War in Iran – Congestion, Rerouting of Trade and Higher Fuel Prices
The war in Iran is already causing shipping congestion, trade rerouting and higher fuel prices, prompting urgent discussion at the Capital Link International Shipping Forum. Panelists warned that liner freight rates could stay elevated longer than anticipated, and that if hostilities persist beyond three to four weeks, disruptions may intensify. U.S. Maritime Administrator Stephen Carmel emphasized that resilience and systemic capacity investment are essential to safeguard supply chains. He linked these needs to the newly released Maritime Action Plan, which calls for coordinated industry action.
Market Sentiment Improves Further on Saudi Oil Rerouting, Dollar Stays Soft
Global markets rallied as Saudi Aramco activated the East‑West pipeline, restoring roughly 70% of its crude exports—about 5 million barrels per day—despite Gulf shipping disruptions. The move eased fears of a major oil supply shock, keeping WTI near $90 and lifting...
Qatar Wants to Bolster Security Partnership with US After Iran's Strikes
Qatar announced it will deepen its defence partnership with the United States after Iran launched missile and drone attacks that struck the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Gulf. The Qatari foreign‑ministry spokesperson emphasized that existing...
Tuesday Will Be Most Intense Day of Strikes on Iran, Hegseth Says
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that Tuesday will see the most intense day of strikes against Iran in the ongoing campaign. He said the operation will involve the highest number of fighter jets and bombers deployed to date. The...
U.S. Military Striking Iranian Mine-Laying Vessels, Top U.S. General Says
The United States has begun striking Iranian vessels that are laying naval mines, according to Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Dan Caine. In the first ten days of the campaign, U.S. forces have sunk or destroyed more than 50...
Listen: Who Really Speaks for the EU on the International Stage?
The EU’s foreign policy still splinters across three institutional presidents, leaving no single voice on the global stage. Recent strikes on Iranian targets highlighted divergent statements from leaders like Macron, Merz and Sánchez, underscoring the coordination gap. The Treaty of...
US Importer Crackdown Bid Could Trigger Shift in Ecommerce Logistics
The U.S. Senate introduced the Securing Accountability in Foreign Entries Act, tightening importer‑of‑record rules by requiring a genuine physical U.S. presence and verified bank accounts. The legislation also raises the minimum continuous import bond to $100,000. By targeting non‑resident importers,...
Tin Market Volatility Intensifies as Global Demand for Strategic Metals Grows
Tin prices surged to a projected $54,925 per ton for the week of March 9‑14 2026, according to the DRC’s National Market Commission, while Boursorama data on March 10 showed a daily dip to $48,275 per ton, underscoring sharp volatility. The metal’s small...
Near-Shoring Talk Fades as Global Supply Chains Stretch, Says DHL
The DHL Global Connectedness report shows that global supply chains are stretching, with 2025 average trade distances reaching a record 5,010 km and greenfield foreign‑direct investment averaging 6,250 km. Despite geopolitical tensions and near‑shoring rhetoric, companies are still diversifying globally, routing trade...
India's 20 Years of GDP Misestimation: New Evidence
A new working paper reveals that India’s GDP figures have been systematically misestimated over the past two decades. Growth from 2005 to 2011 was likely understated by roughly 1–1.5 percentage points, while the 2012‑2023 period appears overstated by about 1.5‑2...
AI, India, and the Future of Service-Led Growth
Raghuram Rajan argues that India’s service‑led growth model—built on software, consulting and urban services—remains resilient despite AI’s rise. He explains how services have become embedded in tradable goods, turning back‑office functions into Global Capability Centres that command a strong cost...
Oil Surged Past $100 Before Coming Back to Earth. Wall Street Is Bracing for What Comes Next.
Oil prices surged past the $100‑a‑barrel benchmark over the weekend as tensions escalated in Iran, prompting panic across markets. G7 nations quickly pledged to tap strategic reserves and President Trump’s reassurance helped pull prices back, allowing major indexes to close...
