01-27-2026 | Markets watch trillion-dollar tech, rising tariffs, global conflict, and stocks moving ahead of key decisions.

[COMPANIES]. AI CHIP STARTUP HITS MULTIBILLION VALUATION. A United States AI chip design startup raised fresh capital and reached a valuation close to FOUR BILLION DOLLARS. The company focuses on automated chip design to shorten development cycles for AI accelerators and expand data center partnerships, strengthening investment in advanced semiconductor infrastructure. [POLITICS]. UNITED STATES PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES TWENTY FIVE PERCENT TARIFFS ON SOUTH KOREA. President Donald Trump announced an increase in tariffs on selected South Korean imports to TWENTY FIVE PERCENT, up from FIFTEEN PERCENT. The measure targets automobiles, lumber, and pharmaceuticals, following delays in legislative approval of a bilateral trade agreement and raising trade tensions. [INTERNATIONAL]. RUSSIAN STRIKES CUT POWER IN UKRAINE. Russian drone and missile attacks hit multiple Ukrainian regions, including Kharkiv, causing widespread power outages, infrastructure damage, and civilian injuries during winter conditions, while emergency crews worked to restore electricity and heating. [MARKETS]. UNITED STATES STOCKS RISE AHEAD OF FEDERAL RESERVE DECISION. United States equity indexes advanced for a fourth straight session ahead of the Federal Reserve meeting and major corporate earnings, with investors focused on interest rate guidance and big technology results, reinforcing expectations of near term market volatility.