South Africa’s inflation rate eased for the first time in five months in July, helped in part by a sharp fall in fuel costs. Analysts warned it could rise again soon after renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities pushed global oil prices higher.
R
ReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 14:01
President Vladimir Putin said boosting investment is the primary condition for Russia’s economic growth, describing 2026 GDP growth as about 1% and overall economic dynamics as modest but positive. He called for restoring logistics and warehouse capacity damaged by attacks, implementing structural economic changes, and expanding modern technology across social services.
T
TASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 13:50
Russian President Vladimir Putin described the country’s economic dynamics as modest but positive, citing GDP growth of about 1%. He said external pressure and terrorist attacks on industrial and infrastructure facilities are affecting growth, and proposed discussing ways to raise economic growth rates.
The U.S. Treasury said on Wednesday that it would double liquidity-support buyback operations for longer-dated nominal coupon securities, raising each operation from $2 billion to at least $4 billion.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 13:45
Insurance broker RockRose Risk, which focuses on fire zones, raised $12.5 million in a Series A round led by Crosslink Capital and Congruent Ventures, with participation from Nuveen.
B
Bloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 13:30
Kenya has tripled its long-term goal for expanding renewable power capacity to meet rapidly rising demand and support industrialization. The move, however, may not translate into cheaper electricity for consumers.
T
The Associated PressOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 13:00
India’s exports to the US have not been dislodged by President Trump’s tariff wall. The country’s trade surplus with the US, however, has narrowed to $33.8 billion.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 13:00
Russia is examining plans to extend rail links to the Indian Ocean through Afghanistan and Pakistan, Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said. Work is also advancing on the eastern bypass of the Caspian Sea and on road routes through Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, as demand for additional transit corridors grows amid the situation in Iran.
TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 12:56
The 7th Russian-Chinese Business Forum will take place at Moscow’s Russia National Center on September 10-11, bringing together about 600 companies from the two countries. Its agenda includes agritech, digital technologies and AI, e-commerce, tourism, creative industries, and workshops on foreign trade and logistics.
TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 12:17
Canada’s midnight tariff deadline is approaching, while the US is playing down the prospect of a last-minute deal. Quebec separatists also say there will be no referendum while Trump is in office.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-19 12:00
Donald Trump delayed tariffs on Canada at the last minute after a tentative deal was reached.
Bloomberg News Now rounds up today’s leading stories, including Donald Trump’s pause on 50% tariffs on Canada and Overton’s selection to run the FDA, with updates on global business news throughout the day.
Bloomberg News Now’s audio report features the day’s top stories, including Donald Trump pausing new tariffs on Canada and Overton being tapped to lead the Food and Drug Administration.
US President Donald Trump says he has paused planned 50% tariffs on Canadian imports for three days after Washington and Ottawa reached a trade deal, subject to final documents. He also suggested the controversial Keystone XL pipeline could be revived, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said work remains.
Donald Trump said the planned 50% tariffs on Canadian goods would be delayed for three days after US and Canadian officials reached a tentative deal, pending documents. He also suggested the controversial Keystone XL pipeline could be revived, without explaining whether it was connected to the tariff agreement.
President Donald Trump said his threatened 50% tariff on a broad range of Canadian goods would not take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET, temporarily sparing about $20 billion in imports.
Donald Trump says the United States and Canada have reached a last-minute agreement to delay 50% U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports. The duties had been set to cover $20 billion in Canadian goods, from hockey sticks to tongue depressors, with tensions potentially rising further if they took effect.
US President Donald Trump said he would delay planned 50% tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods for three days while the two countries finalise a trade deal. He said the US and Canada had reached an agreement subject to completing documents. Talks include auto tariffs and Canadian provincial restrictions on US alcohol, while Trump said a final deal could revive the Keystone XL pipeline.
US President Donald Trump says the United States and Canada have reached a deal to avert steep tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian goods. Shortly before a midnight deadline, he said the scheduled 50% duties would be paused for three days, pending final documents.
The Trump administration agreed to postpone 50% tariffs on billions of dollars in Canadian products for three days after high-stakes negotiations in Washington.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he had paused the 50% tariffs on Canadian goods due to begin Wednesday for three days, saying the two countries had reached a deal.