Iran War Will Increase Inflation and Unemployment
The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) has revised its UK economic outlook, cutting 2026 GDP growth to 1% and flagging higher inflation and unemployment due to the escalating Iran conflict. Inflation is projected to rise to 2.7% before easing to...
Market Spinning After 'Most Epic Price Reversal in Oil History'
Oil prices surged past $100 per barrel before reversing sharply, marking what analysts call the most epic price reversal in oil history. The swing was driven by mixed signals about the U.S.–Iran conflict, including President Trump's comments and hopes of...
US Designation of Afghanistan 'Regrettable,' Afghan Taliban Says
On March 10, 2026, the United States designated Afghanistan as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention,” demanding the release of two American citizens, Mahmood Habibi and Dennis Coyle. Afghan Taliban officials condemned the move as regrettable and urged a diplomatic solution through...
Denis Beau: Economic Developments in France and the Euro Area
Denis Beau highlighted that France and the euro area have remained surprisingly resilient despite a cascade of shocks, including the Covid‑19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and heightened trade tensions. Inflation has dropped sharply, reaching 1.7 % in January and nearing...
Michele Bullock: Listening to Australians, Interpreting the Data and Setting Monetary Policy
Michele Bullock, the Reserve Bank of Australia governor, outlined why the Board unanimously raised the cash rate in February. She highlighted that inflationary pressures have intensified since mid‑2022, driven by capacity constraints and a still‑tight labour market. Underlying price growth...
Sarah Hunter: Recent Refinements to the Dual Mandate and Navigating Back to Target
Sarah Hunter, speaking at a Norway conference, outlined the outcomes of the 2022‑23 Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) review and the subsequent refinements to its dual mandate. The review praised three decades of strong economic performance under flexible inflation targeting...
Hormuz Has Exposed Shipping’s New Visibility Divide
The recent missile and drone attacks in the Strait of Hormuz exposed a stark visibility divide in maritime logistics. While insurers pulled war‑risk coverage and AIS signals were jammed, some operators leveraged digital twins and scenario modelling to reroute traffic...
Markets Showing Immutable Laws in Action on Iran, Says BlackRock's Wei Li
BlackRock chief global investment strategist Wei Li argued that the market’s reaction to the Iran war illustrates enduring financial principles rather than a blanket risk‑off shift. Oil prices surged roughly 8% as the conflict escalated, pushing U.S. Treasury yields up...
Lotus to Leverage Reduced EV Import Tariffs in Canada
Geely‑owned Lotus will become the first Chinese electric‑vehicle brand to sell in Canada under a newly reduced import tariff of 6.1 %, as announced by CEO Feng Qingfeng. The Canadian government will issue up to 24,500 permits per six‑month period, cutting...
Iran War Could Knock UK Homebuyer Confidence, Says Builder Persimmon
Persimmon warned that the escalating conflict with Iran could erode UK home‑buyer confidence, adding pressure to an already fragile mortgage market. The builder still expects to complete 12,000‑12,500 homes in 2026, a modest rise on 2025, and reported a 9%...
Ryozo Himino: Japan's Economy and Monetary Policy
Ryozo Himino delivered a speech in Wakayama outlining Japan’s macro‑economic landscape through a detailed AD‑AS diagram. He organized endogenous variables in a circular layout, positioning stable exogenous factors at the core and short‑lived variables on the periphery. The presentation linked...
Chiara Scotti: Programme for Strengthening the Central Bank Capacities in the Western Balkans with a View to the Integration to...
The European System of Central Banks has launched Phase III of an EU‑financed technical cooperation programme to strengthen central bank capacities in the Western Balkans. Hosted by Banca d’Italia, the initiative builds on two successful phases that delivered training, internships and...
State Bank of India Shuns Russian Crude Oil Payments Despite US Reprieve
State Bank of India (SBI) has refused to process payments for Russian crude oil even after the United States issued a temporary waiver for Indian imports. The bank cites uncertainty over the waiver's duration, potential sanctions exposure, and reputational risk...
