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Putin has run out of moves

Russia is facing a prolonged bout of stagflation, with growth this year unlikely to exceed 1% and inflation stuck at 6% or more. The article argues that ending the war in Ukraine is the most promising route to economic recovery but the least likely to be pursued. Rising deficits, costly debt servicing and continued military spending could bring much higher inflation, a financial crisis, or both.

Macro & central banksRussia economyVladimir PutinstagflationUkraine war

TThe Kyiv IndependentOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 17:26

Putin has run out of moves
Putin has run out of moves

Kazatomprom agrees to supply uranium to Russia and China

Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom says it has reached natural uranium supply agreements with Russia’s Uranium One Group, part of Rosatom’s management structure, and China’s State Nuclear Uranium Resource Development Company. Russian deliveries will go to the Siberian Chemical Combine, while Chinese shipments will arrive at Alashankou railway station. Prices, volumes and schedules remain confidential, and both deals have been submitted for shareholder approval.

Otheruranium supplyKazakhstanRussiaChina

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 16:24

Kazatomprom agrees to supply uranium to Russia and China

IN BRIEF: Novak’s directives on supplying Russia’s fuel market and refinery repairs

Russian authorities aim to optimize planned refinery maintenance to reduce the risk of fuel shortages. A meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak also covered fuel distribution, quality control, pricing and labeling, while officials urged higher domestic gasoline and diesel supplies, fair prices and greater sales transparency.

Energy & commoditiesRussiafuel marketrefinery maintenanceenergy policy

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 15:50

IN BRIEF: Novak’s directives on supplying Russia’s fuel market and refinery repairs
  • Russian authorities optimize refinery maintenance schedules to stabilize fuel market

    Russian authorities have ordered oil refineries to optimize planned maintenance schedules to reduce the risk of fuel shortages and distribute available supplies more evenly across regions. The cabinet also discussed measures to secure domestic supplies, maintain fair prices and improve transparency in fuel sales.

    Russiafuel marketrefinery maintenance

    TTASS★★★☆☆2026-08-21 15:41Original

EPA plans to extend renewable fuel compliance deadline for refiners

The Environmental Protection Agency plans to extend the September 1 deadline for oil refiners to demonstrate compliance with U.S. biofuel blending laws. The move could give the industry more flexibility as it faces elevated compliance costs.

Energy & commoditiesEPArenewable fuelsoil refinerscompliance deadline

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 15:01

EPA plans to extend renewable fuel compliance deadline for refiners
EPA plans to extend renewable fuel compliance deadline for refiners

Romania posts EU’s biggest fuel price increase over past year

Eurostat data shows fuel prices in Romania rose 24.2% over the past 12 months, the highest increase in the European Union. Germany and Lithuania followed at 22.9%, while the EU average was 16.9%; Hungary was the only member to record a decline, at 0.1%.

Macro & central banksEnergy & commoditiesRomaniaEuropean Unionfuel pricesinflation

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 14:56

Romania posts EU’s biggest fuel price increase over past year

US equity funds attract inflows despite market pressures

U.S. investors were net buyers of equity funds for a second consecutive week through August 19. Strong earnings and cooler inflation supported demand, while a bond-market selloff and higher oil prices weighed on markets.

MarketsUS equitiesequity fundsfund flows

RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 14:50

US equity funds attract inflows despite market pressures
US equity funds attract inflows despite market pressures

India’s forex reserves rise to six-month high on sustained capital inflows

India’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $716.9 billion in the week through August 14, their highest level in about six months. Inflows under central bank measures aimed at strengthening the balance of payments helped drive the increase.

MarketsIndiaforeign exchange reservescapital inflows

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 14:45

India’s forex reserves rise to six-month high on sustained capital inflows
India’s forex reserves rise to six-month high on sustained capital inflows

US service sector drives acceleration in business activity, S&P Global says

U.S. services recorded their strongest growth in nearly two years, driving a sharp acceleration in overall business activity in August. That expansion offset slower manufacturing growth, which was constrained by reduced inventory building and supply disruptions from the U.S.-led war with Iran, S&P Global said.

