News•Feb 18, 2026
Europe Is Squandering Its Leverage Over China
Europe is losing bargaining power with China as the continent’s growth stalls while Beijing posts a record trade surplus. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s upcoming China visit underscores the urgency, with Germany’s 2025 GDP expanding only 0.2% versus a $1.19 trillion Chinese surplus. Analysts at Goldman Sachs estimate German growth would have been 0.5% without Chinese competition. Policy experts argue that mandating joint ventures for Chinese high‑tech firms could restore competitive balance and protect European supply chains.
By Project Syndicate — Economics
News•Feb 18, 2026
India Keen to Diversify Crude Oil, Coking Coal Sources; Eyes High-Quality US Supplies: Piyush Goyal
India’s commerce minister Piyush Goyal said New Delhi will diversify crude oil and coking‑coal supplies, targeting high‑quality U.S. coal to reduce reliance on a few geographies. He highlighted a $100 billion aircraft demand from the United States over the next five...
By ET EnergyWorld (The Economic Times)
News•Feb 18, 2026
Ground View: How Industry Leaders Are Shaping Pakistan’s Mining Future
The Pakistan Mineral Investment Forum (PMIF) will gather industry leaders in Islamabad to spotlight the country’s world‑class copper, gold, and critical mineral deposits, most notably the revived Reko Diq project. While the geology is undisputed, the article argues that mining...
By MINING.com
News•Feb 18, 2026
China Gives Lithuania Punishing Silent Treatment over Taiwan
In 2021 Lithuania permitted a Taiwanese representative office to use the name "Taiwan" rather than "Taipei," directly challenging Beijing's One‑China policy. China answered not with public sanctions but with a silent diplomatic freeze, withdrawing embassy staff and removing Lithuania from...
By Asia Times – Defense
News•Feb 18, 2026
AD Ports Joins Cameroon’s Douala New Dry Bulk Terminal Concession
UAE‑based AD Ports Group has entered a 30‑year concession with Africa Ports Development to design, build and operate a new dry‑bulk terminal at Cameroon’s Port of Douala. The partnership gives AD Ports an effective 51% economic stake and commits roughly...
By Seatrade Maritime
News•Feb 18, 2026
Energy Transition Underpins Dry Bulk Sector
Electric‑vehicle sales have surged nearly 700% this decade, driving a rapid rise in spodumene shipments from Australia to China and doubling bulk volumes since 2023. Panamax vessels now carry almost half of the 7 million tonnes of dry bulk moved last...
By Seatrade Maritime
News•Feb 18, 2026
Glencore Doubles Down on Copper, Keeps M&A in Play
Glencore has secured a land‑access agreement with Gecamines that extends the Kamoto Copper Company’s mine life into the mid‑2040s and unlocks additional ore zones, enabling the asset to target 300,000 tonnes of copper annually. The deal is a cornerstone of...
By MINING.com
News•Feb 18, 2026
ZEPA Launches Battery-Electric Container Handling Standards, Load Tool
The Zero Emission Port Alliance (ZEPA) introduced a load‑profile explorer, transition guide, and updated voluntary standards to accelerate battery‑electric container‑handling equipment adoption. The standards aim to reduce design fragmentation and improve interoperability, while total‑cost‑of‑ownership data shows electric gear remains pricier...
By Seatrade Maritime
News•Feb 18, 2026
Defunding the Taliban without Starving the Afghan People
The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the bipartisan No Tax Dollars for Terrorists Act, aiming to prevent American taxpayer money from funding the Taliban or affiliated terrorist groups. The legislation follows a SIGAR report indicating that roughly $3.83 billion of...
By Asia Times – Defense
News•Feb 18, 2026
Managing Systemic Supply Chain Risk to the U.S. Economy From Trade Concentration and Geopolitical Conflict
The RAND report examines systemic supply‑chain risks facing the U.S. economy stemming from trade concentration and geopolitical conflict. It highlights how reliance on a narrow set of foreign suppliers can magnify disruption impacts. The analysis calls for coordinated public‑private strategies...