Govt Eases FDI Norms for China, Other Countries Sharing Land Border with India: Sources
India has amended Press Note 3, easing foreign‑investment rules for all nations sharing a land border, including China. The change removes the mandatory pre‑approval requirement for investments from companies with shareholders in these countries, though approval remains required for any sector....
China’s Energy Defences Ease Sting of Iran War Instability
China is strengthening its energy security framework to offset volatility caused by the Iran‑related conflict. The government has expanded strategic petroleum reserves, accelerated domestic renewable projects, and secured new long‑term contracts with alternative suppliers. These moves aim to insulate the...
Hormuz Closure Sends Bunker Prices to Record Levels
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran‑US/Israeli conflict has driven bunker fuel prices to record highs, with IFO 380 averaging $841.50 per tonne globally and Singapore reaching $1,073. At least 20% of the world’s HSFO exports are now...
E-Way Bills Point to Slower yet Robust Economic Activity in February
India's e‑way bill generation slipped 3.1% in February to 132.5 million, yet it remains the third‑highest monthly total on record, signalling sustained logistics activity. Analysts attribute the dip to February’s shorter calendar and seasonal softening after a strong January, not a...
China’s Nudge, a U.S. Permission, an Iranian Rapprochement — India’s Balancing Act on an Economic Thread
India is walking a diplomatic tightrope as escalating Iran‑U.S. tensions threaten its oil supplies while it seeks to preserve economic stability. Beijing has called for deeper BRICS coordination, but New Delhi has remained silent on the Iranian attack, emphasizing dialogue...
Asian Shares Surge, Echoing Rally on Wall Street as Oil Prices Sink Back to About $90
Asian equities rebounded sharply on Tuesday as oil prices retreated from a peak near $120 to around $90 a barrel, easing geopolitical risk concerns. President Donald Trump’s remarks that the Iran‑related conflict was “very complete” further calmed markets. Japan’s revised...
Iran Strikes Push Oil Higher and Raise Inflation Risks - Weekly Roundup: 10 March
Oil prices surged past $100 a barrel after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, reviving inflation concerns and prompting analysts to warn of a dual recession‑inflation risk. Meanwhile, Swift is launching a new cross‑border retail payments framework to improve speed...
Next Steps for Rasht-Astara Line to Be Taken Next Month?
Russia and Iran will sign off the 164‑km Rasht‑Astara railway line on April 1, 2026, a cornerstone of the International North‑South Transport Corridor (INSTC). The €1.6 billion project, jointly funded by Moscow and Tehran, aims to streamline cargo flow from India...
European Markets Head for Positive Open as Oil Prices Slide
European stock futures surged 1‑2% on Tuesday as oil prices retreated after President Trump suggested possible action to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Brent crude slipped 6.8% to $92.25 per barrel, easing pressure on energy‑sensitive equities. The rally could...
Petronet LNG, GAIL, Indraprastha, MGL, ATGL Gain up to 6% as Trump’s Iran War Remarks Lift Market Sentiment
Shares of Indian gas distributors surged after President Donald Trump suggested the Iran war could end soon, easing fears of prolonged Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Petronet LNG jumped nearly 5% to ₹292.30, GAIL rose 2% to ₹152.50, and Indraprastha Gas...
Chart Alert: Hang Seng Index Recovered at 24,765, Bulls Need to Break Abo...
The Hang Seng Index rebounded to 24,765, reclaiming its 200‑day moving average after a 1.6% intraday gain. Over the past ten days, it fell only 3.3% while China’s CSI 300 slipped 1.1%, outpacing regional peers hit by oil‑driven stagflation fears. Policy...
As Bombs Fall, Gold Prices Rise — and Poland Is Taking Notice
Geopolitical strikes on Iran have pushed spot gold to a record $5,420 per ounce, sparking a surge in demand for physical bullion. In Poland, the Mazovia Mint reports private investor purchases rising 30‑50% year‑on‑year, with 21% of Poles entering the...
