Spot gold fell below $4,590 per ounce, down 0.58% on the day.

Sources say India plans to raise the cap on foreign investment by defense companies under existing licenses through the “automatic lane” from 49% to 74%.

1. Machado Presents Nobel Peace Prize Medal to Trump, But He Still Refuses to Endorse Her Power —According to two White House officials, Venezuelan opposition leader Machado presented her Nobel Peace Prize medal to Trump during a visit to the White House on Thursday. White House Press Secretary Levitt stated that Trump maintained his "realistic" assessment that Machado currently does not have the support needed to lead the country. 2. "Don't Attack Iran Yet," Israeli Prime Minister Advises Trump to Avoid Indirect Offensive —Reports indicate that Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke with Trump, requesting the US to postpone a potential military strike against Iran so that Israel could better prepare for potential retaliation. Israel assesses that current US strike plans are unlikely to substantially shake the foundations of the Iranian regime. 3. Unveils "Great Healthcare Plan," Gambles on Healthcare Reform Before Election —According to US media reports, Trump is asking Congress to pass legislation to implement the healthcare reform plan he unveiled on Thursday, aimed at lowering drug prices and insurance premiums. With the midterm elections approaching, Trump is working to address one of the Republican Party's political weaknesses. 4. US Senate Passes Bill to Significantly Increase Federal Research Funding —The US Senate passed a bill that day, approving billions of dollars in funding for multiple federal research institutions, rejecting the Trump administration's previous budget cuts to research and space programs. 5. White House Discloses Trump's Holdings of Corporate Bonds Affected by His Policies —The White House's latest financial disclosure report on Thursday showed that as of December, Trump's investments in municipal and corporate bonds included corporate bonds affected by his administration's policies, totaling at least $51 million. 6. Trump Allies Claim Iceland Will Become the "52nd State"; Iceland Demands Explanation —Billy Lang, President Trump's nominee for ambassador to Iceland, joked in Washington that Iceland would become the 52nd state and he would become its governor. The Icelandic Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a statement: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contacted the US Embassy in Iceland to verify the veracity of these remarks."