Target reported a second consecutive quarter of comparable-sales growth, saying a merchandising overhaul led by its new CEO was drawing in more customers. The discount retailer also received a $994 million tariff refund.
TThe Associated PressOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 12:00
Volkswagen expects to sign a deal with a local Indian partner this year, Skoda CEO Klaus Zellmer said. The German group is struggling to build scale in the world’s third-largest car market.
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 11:40
Danish brewer Carlsberg fell short of half-year profit and sales expectations on Wednesday. Severe weather worsened weak Chinese demand, sending the company’s shares down as much as 4% to a seven-week low.
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 11:35
Rusal said its aluminum production rose 4.5% year-on-year to 2.01 million tonnes in January-June 2026. Bauxite and alumina output also increased, while aluminum sales fell 10% to 2.06 million tonnes. Global primary aluminum output edged down, with growth in China offset by declines elsewhere.
TTASSOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 11:33
India says normal July rains have largely helped crop planting recover from the driest June in 12 years. If the precipitation continues, it could ease food inflation.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 11:00
The board overseeing Washington Dulles International Airport is set to vote Wednesday on adding $15.5 billion to its capital budget to fund a multiyear overhaul supported by President Donald Trump.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 10:30
Estee Lauder forecast annual profit above Wall Street estimates on Wednesday, citing sustained demand for premium fragrances and strong performance in China, a key market. Gains from its CEO’s turnaround strategy are continuing to build.
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 10:25
Investors are backing Ukraine while securing some of the most lucrative gains in bond markets. For some traders, the country has become a high-octane bet too tempting to ignore.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 09:21
The Port of Los Angeles recorded its second-busiest July ever as importers dealt with global supply-chain disruptions and unpredictable tariff policy.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 09:00
At least two Moscow gas station chains have reinstated fuel purchase limits, according to RBC. Gazprom Neft said the cap is 60 liters per person, while Tatneft allows up to 50 liters of gasoline and 60 liters of diesel. AI-95 gasoline was available at only one Neftmagistrali station in the city on the evening of August 18.
MMeduzaOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 08:55
Russian diamond shipments to India fell nearly 50% year on year to 1.2 million carats in the first half of 2026, according to Indian commerce ministry data cited by Vedomosti. Their value declined almost 38% to $106.5 million, while June shipments fell fourfold.
TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 08:41
The China-Laos Railway has transported more than 90 million metric tons of cargo since opening, including over 21 million tons of cross-border freight, China Railway Kunming Bureau said. It has operated more than 80,000 freight trains, carrying over 4,000 types of goods and serving 19 countries and regions in Southeast Asia.
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China News ServiceOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 08:28
European Central Bank policymaker Olli Rehn said on Wednesday that wage growth and its outlook had stayed moderate, with no clear evidence of second-round effects.
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 08:25
Russian stocks opened higher in the main Moscow Exchange session, with the MOEX and dollar-denominated RTS indices each up 0.72% to 2,163.62 and 800.32 points. The yuan strengthened against the ruble at 12.641 rubles, while stock gains later narrowed to 0.4%.
TTASSOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 08:20
A sharp rise in household energy bills pushed UK inflation to a four-month high in July, in line with forecasts. Inflation appears likely to climb further as the war in Iran continues without an apparent end.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 08:05
India’s share of exports to the US has remained largely unchanged after a year of President Donald Trump’s punitive tariffs, despite New Delhi’s efforts to diversify trade through a series of new agreements with other countries.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 08:00
Trade between Georgia and Russia exceeded $1.8 billion in the first seven months of 2026, up 20.9% from a year earlier, Georgia’s statistics office says. Russia was Georgia’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for 11.7% of total foreign trade, with exports at about $437.5 million and imports at roughly $1.38 billion.
TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 07:53
Expanding partnerships between US drugmakers and Chinese companies offer lower costs and greater access to breakthrough treatments. Critics in Washington, however, see the deals as a source of risk.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 07:30
China is broadly expected to keep its benchmark lending rates unchanged in August for a 15th straight month, a Reuters poll found, even as recent economic data point to renewed weakness across the wider economy.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 06:45
Singapore will exempt profits earned by fund managers from tax and ease visa access for investment professionals, the central bank said, as the city-state seeks to counter growing international competition in asset management.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 06:40
A multimodal express freight train carrying e-commerce goods such as daily necessities and clothing left Wuxi, Jiangsu, for Tianjin, launching the first direct e-commerce service linking the Yangtze River Delta with the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The rail route is designed to speed turnover, cut carbon emissions and lower operating costs through closed-loop logistics management.
CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 06:40
The US-Israel war on Iran has disrupted oil and gas supplies, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has pushed countries toward coal as a cheaper, more available fuel. South African thermal coal producer Thungela Resources reported that first-half profits doubled. Analysts say the global clean-energy transition remains on track despite a possible rise in coal use.
AAl JazeeraOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-19 06:27
A freight train carrying more than 200 metric tons of fresh plums has departed Aksu for Jiaxing, launching southern Xinjiang’s first cold-chain express service for fresh fruit. Refrigerated containers provide real-time monitoring and create a direct route to the Yangtze River Delta market.
CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 05:33
SK Hynix’s South Korean labour union is finalising the wording of a tentative wage agreement with management and will brief members on its terms on Wednesday afternoon, according to a source familiar with the talks.
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 05:30
Oil prices rose for a fourth consecutive day on Wednesday as investors assessed conflicting signals from Tehran and Washington over whether the Strait of Hormuz remains open to shipping.
RReutersOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-19 05:15
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed on Wednesday, data showed, as most shipowners avoided the key waterway amid a lack of clear signals on reopening it after a blockade during the Iran war.
Japan’s benchmark bond yield is close to reaching 3% for the first time since the mid-1990s. Inflation, growing fiscal concerns and expectations for monetary policy are reshaping a market long characterized by low interest rates.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 05:05
The U.S. dollar stayed close to multi-month lows against major currencies on Wednesday as Treasury yields retreated from recent peaks. Investors were waiting for minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest policy meeting for indications about the direction of interest rates.
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 05:01
The Indian rupee is expected to open weaker on Wednesday as a worsening risk backdrop and elevated oil prices reinforce its negative short-term bias. The Reserve Bank of India is again expected to step in to support the currency.
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 05:01
A senior Reserve Bank of Australia official said on Wednesday that rates would need to rise again if upside inflation risks crystallise. The warning reiterated a hawkish stance after policymakers left rates unchanged for a second consecutive meeting.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 05:00
The Food Foundation warns that the UK’s reliance on imports leaves it exposed to food price shocks. About 40% of food is imported, including 80% of fruit and 47% of vegetables, while many supplier countries face greater climate risks. The charity is urging the government to help farmers adapt and raise domestic production.
TThe GuardianOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 05:00
Tom Westbrook looks ahead to the day in European and global markets, highlighting dancing robots and bond dumping.
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 04:50
Recent rare U.S.-Japanese intervention to support the yen could unexpectedly weaken the Swiss franc. Investors are turning to the franc for carry trades, potentially easing pressure on Swiss companies and policymakers that have struggled with the currency’s strength for years.
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 04:40
Bigger wagers and more luxurious perks are attracting more high rollers to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands, forcing Resorts World Sentosa to catch up as its casino license nears renewal.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 04:30
The Reserve Bank of India likely entered the foreign exchange market on Wednesday to support the rupee as persistently high oil prices put pressure on the currency amid uncertainty over the U.S.-Iran war, traders said.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 04:10
A selloff in chipmakers helped pull markets lower.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 04:00
Global bond yields remained near their highest levels in decades on Wednesday as concerns about swelling sovereign debt drove borrowing costs higher and unsettled stock markets worldwide.
RReutersOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-19 03:01
Cambodia’s central bank and WeChat Pay launched a cross-border QR payment service in Phnom Penh. Chinese visitors can use WeChat Pay to scan KHQR codes at merchants for dining, shopping, transport, tourism and entertainment, while Cambodian businesses can receive the payments without additional transaction fees.
CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 02:58
Brent crude futures for October 2026 delivery on London’s ICE moved above $92 a barrel for the first time since July 30. At 1:50 a.m. GMT, the contract was up 1.13% at $92.05 before easing to a 0.97% gain at $91.9. WTI futures rose 1.46% to $84.96.
TTASSOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 02:58
KKR has become the preferred bidder for a minority stake in Malaysia’s Avisena Healthcare, according to two people with direct knowledge. The deal could value the healthcare company at about 1.5 billion ringgit ($370 million).
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 02:40
U.S. President Donald Trump said the 50% tariffs on Canada due to take effect Wednesday had been paused for three days, asserting that the two countries had reached a deal pending final documents. The proposed duties would cover about $20 billion in Canadian imports, including dairy, alcohol and furniture. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office had not immediately commented.
C
CGTNOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-19 02:16
More than 500,000 barrels of Venezuela’s roughly 1.25 million barrels-per-day output are now being sent to US Gulf Coast refineries, a senior US official says. Venezuelan officials report rising production, while a think tank raises concerns about Washington’s control and undisclosed use of oil revenues.
AAl JazeeraOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-19 02:00
China and Tanzania plan to deepen financial cooperation and expand the renminbi’s role in cross-border trade and investment. A Bank of China RMB internationalization roadshow in Tanzania brought together more than 140 representatives from financial institutions, businesses and the Chinese and Tanzanian authorities.
CChina News ServiceOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 01:03
India has requested consultations with the United States at the World Trade Organization over White House tariffs on some quartz products. The move adds another point of friction between the countries as they remain without a trade deal.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-19 01:00
Bank of America says Nvidia shares could be trading at a discount of as much as 50% because investors are overstating risks tied to the artificial-intelligence chip leader.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-19 00:00
More than 200 workers at Urenco’s Capenhurst uranium-enrichment site in Cheshire have voted to strike over pay, Unite said. The employees rejected a proposed 4.1% raise despite the company’s record €27.3 billion in orders; the strike date has not been set.
TTASSOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-18 23:41
Small US oil companies will sign an agreement with Venezuela’s state-owned PDVSA in Houston on Tuesday to extract hydrocarbons in Venezuela, Politico reported, citing sources. Hydrocarbons Minister Paula Henao plans to attend, while the White House will not participate in the ceremony.
TTASSOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-18 23:18
The U.S. Surface Transportation Board is again weighing Union Pacific’s plan to combine with Norfolk Southern, but says restarting the process is not an endorsement of the $85 billion transaction.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-18 23:01
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. struck a deal to buy LCN, its second transaction in a week as the firm advances plans to expand its $4 trillion money-management arm.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-18 23:00
Russia and Myanmar signed a memorandum covering cooperation in electric power and oil and gas. The countries reaffirmed their interest in expanding contacts between energy agencies and pursuing promising joint projects, with Russia offering expertise to support Myanmar’s energy security.
TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-18 22:22
Two major Wall Street firms are declining the opportunity to bring in billions of dollars in assets, suggesting that a booming tax strategy may be too good to be true—even for the richest 1%.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-18 22:00
The Trump administration is lowering expectations for a last-minute agreement with Canada that would avert new tariffs due to take effect Wednesday, according to people familiar with the matter.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-18 21:00
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone as negotiators sought a last-minute agreement to prevent 50 percent US tariffs on about $20bn in Canadian imports. Experts and business officials warn the measures could cause job losses and closures in sectors including lumber, wine and dairy, while complicating wider USMCA negotiations.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, Carney’s office said. Canada is seeking a last-minute deal to prevent new 50% tariffs from taking effect at midnight on Wednesday.
The United States and Canada are holding last-minute talks to prevent U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. Relations could worsen at 12:01 a.m. Wednesday if Donald Trump proceeds with a plan to impose 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products.
Canada is racing to reach a deal with the Trump administration on Tuesday, before a midnight deadline, to avert a 50% tariff on billions of dollars in exports to the US.
The SEC said Tuesday that its rule proposal would give certain investment contracts tied to crypto assets a “clear and fit-for-purpose” framework.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-18 19:05
An analysis of planned projects finds that gas plants built to power data centers would increase US emissions, highlighting their climate cost.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-18 19:00
Despite tighter sanctions, countries continue importing Russian fossil fuels, with LNG helping sustain revenue for the Kremlin. The article examines whether Ukraine could disrupt those exports before they reach consumers, including by targeting shipping linked to Russia’s Arctic LNG facilities, which rely on a limited number of specialized ice-class vessels.