Macro & central banksMarketsCompanies & industryUS economyservices sectorbusiness activity

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 14:30

US service sector drives acceleration in business activity, S&P Global says
US service sector drives acceleration in business activity, S&P Global says

Trump Targets Ground Beef Prices With New Tariff Relief

President Donald Trump said he would permit tariff relief for some ground beef imports in an effort to bring down prices for American consumers. The cost of food is a key concern ahead of the November midterm elections.

Macro & central banksTrade & sanctionsUS economyDonald Trumptariffsbeef prices

BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 14:30

Trump Targets Ground Beef Prices With New Tariff Relief
Trump Targets Ground Beef Prices With New Tariff Relief
  • Trump to ease ground beef import quotas for 90 days
    Trump to ease ground beef import quotas for 90 days

    President Donald Trump said the United States would permit up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef imports without counting them against tariff quotas under a 90-day arrangement intended to reduce prices as consumers struggle with grocery costs.

    Donald TrumpUnited Statesbeef importstariff quotas

    RReuters★★★☆☆2026-08-21 11:35Original

U.S., Canadian trade teams to meet again as tariff deadline looms

Canada’s and the United States’ top trade negotiators will meet in Washington for a third consecutive day on Friday, seeking to finalize a trade agreement before new U.S. tariffs take effect Saturday.

Trade & sanctionsCanadaUnited Statestrade talkstariffs

RReutersOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 14:15

U.S., Canadian trade teams to meet again as tariff deadline looms
U.S., Canadian trade teams to meet again as tariff deadline looms
  • Carney Bets Canada Can Live With Tariffs to Unlock Investment
    Carney Bets Canada Can Live With Tariffs to Unlock Investment

    Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is close to a trade agreement with the United States. His next challenge is persuading Canadians that accepting some tariffs is worthwhile for the greater economic certainty the deal could provide.

    CanadaUnited Statestrade dealtariffsinvestment

    BBloomberg News★★★☆☆2026-08-21 14:00Original

Ukraine's farmers struggle to sell harvest amid war and drought

Russian attacks on ships and ports have brought ports in the Odesa region largely to a standstill, severely restricting Ukraine’s grain exports. Farmers have harvested more than 28 million tons of grain and pulses, but much of it cannot be sold, leaving them short of cash for harvesting and autumn planting. Alternative rail, road and Danube routes are constrained by capacity, cost and drought.

Energy & commoditiesTrade & sanctionsUkraine agriculturegrain exportsBlack Seawar impact

DDWOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 13:51

Ukraine's farmers struggle to sell harvest amid war and drought
Ukraine's farmers struggle to sell harvest amid war and drought

Wall St Week Ahead: Nvidia earnings, Jackson Hole to test pillars of stock rally

Nvidia’s earnings report and the Federal Reserve’s Jackson Hole symposium will challenge the assumptions underpinning this year’s stock-market rally and offer clues about whether the AI-driven equity surge can withstand growing uncertainty around economic growth and interest rates.

Macro & central banksMarketsCompanies & industryTech & AINvidiaFederal Reservestock marketartificial intelligence

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 13:50

Wall St Week Ahead: Nvidia earnings, Jackson Hole to test pillars of stock rally
Wall St Week Ahead: Nvidia earnings, Jackson Hole to test pillars of stock rally

Wall Street opens higher, but weekly losses loom

Wall Street’s main indexes opened higher on Friday after a sharp sell-off in the previous session. Still, rising government bond yields and geopolitical tensions continued to weigh on risk appetite, leaving markets on course for a weekly decline.

MarketsWall Streetstock marketbond yieldsgeopolitics

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 13:40

Wall Street opens higher, but weekly losses loom
Wall Street opens higher, but weekly losses loom

China to revise regulations for outbound investment

China’s National Development and Reform Commission said Friday that it will revise rules governing outbound investment to better safeguard investors’ rights and assets and contain risks overseas.