By RAND Blog/Analysis
News•Feb 18, 2026
FTSE 100 Live: Inflation Falls to Near Year-Low; BAE Leads Stock Rally
UK inflation eased to a near‑year low, with the CPI falling to 3% year‑on‑year in January 2026, down from 3.4% in December. The slowdown, driven by lower petrol, airfares and food prices, has revived expectations that the Bank of England...
By City A.M. — Markets
News•Feb 18, 2026
Overseas Investors Tap Brakes on JGB Selling Post-Election
The Liberal Democratic Party’s landslide victory in Japan’s snap election has steadied the government‑bond market, halting a sharp rise in long‑term yields. Foreign institutional investors, who had been offloading JGBs, have paused sales and begun modest buying. Domestic investors are...
By Nikkei Asia – Economy
News•Feb 18, 2026
APSEZ Signs MoU with French Port to Deepen Cooperation on Trade Facilitation
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with France’s Port of Marseille Fos to deepen cooperation on trade facilitation, port innovation and energy transition. The pact will create an IMEC Ports Club to coordinate the...
By The Hindu BusinessLine – Economy
News•Feb 18, 2026
India–US Deal Under Fire as Kisan Bodies Call It ‘Anti-Farmer’, Urge President to Stop It
The Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) has condemned the interim India‑US trade agreement, branding it anti‑farmer and urging President Droupadi Murmu to halt its signing. The coalition demanded the removal of the commerce minister and the IAS officer who signed a...
By The Economic Times (India) – Economy
News•Feb 18, 2026
Building Roads While Travelling Nowhere
Nigeria’s states received a record N33.27 trillion from the Federation Account Allocation Committee between January and November 2025, far exceeding the N25.46 trillion allocated in 2024. Despite the surge, per‑capita spending on health and education remains dismally low, with implementation rates of only...
By BusinessDay (Nigeria)
News•Feb 18, 2026
55 Years of Partnership and the New Dawn in China–Nigeria Bilateral Relations
China and Nigeria celebrated 55 years of diplomatic ties, marking a shift toward deeper economic integration. The partnership, upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September 2024, now emphasizes higher‑value trade and industrial transformation. A new Zero‑Tariff Agreement grants qualifying...
By BusinessDay (Nigeria)
News•Feb 18, 2026
US Market | Inflation, AI and Hiring Trends in Focus as Fed's Mary Daly Outlines Policy Priorities
San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly warned that while artificial intelligence could eventually lift productivity, the Federal Reserve must still ensure inflation moves sustainably lower. She highlighted the limited macro evidence of an AI‑driven productivity surge and cautioned that narrow...
By The Economic Times (India) – RSS hub
News•Feb 18, 2026
India’s AIF Industry Crosses Rs 15 Lakh Crore as Domestic Capital & Liquidity Reshape Private Markets
India’s alternative investment fund (AIF) sector has crossed the ₹15.05 lakh crore mark, underscoring rapid scale and emerging maturity. Equity‑oriented AIFs have delivered roughly 8.7 % alpha over the BSE Sensex across multiple cycles, highlighting consistent outperformance. Domestic investors now contribute about 55 %...
By The Economic Times (India) – RSS hub
News•Feb 18, 2026
Infosys Shares in Focus on AI-First Framework to Capture $400 Bn Services Opportunity. What Are Brokerages Saying?
Infosys unveiled its AI‑first value framework, Topaz, aimed at capturing a $300‑$400 billion services opportunity by 2030. The platform is already embedded in 90 % of its top 200 clients, contributing 5.5 % of revenue, and supports new partnerships such as Infosys‑Cognition and...
By The Economic Times (India) – RSS hub
News•Feb 18, 2026
LIC's Rs 17.5 Lakh Crore Portfolio Goes Against the Wind: IT Stocks in, Banks Out
Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), the nation’s largest domestic institutional investor, dramatically re‑balanced its ₹17.83 lakh crore portfolio in the December quarter. It poured roughly ₹5.4 billion into top IT names – TCS, HCL Technologies and Coforge – lifting IT holdings from...