TThe Kyiv IndependentOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-18 18:23
Saudi state oil giant Aramco and mining company Maaden said they plan to establish a joint venture focused on mineral exploration and hard-rock mining in the kingdom.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-18 18:15
Anthropic PBC’s revolving credit facility is expected to exceed its roughly $10 billion target, according to people familiar with the matter, as the artificial intelligence company prepares for a highly anticipated initial public offering.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-18 18:00
Russian President Vladimir Putin said there are good prospects for exporting liquefied natural gas to Myanmar, both for domestic use and transit to neighboring countries. Russia and Myanmar are also discussing a deep-water seaport on Myanmar’s southern coast for large vessels, along with other industrial and transport projects.
TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-18 17:50
Russia and Myanmar are developing humanitarian cooperation and broadening scientific, academic, youth, tourism and sports exchanges, President Vladimir Putin said after talks with Min Aung Hlaing. Putin said visa-free travel supports the relationship, while a Myanmar consulate general will soon open in Vladivostok and a Russian Orthodox church is planned in Yangon.
TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-18 17:44
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing invited Russian investors to cooperate with his country, citing its strategic location, nearby markets, resources, climate and coastline. After talks with Vladimir Putin, he said the countries discussed defense, security, tourism, agriculture, healthcare and inter-parliamentary ties.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said interest among Myanmar citizens in learning Russian is growing. The language is taught at universities in Yangon and Mandalay and at the Armed Forces Academy, while participation by Myanmar schools and universities in the Russian Teacher Abroad program is under consideration.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said he expects Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit to Russia to produce positive results and advance bilateral relations. The Myanmar leader is scheduled to hold several meetings and visit the Republic of Tuva, described by Putin as one of Russia’s centers of Buddhism.
Following talks with Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing, Vladimir Putin said Russia and Myanmar are linked by strong, time-tested ties of friendship, partnership and mutual support. He cited cooperation based on equality, mutual benefit and respect, along with active official dialogue and developing joint projects.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said Russia and Myanmar have strong prospects for expanding bilateral trade, economic and investment ties. Moscow proposes closer high-tech cooperation, including sharing developments in the digital economy, autonomous electronic systems and artificial intelligence applications.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing said after talks with Vladimir Putin that bilateral ties with Russia are developing actively. He said the two sides are working toward new agreements to deepen cooperation and that Myanmar is ready to strengthen the relationship further.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said relations with Myanmar, established in 1948, have developed steadily and become particularly trust-based in recent years. He thanked Myanmar leader Min Aung Hlaing for helping develop Russia’s ties with ASEAN and highlighted active cooperation between the two countries internationally.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to meet Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing at the Kremlin on August 18 during his official visit to Russia. They will discuss expanding bilateral cooperation and international and regional issues, with several bilateral documents expected to be signed.
Canada’s largest oil producers are aiming to make a final investment decision in late 2027 on their proposed carbon capture and storage project, designed to capture 6 million tonnes of emissions. The project is a key part of the country’s plan to expand oil production while keeping emissions in check, the Oil Sands Alliance president said.
RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-18 17:40
American Airlines Group plans to restore seatback screens and add more premium seats on its narrowbody jets from 2028, seeking to attract higher-paying customers and compete with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-18 17:00
American Airlines said it will add more premium seats and bring back seatback entertainment screens on narrowbody aircraft. The carrier is targeting higher-spending travelers as it works to close a substantial profit gap with Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
Russia may raise its quota for workers from Myanmar after signing agreements on readmission and organized recruitment, Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov said. The quota is currently above 200 and has been increasing annually; he said Myanmar has skilled workers needed for some projects.
TTASSOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-18 16:48
Quantexa's CEO told Reuters that the British AI firm is weighing a multibillion-dollar flotation in Britain or the United States.
RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-18 16:35
The Minutes Reader extension turns the original page into a focused reading view and translates articles and video subtitles on demand. It is in limited beta.