MarketsChinaOutbound investmentRegulation

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 13:35

China to revise regulations for outbound investment
China to revise regulations for outbound investment

India receives $511.5 million in FDI under new policy for neighbouring countries

India has received 29 foreign direct investment proposals worth 48.95 billion rupees ($511.5 million) under a new automatic route. The policy allows investors from countries sharing a land border with India, including China, to acquire non-controlling stakes of up to 10%.

MarketsIndiaforeign direct investmentChinainvestment policy

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 13:25

India receives $511.5 million in FDI under new policy for neighbouring countries
India receives $511.5 million in FDI under new policy for neighbouring countries

Four- to five-day forums can generate one to two months’ revenue for local businesses

Forums lasting four to five days can sometimes bring local businesses revenue equivalent to one or two months’ earnings, Russian presidential adviser Anton Kobyakov said. Restaurants, transport and hotel companies, along with other small and medium-sized businesses, benefit from hosting participants and guests. The Eastern Economic Forum is scheduled for September 1–4 in Vladivostok.

Macro & central banksCompanies & industryEastern Economic Forumlocal economysmall businessesVladivostok

TTASSOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 13:15

Four- to five-day forums can generate one to two months’ revenue for local businesses

Traders brace for an increasingly hawkish ECB

Money markets are betting that the European Central Bank will become more hawkish, as geopolitical tensions complicate its fight against inflation and keep price pressures stubborn enough to push the key deposit rate close to 3% by late 2027.

Macro & central banksEuropean Central Bankinterest ratesinflation

RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 13:10

Traders brace for an increasingly hawkish ECB
Traders brace for an increasingly hawkish ECB

Oil tankers wait up to 30 days to load at Venezuelan ports

Outdated infrastructure is forcing oil tankers to wait as long as 30 days to load at Venezuelan ports amid increased fuel volumes bound for export. About half of Venezuela’s output, roughly 500,000 barrels, is currently shipped to the US, and the delays are hindering Washington’s plan to rapidly expand the country’s hydrocarbon exports.

Energy & commoditiesTrade & sanctionsVenezuelaoil exportsport delays

TTASSOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 12:46

Oil tankers wait up to 30 days to load at Venezuelan ports

US Automakers Need More Than Peace With Canada

The US and Canada appear close to a deal on autos, a sector central to the North American free-trade fight. The emerging details suggest it would be a useful first step for Detroit, but uncertainty and possible reversals remain under President Donald Trump’s trade war. Foreign automakers may benefit sooner.

Trade & sanctionsCompanies & industryUS auto industryCanadatrade warNorth American trade

BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 12:30

US Automakers Need More Than Peace With Canada
US Automakers Need More Than Peace With Canada

Airbus reportedly eases remote-work plans after strikes

Airbus has reportedly softened plans to cut staff remote working from two days a week to one from September, following strikes and protests in Spain, France and the UK over its return-to-office policy. Managers have been told employees can work from home an average of two days a week, while the company says the transition will be introduced more gradually.

Companies & industryAirbusremote worklabor disputes

TThe GuardianOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 11:37

Airbus reportedly eases remote-work plans after strikes
Airbus reportedly eases remote-work plans after strikes

Ukraine’s agricultural market faces extremely negative situation

Ukraine’s agricultural market is entering a critical phase described as a perfect storm for producers. Agricultural exports through the Greater Odessa ports have been fully blocked during the harvest, while grain prices of about $230 per metric ton mean higher logistics costs make exports unprofitable. Farmers are also struggling to secure funds for planting and bank debt payments.

Energy & commoditiesTrade & sanctionsUkraineagricultural marketagricultural exportsgrain prices

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 11:06

Ukraine’s agricultural market faces extremely negative situation

En+ energy business IFRS net profit rises 8.9% to $490 mln in H1

En+ said its energy business posted IFRS net profit of $490 million in January-June 2026, up 8.9% year on year. Adjusted EBITDA climbed 35.5% to $1.1 billion, while revenue rose 22.9% to $2.9 billion, mainly on higher electricity prices and increased generation.

