The episode opens with the U.S. trade deficit report for January, which came in at $54.5 billion, below market expectations. This reduction was driven by a 5.5% monthly increase in exports and a 0.7% decline in imports. Exports of industrial supplies and capital goods showed strength, while imports weakened, particularly in consumer goods and vehicles. The data suggests robust external demand but moderating domestic consumption. Internationally, stock markets experienced significant declines. In the U.S., markets fell due to heightened Middle East tensions and a rebound in oil prices, which fueled inflation fears and led investors to adopt a defensive stance. European markets retreated for a second consecutive day amid rising energy prices and interest rates. Asian markets also closed lower, with declines in Japan and Australia. Geopolitical uncertainty and fiscal risks continued to pressure U.S. Treasury markets, maintaining a depreciation trend in Colombia. Colombia's stock market declined as global risk aversion increased. The Colcap index fell 4.53% yesterday, dragged down by capital outflows from emerging markets, oil-related concerns, and inflation fears. The most traded stocks were Ecopetrol and Sibes Preferencial. The fixed-income market saw volatility following a swap by the Public Credit Directorate. In the foreign exchange market, the dollar closed at 3,683 pesos, with the peso depreciating 0.59% due to global dollar strength and persistent geopolitical tension. In corporate news, Enca approved a dividend distribution of 6,350 million pesos, equivalent to 55 cents per share between ordinary and extraordinary dividends, yielding approximately 3.2%. The episode concludes with weekend wishes and a reminder of the next broadcast on Monday.