By The Economic Times (India) – RSS hub
News•Feb 18, 2026
Netweb Tech Shares Jump 4% After Launch of ‘Make in India’ AI Supercomputing Systems Powered by NVIDIA
Netweb Technologies India announced its ‘Make in India’ AI supercomputing portfolio, featuring the desktop‑sized Tyrone Camarero Spark and the larger GB200 system built on NVIDIA’s Blackwell‑Grace architecture. The Spark delivers 1 petaflop of AI performance with 128 GB unified memory, while the...
By The Economic Times (India) – RSS hub
News•Feb 18, 2026
Westpac: China Must Shift to Proactive Policy in 2026 to Sustain Growth
China met its official 5.0% GDP target in 2025, largely on the back of robust export growth to Asia, Europe and Latin America. Manufacturing investment, particularly in electric vehicles and electronics, remained resilient, while overall fixed‑asset investment fell 3.8% and...
By ForexLive — Feed
News•Feb 18, 2026
Understanding the U.S. Coast Guard’s Maritime Cybersecurity Framework
The U.S. Coast Guard’s Cybersecurity in the Marine Transportation System rule took effect in July 2025, imposing mandatory cybersecurity and incident‑response plans for U.S.-flagged vessels, OCS facilities and MTSA‑covered sites. Owners must appoint a Cybersecurity Officer, enforce account lockouts, maintain...
By The Maritime Executive
News•Feb 18, 2026
RBNZ Leave Cash Rate on Hold, as Expected
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand kept its official cash rate unchanged at 2.25%, matching market expectations. While inflation stays above the 2% target, slower wage growth and softened demand reduce immediate pressure for further hikes. The RBNZ modestly raised...
By ForexLive — Feed
News•Feb 18, 2026
Can Big Oil Succeed Where Diplomacy Has Failed in Libya?
Libya’s National Oil Corporation launched its first post‑Gaddafi licensing round, offering 22 offshore and onshore blocks to meet a 2 million‑barrel‑per‑day production target by 2028. U.S. super‑major Chevron secured Contract Area 106 in the Sirte Basin, marking its return after a 16‑year...
By OilPrice.com – Main
News•Feb 18, 2026
Westpac Leading Index Slows to Near-Flat, Signals Cooling Growth Momentum
Westpac’s Melbourne‑Institute Leading Index barely moved in January, posting a six‑month annualised gain of just +0.02% versus +0.44% in December. The slowdown reflects weakening consumer sentiment and a dip in dwelling approvals, while modest commodity price gains provided limited support....
By ForexLive — Feed
News•Feb 17, 2026
Ukrainian Defense Tech Companies Must Prepare for Export Opportunities
Ukraine granted its first defense export permits in February 2026, allowing domestic defense‑tech firms to sell abroad as the government prepares ten export centers across Europe. The sector, proven in combat with rapid development cycles, now faces the need to...
By Atlantic Council – All Content
News•Feb 17, 2026
Trump Crackdown Drives 80% Plunge in Immigrant Employment, Reshaping Labor Market, Goldman Says
Goldman Sachs reports an 80% plunge in net immigration to the United States, falling from roughly one million annually in the 2010s to an estimated 200,000 arrivals in 2026. The decline is attributed to heightened deportations, a visa processing pause...
By Fortune – Markets
News•Feb 17, 2026
Analysis-US Envoys Juggle Two Crisis Talks, Raising Questions About Prospects for Success
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner held back‑to‑back talks in Geneva on Iran’s nuclear program and the Russia‑Ukraine war, a move that has puzzled diplomatic circles. The two‑hour Iran session, mediated by Oman, yielded modest progress but no...
