A staggering 510.3 million yen ($3.2m) was paid for a 243kg bluefin tuna at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market's first auction of the year, setting a new record. The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp, operator of the Sushi Zanmai chain.

• The record-breaking bid was 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) for a 243kg bluefin tuna.
• Kiyomura Corp, owner of the Sushi Zanmai chain, made the winning bid. The company's president, Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the Tuna King, has consistently paid top dollar for tuna at these auctions.
• This purchase breaks Mr. Kimura's previous record of 333.6 million yen ($2.1m) set in 2019, further solidifying the trend of exorbitant prices at the market’s annual first auction, which even serves as a tourist attraction.

OPEC+ has announced a continued pause in oil output increases for February and March, citing seasonal factors. This decision, made during a virtual meeting, follows a similar hold on increases that began in January of 2026.

• The eight OPEC+ countries began monthly oil output increases in April 2025.
• Key organizations involved include OPEC and its allies, known as OPEC+.
• The next meeting to determine future output levels is scheduled for February 1.

The price of gold surged by 1.8% to around $4,408 per ounce, and silver rose by nearly 3.5%, after the US captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, raising concerns about geopolitical risks among investors.

• Gold saw its best annual performance since 1979, increasing by over 60% and reaching an all-time high of $4,549.71 on December 26.
• US President Donald Trump vowed to tap into Venezuela's vast oil reserves after seizing Maduro.
• Despite concerns, industry analysts believe the intervention is unlikely to have an immediate impact on energy prices, as Venezuela's oil production accounts for only about 1% of global output.