Energy & commoditiesCompanies & industryEn+energy earningselectricity sales

TTASSOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 11:04

En+ energy business IFRS net profit rises 8.9% to $490 mln in H1
  • En+ electricity generation rises 5.1% to 41.1 bln kWh in H1

    En+ generated 41.1 billion kWh of electricity in January-June 2026, up 5.1% year on year. Hydropower output rose 8.2% to 31.8 billion kWh, including a 5.4% increase at the Angara cascade. Thermal generation fell 3.1% to 9.3 billion kWh, while Abakan solar output declined 12.5%. Heat supply grew 7% to 15.3 million Gcal.

    En+electricity generationhydropowerenergy

    TTASS★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 10:49Original

Germany’s gas reserves fall to record low, association says

Germany’s gas storage facilities are only 49% full, down from 67% at the same time last year, the Association of Gas Storage Operators said. It called the level the lowest recorded for this time of year since 2011 and warned that even booked capacity might not cover demand during an exceptionally cold winter. The Economy Ministry does not expect a shortage but is preparing options if conditions worsen.

Energy & commoditiesGermanygas storageenergy market

TTASSOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 10:55

Germany’s gas reserves fall to record low, association says

US shoppers tighten budgets but still make room for treats and splurges

Disappointing sales at Walmart and strength at Home Depot among budget-conscious do-it-yourself shoppers suggest that middle-class Americans are becoming more cautious with spending, while wealthier consumers continue to support luxury brands such as Ralph Lauren.

Macro & central banksCompanies & industryUS consumersretailconsumer spending

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 10:30

US shoppers tighten budgets but still make room for treats and splurges
US shoppers tighten budgets but still make room for treats and splurges

EXCLUSIVE: Tankers stack up as Venezuela sells oil faster than its ports can handle

Venezuela’s dilapidated oil terminals are effectively capping crude exports as production recovers. Shipping data, sources and documents indicate that ageing infrastructure, power outages and quality problems are forcing tankers to wait as long as 30 days to load.

Energy & commoditiesTrade & sanctionsVenezuelaoil exportsport congestion

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 10:15

EXCLUSIVE: Tankers stack up as Venezuela sells oil faster than its ports can handle
EXCLUSIVE: Tankers stack up as Venezuela sells oil faster than its ports can handle

WorldPress review: US tightens pressure on Iran as Trump seeks renewed ties with Pyongyang

Russian newspapers report that the United States is threatening broad sanctions against Iran, while Donald Trump seeks renewed contact with Kim Jong Un as US-South Korean military drills are scaled back. Experts say Washington has limited room for fundamentally new Iran sanctions but could expand secondary measures against third-country entities and pressure Iran’s neighbors to restrict ties with Tehran.

US-Iran relationssanctionsNorth KoreaUS-South Korea drills

TTASSOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 10:00

Press review: US tightens pressure on Iran as Trump seeks renewed ties with Pyongyang
  • Trump: Deaths of Iranian leaders are hindering a deal with the US

    US President Donald Trump said the deaths of a significant portion of Iran’s leadership are complicating efforts to reach an agreement between Washington and Tehran, adding that no one knows who is leading the country. He said Washington is achieving its goals in the conflict, particularly preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

    Donald TrumpIranUS diplomacynuclear weapons

    TTASS★★★★☆2026-08-21 09:20Original
  • Iranian oil offers to Chinese buyers fall as US blockade bites, sources say
    Iranian oil offers to Chinese buyers fall as US blockade bites, sources say

    Trade sources say Iranian crude offers to Chinese buyers have fallen and prices have risen this week. A U.S. blockade has reduced Tehran’s shipments, while Washington’s threat of further sanctions hangs over the trade.

    IranChinaUS sanctionsOil

    RReuters★★★★☆2026-08-21 08:30Original
  • Iran says Tehran must overcome ‘unjust sanctions’ as U.S. ramps up economic pressure
    Iran says Tehran must overcome ‘unjust sanctions’ as U.S. ramps up economic pressure

    Iranian parliament speaker Mohammed Baqer Qalibaf said Friday that Tehran must devise a plan to overcome what he called “unjust sanctions.” His remarks came a day after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sanctions he described as the toughest ever imposed on Iran.

