Second Fuel Security Trip to Asia for PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is embarking on a second fuel‑security tour of Asia, visiting Brunei and Malaysia after securing Singapore's pledge not to restrict liquid fuel exports. Brunei supplies roughly 9% of Australia’s diesel and 11% of its fertiliser‑grade urea, while Malaysia accounts for about 10% of Australian refined fuel and a similar share of urea imports. The trip aims to reinforce bilateral supply chains for critical commodities amid global volatility. Independent economist Chris Richardson estimates the war‑driven surge in gas, coal and gold prices could add about $30 billion to the federal budget through 2028‑29.
West Asia Crisis: Ludhiana Handtool Export Units Face Labour, Gas Supply Shortages, High Input Costs
Export‑oriented hand‑tool manufacturers in Ludhiana are grappling with labor shortages, soaring input prices and an inadequate gas supply after the February US‑Israel‑Iran conflict disrupted West Asian trade. Steel, plastic and rubber costs have jumped 10‑15%, while freight, container and insurance...
Inside the American Startups Trying to Break China's Mineral Chokehold
Phoenix Tailings, a New Hampshire startup, has raised $120 million to process rare‑earth metals from mine tailings, aiming to close the U.S. supply‑chain gap that China dominates at the mid‑stream stage. The company claims a zero‑emission process that extracts, separates, and...
Who Is Running US Foreign Policy? Varsha Gandikota and Jeremy Scahill
Varsha Gandikota‑Nellutla, general coordinator of Progressive International, interviews investigative journalist Jeremy Scahill on the Reframe podcast to question why former President Trump abandoned his pledge to end “forever wars” and whether Israel now drives U.S. foreign policy amid the US‑Israel conflict over...
White House Fields Warnings About Iran War’s Economic Hit
President Trump and senior advisers have been briefing White House officials on the economic fallout of a protracted war with Iran. Cabinet members, political allies, and corporate leaders warned that an extended conflict could depress U.S. GDP, spike oil prices,...
Will the Recent Surge in Oil Prices Lead to Higher Social Security Paychecks in 2027?
Oil prices have spiked this year, briefly topping $110 per barrel before easing to around $95 amid a fragile Iran‑U.S. cease‑fire. The Social Security Administration calculates annual cost‑of‑living adjustments (COLAs) using the CPI‑W, which includes energy costs, so higher fuel...
Borderlands Mexico: China Automakers Gain Ground as U.S. Exports Soften
U.S. finished‑vehicle exports to North America are showing early signs of softening just as Chinese automakers, led by BYD and Geely, are expanding rapidly in Mexico. In March, Mexico produced 343,520 light vehicles and exported 310,205 units, a 4.2% year‑over‑year...
African Economies Explore Stable Coins Option for Cross-Border Settlement
African nations are evaluating stablecoins as a cross‑border payment tool to offset chronic hard‑currency shortages, a trend highlighted by Visa’s regional manager. The digital assets, backed by reserve currencies, promise to preserve foreign‑exchange reserves while facilitating trade. Kenya’s recent credit‑based...
Will the Iran Truce Hold? Where to Invest—Whether It Fizzles or Settles In
U.S. diplomats are negotiating a tentative truce with Iran, aiming to halt hostilities that have rattled global markets. Analysts warn that a breakdown could reignite volatility, while a durable cease‑fire may unlock a modest rally in risk assets. The piece...
Coal Imports Fall 8.5% in February Amid High Stockpiles, Firm Global Prices
India’s coal imports dropped 8.5% in February, reaching 16.55 million tonnes, as record domestic stockpiles and firm seaborne prices curbed demand. Non‑coking coal fell to 9.80 MT, while coking coal rose slightly to 3.92 MT. Domestic production rose 4.98% to 1,047.5 MT, keeping power‑plant...
Task for the Week: Limit the Fallout From Biggest Oil Shock in Decades | Richard Partington
The IMF and World Bank convene in Washington as the US‑Israeli war on Iran triggers the biggest oil shock of the modern era. Brent crude, after peaking near $120 a barrel, remains well above the pre‑conflict $72 level, driving inflation...