By Al-Monitor – All
News•Feb 17, 2026
Quantum Computing Can Solve the Hardest Port Scheduling Problems
Quantum computing is emerging as a complementary tool for the most complex optimization challenges in maritime logistics. While classical platforms handle data and routine analytics, hybrid workflows off‑load dense, constraint‑heavy subproblems—such as berth allocation, crane sequencing, and drayage routing—to quantum...
By The Maritime Executive
News•Feb 17, 2026
A Bad Ukraine Peace Could Ignite New Wars in Russia’s Former Empire
U.S.‑brokered peace talks aim to end the Ukraine war by early summer, but analysts warn that a deal lacking robust security guarantees could free Russian forces to pursue expansion in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Recent recordings and leaked...
By Atlantic Council – All Content
News•Feb 17, 2026
US Treasuries Slip as Rally Loses Steam on Steady Labor Data
U.S. Treasury yields edged higher on Tuesday, halting a recent rally as steady private‑payroll data reinforced expectations of a still‑robust labor market. The benchmark 10‑year yield closed at 4.06%, while the two‑year rose to 3.43%, reflecting market pricing of two...
By Asset Securitization Report
News•Feb 17, 2026
Qatar PM Arrives in Venezuela on First Trip Since Maduro’s Ouster: What to Know
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Caracas, marking his first visit since the U.S. raid that ousted President Nicolás Maduro. The trip focuses on strengthening bilateral ties, including agriculture and investment, while Qatar positions...
By Al-Monitor – All
News•Feb 17, 2026
Why Coal May Outlast Natural Gas in the Electricity Market
The article argues that as renewables displace fossil generation, coal may outlast natural gas in U.S. electricity markets. Coal’s proximity to mines allows on‑site storage and reduces logistical complexity compared with gas pipelines. Winter reliability concerns for gas, such as...
By OilPrice.com – Main
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News•Feb 17, 2026
WATTS UP: Inside the Paarl Solar Panel Plant Trading on Local Agility to Challenge Imported Panels
Ener‑G‑Africa inaugurated a solar‑panel assembly plant in Paarl, Western Cape, with an annual capacity of about 150 MW, capable of producing panels from 5 W to 620 W. The facility differentiates itself through a locally trained, all‑female workforce and a focus on the...
By Daily Maverick – Business
News•Feb 17, 2026
Iciest Baltic in 15 Years Threatens to Cut Russian Exports
Russia’s Baltic Sea ports are encased in the thickest ice in 15 years, forcing non‑ice‑class vessels to wait for ice‑breaker escorts. The ice surge has already cut oil exports from Primorsk by roughly one‑third, and waiting times for convoys have...
By gCaptain
News•Feb 17, 2026
France Releases Oil Tanker GRINCH After ‘Several Million Euro’ Penalty for Sanctions Evasion
French authorities released the oil tanker GRINCH after its owner paid a multi‑million‑euro penalty for sanctions evasion. The vessel, seized in the Alboran Sea in January, was suspected of operating under a false Comoros flag as part of Russia’s shadow...
By gCaptain
News•Feb 17, 2026
Consumer Pressures General Mills Amid Price Cuts
General Mills is feeling the squeeze as consumers trade down to cheaper private‑label cereals and pet foods. Recent price cuts lifted unit volumes, but the gains were insufficient to offset margin erosion. The shift reflects broader post‑pandemic tightening of discretionary...
By Bloomberg – Markets
News•Feb 17, 2026
PPR 13: The Quiet IMO Meeting That Could Change How Ships Are Actually Run
The IMO Pollution Prevention and Response Sub‑Committee (PPR 13) in London signaled a shift from static emissions limits to performance‑based metrics that evaluate how ships are operated throughout their lifecycle. Discussions highlighted tighter scrutiny of biofouling, Arctic black‑carbon emissions, scrubber wash‑water...
By gCaptain
News•Feb 17, 2026
Warning Shots Off Yemen Underscore Ongoing Gulf of Aden Security Risks
A merchant vessel near Aden, Yemen, encountered armed skiffs that fired warning shots, later identified as a local militia rather than Houthi forces or pirates. The UK Maritime Trade Operations downgraded the event to suspicious activity after confirming no direct...