    IranUnited Stateseconomic sanctions

    RReuters★★★★☆2026-08-21 08:25Original

European gas price tops $800 for first time since March

European gas prices rose above $800 per 1,000 cubic meters in exchange trading for the first time since March 19, according to ICE data. September futures at the Dutch TTF hub reached about $800.8, or 66.2 euros per MWh, up more than 1.4% on the day.

Energy & commoditiesEuropean gasenergy pricesTTF

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 09:51

European gas price tops $800 for first time since March

Global equity fund inflows hit three-week high before late selloff

Global equity funds posted their biggest weekly inflows in three weeks through August 19 as investors wagered on a strong earnings season. Rising bond yields and oil prices nevertheless began weighing on markets, followed by a late selloff.

MarketsEnergy & commoditiesglobal marketsequity fundsfund flowsbond yieldsoil prices

RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 09:40

Global equity fund inflows hit three-week high before late selloff
Global equity fund inflows hit three-week high before late selloff

Russia’s beauty industry sees wave of business closures as tax burden grows

Business closures in Russia’s beauty services sector rose 52.5% year on year to 12,300 from January through July, while new registrations fell 16.1% to 13,000, according to Kontur.Focus data prepared for Kommersant. Industry figures link the downturn to higher tax and administrative burdens after changes to VAT thresholds and rates.

Macro & central banksCompanies & industryRussiabeauty industrybusiness closurestaxes

MMeduzaOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 09:33

Russia’s beauty industry sees wave of business closures as tax burden grows
Russia’s beauty industry sees wave of business closures as tax burden grows

Russia exports over 1,300 tonnes of grain to Armenia via Azerbaijan

Russia sent a third shipment of grain to Armenia through Azerbaijan this week, consisting of 1,108 tonnes of wheat and 273 tonnes of barley. Two earlier consignments of Russian wheat, weighing 1,820 and 2,725 tonnes, crossed the same route on Wednesday and Thursday.

Energy & commoditiesTrade & sanctionsRussiaArmeniaAzerbaijangrain exports

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 09:21

Russia exports over 1,300 tonnes of grain to Armenia via Azerbaijan

Zhuhai airport cargo port handles over 15,000 tons in first year

Zhuhai Airport’s international cargo port in Guangdong handled more than 15,000 metric tons of international air freight during its first year of temporary international operations. It now serves eight routes to Southeast and South Asia with over 70 weekly flights, and plans to expand connections to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and South Asia.

Trade & sanctionsZhuhai Airportinternational air cargoGreater Bay Area

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 09:13

Zhuhai airport cargo port handles over 15,000 tons in first year

Shenzhen Customs signs first sister-port cooperation MOU with Chile

Under the APEC China Year 2026 framework, Shenzhen Customs signed its first sister-port cooperation memorandum with Chile’s Valparaíso Customs on Thursday. The deal expands China-Chile Smart Customs cooperation through information sharing and coordinated enforcement, covering AEO recognition, clearance efficiency, enterprise credit, anti-smuggling and intellectual property protection.

Trade & sanctionsShenzhen CustomsValparaiso Customssmart customsChina-Chile trade

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 09:09

Shenzhen Customs signs first sister-port cooperation MOU with Chile

UK posts unexpected budget deficit in July as spending rises

Britain’s government recorded an unexpected budget deficit last month, highlighting the financial constraints facing new Finance Minister John Healey ahead of his October budget despite recent improvement in economic news.

Macro & central banksUnited Kingdombudget deficitgovernment spendingfiscal policy

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 08:45

UK posts unexpected budget deficit in July as spending rises
UK posts unexpected budget deficit in July as spending rises

Russia expects major economic forum during Arab summit

Russia plans to announce the dates of the Russia-Arab summit once all conditions are in place and hopes to hold a high-profile economic event alongside it, presidential adviser Anton Kobyakov said. Discussions are also underway on implementing projects agreed at the 2026 St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and Russian Energy Week.