US-Iran War: Ceasefire Negotiation Fails; What Does It Mean for Gold, Oil, Silver and Indian Stock Market?
Cease‑fire negotiations between the United States and Iran collapsed in Islamabad, reviving geopolitical risk across markets. Analysts expect crude oil to gap up as the risk premium widens, while gold and silver are likely to open flat unless tensions intensify....
“War in Iran Will Come at a Cost,” Reeves Warns UK Businesses
Chancellor Rachel Reeves warned that the escalating conflict in Iran will directly raise costs for British businesses, as disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz tighten global oil supplies. Higher gas prices are already feeding through to manufacturers, threatening to reignite...
RTS Link: Johor Must Refine Strategy to Tackle Skilled Labour Outflows
Johor must sharpen its cross‑border economic strategy as the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, slated for a January 2027 launch, promises to ease travel between Johor Bahru and Singapore. The 5‑minute, 10,000‑passenger‑per‑hour service could accelerate the outflow of skilled Malaysian...
West Asia Crisis May Push India’s Current Account Deficit to 2% of GDP: Crisil
Crisil warns that a prolonged West Asia crisis could push India’s current account deficit (CAD) up to roughly 2% of GDP, up from its baseline estimate of 1.5%. The surge would be driven by a 23% year‑on‑year rise in crude‑oil...
Failure of US-Iran Talks Set to Weigh on Risk Assets Monday
The United States and Iran failed to secure a cease‑fire agreement during talks in Pakistan, reviving geopolitical risk. Analysts expect the setback to push investors toward safe‑haven assets, lifting the dollar and oil prices while dragging equities lower. Treasury yields...
KPMG UK Analyzes Latest Credit Data, Warns the Economy Is Showing Signs of Stress
KPMG UK’s review of the Bank of England’s Q1 2026 Credit Conditions Survey finds mounting stress in the UK lending market. Rising consumer defaults reveal deeper household‑finance strains, while home‑purchase loan demand stays flat, remortgaging activity climbs, and unsecured credit usage...
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FUELLING WAR: ‘Hypocrisy’: Critics Slam SA for Boosting Coal Exports to Israel Despite Gaza Genocide Case
South Africa’s coal exports to Israel surged in the past two years, reaching roughly 2.99 million tonnes between October 2023 and December 2025, even as Pretoria pursues a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The increase followed Colombia’s decision...
Inconclusive US-Iran Talks, Oil Prices, Inflation Data to Dictate Investors' Sentiment: Analysts
U.S. and Iranian delegations left Pakistan without a deal, with Washington’s “excessive demands” cited as the sticking point. The collapse follows a brief rally in Indian equities that was fueled by a cease‑fire announcement and crude oil slipping below $100...
Failure of US-Iran Talks Set to Weigh on Risk Assets Monday
The United States and Iran failed to secure a peace agreement during talks in Pakistan, reigniting geopolitical tension. Analysts expect the U.S. dollar to rebound after a 1.4% weekly decline, while oil prices are projected to slip. The disappointment is...
US-Iran Islamabad Talks End without Deal as Hormuz Control Remains Key Sticking Point
The United States and Iran held their first high‑level face‑to‑face talks since 1979 in Islamabad, but after more than 21 hours the meeting ended without an agreement. The core dispute centered on the Strait of Hormuz, where Washington demands unrestricted...
India-UK Free Trade Pact May Come Into Force From Second Week of May: Official
The India‑UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), signed in July 2025, is slated to take effect in the second week of May 2026. The pact grants duty‑free access for 99% of Indian exports to the British market and cuts...
Kenyans Are Encouraged to Work Abroad, but Protection Rights Remain Weak – New Research
Kenya is pushing a new labour‑migration drive toward Gulf states, targeting $10 billion in annual remittances and a million jobs abroad under President William Ruto’s agenda. By 2025 more than 300,000 Kenyans are employed in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United...
Why DRC Central Bank Is Banning Dollar Use
The Central Bank of the Congo announced that, effective April 9 2027, it will be the sole entity authorized to import foreign currencies and that cash transactions in US dollars will be prohibited, allowing only electronic transfers. The move seeks to curb...