By gCaptain
News•Feb 17, 2026
French Urea Imports Surge in 2H 2025
France’s urea imports surged to 1.15 million tonnes in the July‑December 2025 period, up from 842,000 tonnes a year earlier, as buyers rushed to stock ahead of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). December shipments more than doubled the three‑year monthly...
By Argus Media – News & analysis
News•Feb 17, 2026
World Briefs | Putin Ally Warns European Powers over Seizure of Russian Vessels
Russia’s navy chief warned European powers of retaliation if Russian vessels are seized, underscoring heightened maritime tensions amid over 30,000 sanctions. Rosatom announced it has freed Siemens from the Hungarian Paks II nuclear contract and is scouting replacement equipment. Despite U.S....
By BusinessLIVE (South Africa) – RSS hub
News•Feb 17, 2026
International Business Briefs | Kennedy Wilson to Go Private in $1.5bn CEO-Led Deal
Kennedy Wilson agreed to a $1.5 bn CEO‑led buyout, offering a 10.2% premium and targeting a Q2 2026 close. Genuine Parts announced a split into two publicly traded entities—Automotive Parts Group and Industrial Parts Group—set to finalize in Q1 2027 after an activist‑driven settlement. Blackstone‑backed...
By BusinessLIVE (South Africa) – RSS hub
News•Feb 17, 2026
Breaking News: Canadian CPI Eases From 3-Month High, USD/CAD Extends Gain...
Canada’s annual CPI slipped to 2.3% in January 2026, easing from a three‑month peak of 2.4% and landing just below market forecasts. The trimmed‑mean core rate fell to 2.4%, the lowest level since April 2021, indicating waning underlying price pressure....
By Myfxbook — Latest Forex News
News•Feb 17, 2026
GBP/JPY Price Forecast: Short-Term Trend Turns Negative Below 210.00 Handle
GBP/JPY slipped below the 210.00 psychological level, trading around 207.28 and marking a near two‑month low. The decline follows weaker UK labour‑market data that has pushed market consensus toward two Bank of England rate cuts this year, with the first...
By FXStreet — News
News•Feb 17, 2026
Holiday Inn Owner IHG Hopes World Cup Can Kickstart US Recovery
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is counting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup to revive U.S. travel after three consecutive quarters of declining room revenues. U.S. RevPAR fell 2% in Q4, lagging rivals Hilton and Marriott, while growth in Europe, the...
By BusinessLIVE (South Africa) – RSS hub
News•Feb 17, 2026
Antofagasta Profit Rockets 52% as Record Copper Prices Offset Weaker Output
Chilean miner Antofagasta reported a 52% surge in 2025 core profit to $5.2 bn, driven by record copper prices that rose over 40% last year. Despite slightly lower output, the company lifted capital spending to $3.7 bn, mainly for the Centinela concentrator...
By BusinessLIVE (South Africa) – RSS hub
News•Feb 17, 2026
Conflicting Policies, Confused Investors, and the Weak Dollar
The United States continues to dominate global growth, driven by an AI-fueled expansion, yet its flagship currency is unusually weak. Markets are now pricing U.S. policy uncertainty on par with economies that lack a reserve currency. Conflicting fiscal and monetary...
By Project Syndicate — Economics
News•Feb 17, 2026
China Introduces 30-Day Visa Waiver for UK and Canadian Nationals
China will allow UK and Canadian passport holders to enter visa‑free for up to 30 days. The waiver runs from 17 February to 31 December 2026 and covers business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and transit. It is expected to speed...
By Blooloop — Theme Parks
News•Feb 17, 2026
USD/JPY Is Looking for Direction Around 153.00 with Key US Data in Focus
USD/JPY is hovering around the 153.00 level as traders await key US data. The pair was rejected at the 153.70 resistance, found support near 152.70, and settled back near 153.00. Weak Japanese Q4 GDP, which fell short of forecasts, kept...
By FXStreet — News