OtherRussiaArab summiteconomic forum

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 08:38

Russia expects major economic forum during Arab summit

Russian stock market falls in early trading

Russia’s stock market turned lower on Friday after opening with gains of 0.15%. By 10:20 a.m. Moscow time, the MOEX and RTS indices were both down 0.07%, while the yuan also continued to weaken against the ruble.

MarketsRussian stocksMoscow Exchangeyuan-ruble exchange rate

TTASSOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 08:26

Russian stock market falls in early trading

Bitcoin rises more than 10% to $76,546

Bitcoin climbed 10.04% to $76,546 in trading, according to Binance data, before easing to a 9.51% gain at $76,358 by 10:58 a.m. Moscow time. Ethereum rose 5.29% to $2,370.54. Over the past 24 hours, crypto exchanges liquidated positions held by more than 159,000 traders, totaling over $1.43 billion, including $902 million in bitcoin positions.

CryptoBitcoincryptocurrencymarket movements

TTASSOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 08:24

Bitcoin rises more than 10% to $76,546

China urges U.S. to withdraw Section 232 tariffs on drones, parts

China’s Ministry of Commerce called on the United States to immediately remove Section 232 tariffs on drones and drone components, saying they harm Chinese companies and disrupt cooperation across global drone supply chains. The ministry described the measures as unilateralism and protectionism carried out under an overstretched national-security rationale, and said China firmly opposes them.

Trade & sanctionsChina-U.S. tradedronestariffs

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 07:32

China urges U.S. to withdraw Section 232 tariffs on drones, parts

India set to approve $1.2 billion incentive plan for construction equipment, sources say

India is expected to approve a $1.2 billion incentive scheme for producing high-value, technologically sophisticated construction and infrastructure equipment, two government sources said. The plan aims to reduce the country’s reliance on China for critical machinery.

Companies & industryIndiaconstruction equipmentindustrial incentivesChina

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 07:15

India set to approve $1.2 billion incentive plan for construction equipment, sources say
India set to approve $1.2 billion incentive plan for construction equipment, sources say

Dollar falls as investors weigh U.S. Treasury rescue efforts

The dollar fell on Friday and was headed for a weekly decline as investors judged the U.S. Treasury’s bond-buyback gambit to be only a temporary fix. They also voiced fresh concerns about officials’ increasingly interventionist approach.

MarketsUS dollarUS Treasurybond buybackfinancial markets

RReutersOriginal★★☆☆☆2026-08-21 06:25

Dollar falls as investors weigh U.S. Treasury rescue efforts
Dollar falls as investors weigh U.S. Treasury rescue efforts

China pledges timely fiscal support to bolster growth

China will introduce additional fiscal policy measures as economic conditions evolve, Vice Finance Minister Liao Min said on Friday, as growth slows in the world’s second-largest economy.

Macro & central banksChina economyfiscal policyeconomic growth

RReutersOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 06:00

China pledges timely fiscal support to bolster growth
China pledges timely fiscal support to bolster growth

Rupee flat as intervention anchor stays in place, on course for weekly dip

The Indian rupee was unchanged on Friday as continued central-bank intervention anchored the currency. Higher crude prices and steady dollar demand from importers hedging their foreign-exchange exposure kept pressure on the rupee, which was heading for a weekly decline.

Macro & central banksMarketsEnergy & commoditiesIndian rupeecentral bank interventioncrude oil pricesdollar demand

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 05:50

Rupee flat as intervention anchor stays in place, on course for weekly dip
Rupee flat as intervention anchor stays in place, on course for weekly dip

South Korea plans chip windfall fund to back youth, AI investment

South Korea plans to establish a fund that would use unexpected tax gains from the semiconductor boom to support younger generations and invest in future growth industries such as artificial intelligence, the budget ministry said Friday.