South Korea Nears Kazakhstan Oil Deal as Middle East Supply Risks Mount
South Korea is close to finalising a crude‑oil supply agreement with Kazakhstan, a move aimed at reducing its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern imports. The deal follows a high‑level diplomatic tour that also visited Oman and Saudi Arabia amid growing...
Value in Volatility: Why Smart Money Hunts ‘Gaps’ in Uncertain Markets
Market volatility is reviving value‑investing as investors chase mispriced assets. Arnold Van Den Berg, speaking at Talks at Google, stresses the hunt for “value gaps” – the spread between intrinsic worth and current price. He argues that fear‑driven sell‑offs create buying opportunities...
FPIs Extend Sell-Off in April; Pull Out Rs 48,213 Crore From Indian Stocks in 10 Days
Foreign portfolio investors pulled $5.14 billion (Rs 48,213 crore) from Indian equities in the first ten days of April, extending a sharp outflow trend that began with a record $12.7 billion exit in March. The cumulative outflows for 2026 now exceed $18 billion, reflecting heightened...
Vietnam Cuts All Fuel Taxes to Zero Through June
Vietnam's National Assembly approved a zero‑tax regime for gasoline, diesel, kerosene, mazut and aviation fuel from April 16 through June 30, eliminating VAT, environmental protection tax and special consumption tax. The move cuts state‑budget revenues by roughly VND 7.3 trillion (about $277 million) each month...
Thailand Revises Growth Outlook with 4 Scenarios Amid Middle East Tensions
Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) released four growth scenarios for 2026 as the Middle East conflict threatens oil markets. In the most optimistic case, limited fighting keeps oil at $85‑95 a barrel and GDP growth at 1.4%...
Oil Tankers U-Turn in Hormuz as US-Iran Talks Break Down
Two empty crude carriers—two VLCCs and an Aframax—approached the Strait of Hormuz from the Gulf of Oman on Saturday, aiming for destinations in the United Arab Emirates and Iraq. At a checkpoint near Iran’s Larak Island, all three vessels executed...
Gold Surges as US–Iran Ceasefire Weakens US Dollar and Fuels Safe Haven Demand
Gold rallied sharply after the U.S.–Iran cease‑fire announcement, pushing the metal higher as the dollar slipped about 1% to a four‑week low. The move reflects heightened safe‑haven demand amid lingering geopolitical uncertainty and softer U.S. economic data, including 0.5% Q4...
Canada Backs Timber Robotics to Deliver It’s $13B Housing Agenda
Canada is investing more than $4 million CAD (≈$3 million US) in a robotics‑enabled wood‑truss plant in Clinton, Ontario, under the Investments in Forest Industry Transformation (IFIT) program. The facility, run by Atlas Engineered Products, will boost precision manufacturing, cut waste, and...
Iran Has Weakened US in the Great Power Game
The United States’ brief war against Iran, ending with a 14‑day cease‑fire, exposed strategic vulnerabilities that Russia and China are exploiting. Washington’s unilateral action diverted attention from broader Indo‑Pacific and Western Hemisphere priorities, weakened its credibility as a mediator, and...
Latin America's Central Banks Establish Digital Payments Used By Hundreds of Millions
Latin America’s central banks have rolled out instant‑payment platforms that now serve hundreds of millions, highlighted by Brazil’s Pix reaching 175 million users. Argentina and Costa Rica have followed suit with their own digital systems, leveraging a clean‑slate infrastructure free of...
Commodity Traders Lost ‘Billions’ in Early Days of Iran War
Commodity traders incurred multi‑billion‑dollar losses during the initial weeks of the Iran‑Israel conflict that erupted in early 2024. The sharp drop in oil prices and heightened market volatility erased large speculative positions, especially in crude futures and related derivatives. Analysts...
Doubts About Trump Strain Southeast Asia’s US-China Balancing Act
The 2026 State of Southeast Asia survey shows a sharp decline in confidence toward U.S. leadership under President Trump, with 52% of respondents now favoring China over the United States. Climate change has become the region’s top concern, cited by...
China Unveils Taiwan Goodwill Steps After Opposition Talks
China announced a package of goodwill measures toward Taiwan after President Xi met opposition leader Cheng Li‑wun. The package includes facilitating sales of Taiwanese agricultural and fishery products to the mainland. It also encourages Taiwanese investment in China and plans...