Mideast Naphtha Supply Tightens as Disruptions Mount
Mideast Gulf naphtha supplies are tightening after Kuwait's KPC and Bahrain's Bapco Energies announced force majeure, removing roughly 560,000 t/month and 167,000 t/month respectively. Additional shipment delays from ADNOC and cargo cancellations by QatarEnergy, alongside drone attacks on Ras Laffan and Duqm,...
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Middle East War Set to Push Inflation Higher than Forecast, Warns RBA Deputy Governor
RBA Deputy Governor Andrew Hauser warned that inflation in Australia is likely to run above the bank’s June projection of 4.2% because of surging oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict. The central bank’s board will meet next week,...
Rupee Rebounds From All-Time Low, up 7 Paise to 92.14 Against US Dollar in Early Trade
The Indian rupee rebounded from its all‑time low, trading at 92.14 per U.S. dollar after a 7‑paise gain in early trade. The rally was sparked by a sharp drop in global oil prices following President Donald Trump’s comments that the...
India Must Tap FTA Opportunities: Piyush Goyal
India’s commerce minister Piyush Goyal urged firms to capitalise on the nine free‑trade agreements covering 38 developed economies, which open roughly two‑thirds of global trade to Indian exporters. He highlighted India’s rise to 38th in the Global Innovation Index and...
India Says No to IEA’s Call to Release Strategic Oil Reserves
India has declined the International Energy Agency’s invitation to tap its strategic oil reserves as a measure to curb soaring crude prices. The country holds about 5.33 million tonnes of underground reserves, roughly 80% of capacity, and reserves them for supply‑disruption...
Apple Now Makes About 25% of iPhones in India After China Pivot
Apple boosted iPhone assembly in India by roughly 53% in 2025, reaching about 55 million units and accounting for a quarter of its global output. The shift helps the company sidestep escalating US tariffs on Chinese‑made devices and diversifies its supply...
Businesses Brace for Lengthy Battle Over IEEPA Tariff Refunds
Supreme Court struck down Trump-era IEEPA tariffs, prompting a flood of refund claims for roughly $175 billion collected. The U.S. Court of International Trade ordered the government to begin issuing refunds, but Customs and Border Protection requested a 45‑day setup period,...
Africa After Aid
When the United States and other major donors slashed foreign aid in 2025, analysts warned of imminent economic collapse across Africa. Yet recent data show most African economies have maintained or even modestly expanded growth, with Ethiopia posting 4.2% GDP...
The Trouble With State Capitalism
The authors argue that governments worldwide are moving toward a form of state capitalism, using export controls, investment‑screening mechanisms, and subsidies to steer corporate behavior toward geopolitical goals. This shift blurs the line between market‑driven decision‑making and political direction, compelling...
Trade Boom: China’s Exports Surge 21.8% to Start 2026 – Biggest Gain in 4 Years
China’s exports jumped 21.8% in the first two months of 2026, marking the strongest bi‑monthly increase in four years. The surge was powered by heightened demand from ASEAN, the European Union and other key markets, while U.S. exports to China...
Dollar Eases with Oil on Hopes of Swift End to Iran War
The U.S. dollar slipped after President Donald Trump declared the Iran conflict "very complete," prompting a sharp retreat in oil prices. Brent crude fell to $92.46 a barrel, down from Monday's $120 peak, easing pressure on risk‑sensitive currencies such as...
Japan Economy Grows 1.3% in Oct.-Dec., Revised up, on Stronger Investment
Japan’s October‑December GDP was revised up to an annualised 1.3 percent, reversing two quarters of contraction. The upgrade reflects stronger business investment, with capital spending rising 1.3 percent, and a modest lift in private consumption of 0.3 percent. Nominal GDP also jumped to...
Rising Energy Costs Imperil Thai Manufacturer's Profits
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are pushing energy prices higher, threatening the profit margins of Thailand's consumer‑goods conglomerate Osotspa Plc. Energy accounts for roughly 20% of the company's costs, and a rise in LNG to $140‑150 per unit could...