MarketsTech & AISouth KoreaSemiconductorsArtificial intelligence

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 05:45

South Korea plans chip windfall fund to back youth, AI investment
South Korea plans chip windfall fund to back youth, AI investment

Beijing's January-July exports reach record high

Beijing’s goods trade totaled 2.12 trillion yuan in the first seven months of 2026, up 16.3% year on year, according to Beijing Customs. Exports rose 5.1% to 370.43 billion yuan, a record for the period, while imports increased 19% to 1.75 trillion yuan. Switzerland, the EU, Brazil, Australia and ASEAN were the leading partners.

Trade & sanctionsBeijing tradeexportsimportscustoms

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 05:41

Beijing's January-July exports reach record high

From euphoria to despair, Korea reckons with stock mania’s emotional toll

South Korea sought to build a stock market reflecting its economic dynamism by easing regulatory taboos and encouraging bolder bets. Instead, the effort created investor trauma that could take years to overcome.

MarketsSouth Korea stocksinvestor sentimentfinancial markets

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 05:05

From euphoria to despair, Korea reckons with stock mania’s emotional toll
From euphoria to despair, Korea reckons with stock mania’s emotional toll

Oil set for second weekly rise as unsettled US-Iran war crimps supply

Oil prices edged lower on Friday but remained on track for a second straight weekly gain as the stalemated U.S.-Iran war continued to disrupt supply from the key Middle East producing region.

Energy & commoditiesoil pricesUS-Iran warsupply disruption

RReutersOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 04:40

Oil set for second weekly rise as unsettled US-Iran war crimps supply
Oil set for second weekly rise as unsettled US-Iran war crimps supply
  • Trump says some US allies in the Middle East took a ‘semi-neutral’ stance on Iran

    US President Donald Trump said some American allies in the Middle East adopted a “semi-neutral” position in the armed conflict between the United States and Iran. He said Iranian missiles unexpectedly struck countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain after the conflict began. Iranian authorities have repeatedly said Tehran targeted only US military bases, not regional countries.

    US-Iran conflictMiddle EastDonald Trumpmissile strikes

    TTASS★★★★☆2026-08-21 03:31Original
  • US warns allies and China to join Iran economic pressure campaign
    US warns allies and China to join Iran economic pressure campaign

    The United States urged its allies and China on Thursday to participate in efforts to isolate Iran’s economy. President Donald Trump is seeking to intensify pressure on Tehran amid a wartime stalemate and mounting criticism at home.

    United StatesIraneconomic pressure

    FFrance 24★★★★☆2026-08-21 02:38Original
  • US announces economic warfare against Iran, oil prices surge
    US announces economic warfare against Iran, oil prices surge

    US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington will impose “the toughest sanctions in history” on Iran, with the economic pressure likely to prevent a kinetic restart on the battlefield. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called the strategy a doubling down on failed policies. Brent crude climbed sharply, closing at $93.78 a barrel.

    United StatesIraneconomic sanctionsoil prices

    CCGTN★★★★☆2026-08-21 02:37Original
  • Vance: US has no idea how long economic pressure on Iran will take

    US Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged that Washington cannot predict how long its economic pressure on Iran will last. He said Iran is facing intense pressure and that the US goal is to prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Trump previously announced the “most crushing economic operation” against Iran and warned entities supporting Tehran of serious consequences.

    USIraneconomic pressureDonald Trump

    TTASS★★★★☆2026-08-21 01:52Original
  • How much could Trump's 'economic D-Day' hurt Iran?
    MAJORHow much could Trump's 'economic D-Day' hurt Iran?

    Nearly six months into the conflict, the US and Iran appear locked in a stalemate. Donald Trump has threatened an “economic D-Day” against any country doing business with Iran, while Tehran’s experience evading sanctions raises doubts about whether greater economic pressure will work. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is due to detail the campaign on 24 August.

    US-Iran conflicteconomic sanctionsDonald TrumpIran

    BBBC News★★★★★2026-08-20 23:16Original
  • Iranian Foreign Ministry calls tougher US sanctions economic terrorism

    Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the United States’ tighter sanctions amounted to “economic terrorism” and a crime against humanity, warning that those who devised or enforced them would face appropriate punishment. It called the measures a continuation of failed US policy and said they would not weaken Iran’s resolve to defend its independence and sovereignty.