Philippines Aims to Export Mangoes, Pineapples to America
The Philippines is intensifying efforts to ship mangoes and pineapples to the United States, partnering with USDA‑APHIS to meet updated phytosanitary and irradiation standards. Bureau of Plant Industry officials highlighted pre‑clearance inspections and on‑site radiation treatment as key compliance steps....
Vance Says Talks Failed to Reach Agreement with Iran
U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced that 21‑hour talks in Islamabad ended without an agreement, presenting a "final and best" offer to Iran. The United States had paused attacks on Iranian targets for two weeks, hoping the proposal would prompt...
US, Iran Fail to Reach Peace Agreement After Marathon Talks
The United States and Iran concluded a marathon round of direct talks in Pakistan without reaching a peace agreement, leaving a fragile cease‑fire in jeopardy. The six‑week war has already claimed thousands of lives and disrupted global energy supplies. Vice...
Marathon US-Iran Talks End in Failure as Vance Cites Nuclear Arms as Key Sticking Point
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance led a marathon delegation to Islamabad for direct talks with Iran, but the negotiations collapsed without a deal. Vance said Washington had presented its “last and best offer,” while Tehran dismissed it as overly demanding,...
What a 21% Decline in UK Fintech Investment Reveals About Macroeconomic Pressures
UK fintech funding fell 21% in 2025, driven by the Bank of England’s base rate reaching 5.25%. Higher rates made government bonds more attractive, pulling capital from venture funds and limiting limited‑partner contributions, especially from pension schemes. The squeeze also...
Warwick McKibbin on Building Economic Projections for Better Policy
Warwick J. McKibbin, a leading global economic modeler, joined PIIE’s Anjali V. Bhatt to discuss how econometric projections inform U.S. policy decisions, including tariff scenarios. He explained the mechanics of modern economic modeling and its growing relevance for real‑time policymaking....
How India’s $26.58 Billion Fintech Market in 2026 Reflects Emerging Market Growth
India’s fintech ecosystem is projected to reach $26.58 billion by 2026, driven largely by the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) that now handles over $230 billion in annual transaction value. The low‑cost, frictionless payment rails have spurred rapid growth in digital lending, investment...
Faisal Islam: Why the Government Is Relaxed About Chinese Car Imports
Chinese‑made cars have surged in the UK, with the Jaecoo 7 becoming the top‑selling model in 2026 and Chinese brands now accounting for about 15 % of new registrations, up from 1.3 % five years ago. The government has deliberately avoided tariffs, emphasizing...
How Iran’s Dark Fleet Is Quietly Keeping Oil Markets Afloat
Iran’s “dark fleet” of opaque tankers is quietly sustaining oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz despite a visible collapse of more than 90% in regulated traffic. By using shell‑company ownership, AIS deactivation and ship‑to‑ship transfers, Iran moves roughly 1.5‑1.7 million...
China Still Gorges on U.S. Chips in Trump Era as Huawei Struggles
U.S. semiconductor exports to China remained robust during the Trump administration, generating about $104 billion for 15 major chip makers, only a modest 4% decline from the prior year and a 17% rise over two years earlier. Meanwhile, Huawei’s ICT infrastructure...
CYPRUS UNEMPLOYMENT RISES AS TOURISM SECTOR FEELS INSTABILITY
Cyprus' unemployment climbed to 11,243 jobs by the end of March, a 1.6% rise from February, ending months of post‑pandemic improvement. The increase is driven by a slowdown in the hospitality sector as Gulf‑region unrest curtails airline operations and depresses...
World Finance Chiefs Head to IMF With a Sense of Déjà Vu
Finance ministers and central bankers convene in Washington for the IMF and World Bank spring meetings, where the agenda is dominated by the fallout from President Donald Trump’s war on Iran. IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned that the conflict will...
World Finance Chiefs Head to IMF With a Sense of Déjà Vu
Finance ministers and central bankers will convene at the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington to gauge the fallout from President Donald Trump’s war on Iran. IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned that the conflict will force a downgrade...