sales – February 7 – February 12, Thursday (8:30 p.m. IST)

January consumer price inflation – February 13, Friday (7:00 p.m. IST) (Reuters poll: 2.5%)

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Pfizer: ‘Hold’ As Patent Cliff Looms, Along With Need For Differentiating Factor (PFE)

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Pfizer: 'Hold' As Patent Cliff Looms, Along With Need For Differentiating Factor (PFE)

This article was written by

Terry Chrisomalis is a private investor in the Biotech sector with years of experience utilizing his Applied Science background to generate long term value from Healthcare. He is the author of the investing group Biotech Analysis Central which contains a library of 600+ Biotech investing articles, a model portfolio of 10+ small and mid-cap stocks with deep analysis for each, live chat, and a range of analysis and news reports to help Healthcare investors make informed decisions.

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Reaction to Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai’s 20 year sentence in security trial

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Reaction to Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai’s 20 year sentence in security trial


Reaction to Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai’s 20 year sentence in security trial

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Bad Bunny, Ricky Martin and Lady Gaga, Where to Watch?

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The Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday's Super Bowl in New Orleans bidding to make history by clinching a third straight title

Bad Bunny’s historic Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show — featuring surprise appearances by Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin — captivated millions during the Feb. 8, 2026, championship between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. Fans who missed the live broadcast or want to relive the Puerto Rican superstar’s vibrant, mostly Spanish-language performance packed with cultural nods, a live wedding ceremony and high-energy collaborations can now access replays and highlights through multiple platforms.

The NFL logo appears on a goal post before the 2015 NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Jan. 18, 2015.
The NFL logo appears on a goal post before the 2015 NFC Championship game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers at CenturyLink Field in Seattle Jan. 18, 2015.

The 13-minute set, which blended reggaeton hits with themes of joy, heritage and unity, made history as the first solo headlining halftime show by a Latino artist performing primarily in Spanish. Bad Bunny opened with “Tití Me Preguntó,” transformed the field into a lively Puerto Rican marketplace scene and delivered staples like “Yo Perreo Sola,” “Safaera,” “Monaco” and “El Apagón.” He passed his recent Grammy Award for Album of the Year to a young fan onstage, symbolizing inspiration for the next generation.

Lady Gaga joined for a Latin-infused rendition of her hit “Die with a Smile,” appearing in a striking blue gown during a wedding segment where a couple exchanged vows. The pop icon danced alongside Bad Bunny, adding star power and blending her vocals with the reggaeton rhythms. Ricky Martin, another Puerto Rican legend, made a heartfelt cameo performing “Lo Que Le Pasó a Hawaii,” honoring generational ties in Latin music and rallying the crowd with messages of pride and autonomy.

Additional cameos included actors Pedro Pascal and Jessica Alba dancing in the market set, along with Karol G, Cardi B and influencer Alix Earle adding to the festive atmosphere. The performance closed with Bad Bunny naming countries across the Americas before declaring “God Bless America,” bridging cultures in a unifying finale.

For replays, the primary official source is Peacock, NBC’s streaming platform, which simulcast the live broadcast and now offers on-demand access to the full halftime show. Peacock Premium subscribers ($7.99/month ad-supported or $13.99/month ad-free Premium Plus) can watch the complete performance in high quality, including 4K HDR where supported. The halftime segment is available shortly after the game ends, often within hours, alongside other Super Bowl LX content like pregame shows and highlights.

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NBC’s official channels and partners provide additional viewing options. The NFL’s YouTube channel and NFL.com typically upload the full halftime show within days, though as of early Feb. 9, 2026, the complete performance had not yet appeared on the main NFL YouTube page. Clips and highlights, including key moments with Gaga and Martin, circulate widely on YouTube, with fan uploads and official snippets offering quick access. Search for “Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime full” or specific segments like “Bad Bunny Lady Gaga Super Bowl” yields numerous results.

Live TV streaming services that carried NBC during the game — including YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Sling TV (Blue package) — often provide on-demand replays for subscribers. YouTube TV, for example, offers cloud DVR storage of the broadcast, allowing users to rewind to the halftime portion. Hulu + Live TV includes similar DVR features bundled with Disney+ and ESPN content.

For international viewers or those seeking free alternatives, over-the-air NBC broadcasts (via antenna) captured the show live, but replays depend on local affiliates or streaming. In some markets, free trials from services like DirecTV Stream or YouTube TV enable access without immediate cost, though users should cancel before trials end to avoid charges.
Social media platforms host abundant user-shared clips. On X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Instagram, short videos of standout moments — such as the wedding, Gaga’s entrance and Martin’s collaboration — trend heavily. Official Roc Nation and NFL accounts posted highlights, including the national anthem performance and pregame events, with links directing to full content.

The show’s impact extends beyond views. Critics lauded its inclusivity, queer-positive elements and celebration of Latino heritage, calling it “legendary” and “unforgettable.” It sparked widespread discussion about representation in mainstream American events, with many praising Bad Bunny’s bold choice to perform mostly in Spanish.

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As replays become more widely available, Peacock remains the go-to for the highest-quality, official full version. Fans eager to experience or rewatch the cultural milestone — complete with Gaga’s powerful vocals, Martin’s nostalgic energy and Bad Bunny’s infectious rhythms — have convenient options across streaming and social platforms in the days following Super Bowl Sunday.

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CBH confirms grain harvest records

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CBH confirms grain harvest records

Records have tumbled at Western Australia’s bulk grain handling co-operative as another bumper harvest wraps up.

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