    IranUS sanctionseconomic pressure

    TTASS★★★★☆2026-08-20 16:43Original
  • Iranian diplomat: US turn to allies on Iran issue shows weakness

    Iranian Consul General in Mumbai Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh said Donald Trump’s appeal to US allies over Iran demonstrates Washington’s weakness. He accused Trump of seeking to isolate and pressure Iran to make up for a military defeat, while saying the Iranian people would continue resisting. He added that countries trading with Tehran would coordinate to prevent disruption.

    IranUnited StatesDonald Trumpeconomic pressure

    TTASS★★★★☆2026-08-20 15:58Original
  • US Treasury Secretary Bessent to hold press conference on Iran on Monday
    US Treasury Secretary Bessent to hold press conference on Iran on Monday

    U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Thursday that he will hold a press conference on Monday to explain exactly what the United States plans to do regarding Iran.

    U.S. TreasuryScott BessentIraneconomic pressure

    RReuters★★★☆☆2026-08-20 15:50Original

Hyundai Motor’s South Korean union stages first full strike in a decade over pay

Hyundai Motor’s South Korean union launched its first full strike in ten years on Friday after wage negotiations stalled. It is seeking a higher retirement age and job protections from the effects of artificial intelligence and automation.

OtherHyundai MotorSouth Korean laborstrike

RReutersOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 04:30

Hyundai Motor’s South Korean union stages first full strike in a decade over pay
Hyundai Motor’s South Korean union stages first full strike in a decade over pay

War-hit European markets are far from down and out

European markets are back in favour as the economy has weathered the Iran war better than expected, while the region offers a clearer monetary-policy outlook than others and limited exposure to volatility driven by artificial intelligence.

Macro & central banksEuropean marketsIran wareconomymonetary policy

RReutersOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 04:20

War-hit European markets are far from down and out
War-hit European markets are far from down and out

Anxiety over war, wildfires and cyber-attacks drives cash holdings higher in EU

Banknotes in circulation across the EU are increasing despite widespread smartphone payments. ECB chief economist Philip Lane said their total value rose from about €1bn in 2016 to €1.6bn in June 2026, as concerns over war, cyber-attacks, wildfires and other emergencies encourage households to keep cash available.

OtherEUcashcrisis preparednesscyber-attacks

TThe GuardianOriginal★★★★☆2026-08-21 04:00

Anxiety over war, wildfires and cyber-attacks drives cash holdings higher in EU
Anxiety over war, wildfires and cyber-attacks drives cash holdings higher in EU

Musk agrees $50 trillion in US debt would be a critical point

US entrepreneur Elon Musk agreed that the country’s situation would begin to fall apart once government debt reached $50 trillion. US debt surpassed a record $40 trillion earlier this week, while the IMF forecasts 2.3% US GDP growth in 2026.

Macro & central banksElon MuskUS debtUS economy

TTASSOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 03:58

Musk agrees $50 trillion in US debt would be a critical point
  • Vance: US economy should grow faster than state debt

    Vice President J.D. Vance says Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is carrying out a discreet plan, backed by the president, to make the US economy grow faster than its debt. Vance gave no details. US state debt recently surpassed $40 trillion, while the IMF projects 2.3% US growth in 2026.

    US economynational debtfiscal policy

    TTASS★★★☆☆2026-08-21 02:25Original

Xinjiang port handles more than 59,000 China-Europe and Asia freight trains

Horgos Land Port in Xinjiang has handled more than 59,000 freight trains traveling from China to Europe and Asia, including over 6,000 so far this year. Cooperation between customs and railway operators has raised clearance efficiency by more than 50%. The port now serves 91 routes reaching 46 cities and regions in 18 countries.

Trade & sanctionsHorgos Land PortChina-Europe freight trainsCentral Asia freightcross-border logistics

CChina News ServiceOriginal★★★☆☆2026-08-21 03:37

Xinjiang port handles more than 59,000 China-Europe and Asia freight trains
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