Two More Tankers Hit in Hormuz as US Vows New Economic Pressure on Iran
Fresh attacks on two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz have slowed traffic, as the US pledges new economic measures against Iran.
Economy
Russia's second ice-class LNG carrier sets sail via Arctic route
Russia's second domestically built ice-class LNG carrier, the Konstantin Posiet, has departed for the Northern Sea Route, signaling progress in bypassing sanctions.
Cooling Inflation Data Bolsters Case for Fed to Hold Rates Steady
Softer inflation data may allow the Federal Reserve to hold rates steady, despite internal divisions over the need for hikes.
AI Demand Propels Taiwan to Fastest Growth in Nearly Four Decades
Taiwan's statistics agency lifts 2026 GDP growth forecast to 11.05%, the fastest since 1987, driven by AI chip demand.
Drone Strike Damages Novatek's Ust-Luga Gas Condensate Complex
A drone attack damaged Novatek's gas condensate processing complex at Russia's Ust-Luga port; oil export operations remain unaffected.
Hong Kong Q2 GDP Grows 4.3% Year-on-Year, 2026 Forecast Raised
Hong Kong's Q2 GDP rose 4.3% year-on-year, slowing from Q1's 5.9%. The government upgraded its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5-4.5%.
UAE Accuses Iran of Drone Attacks on Tankers in Strait of Hormuz
The UAE blames Iran for drone attacks on two ADNOC tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, calling them piracy and a threat to regional stability.
Indonesia's Prabowo unveils 2027 budget plan with 2.4% deficit, 6% growth goal
Indonesia's President Prabowo proposes a 2027 budget with a 2.4% GDP deficit and a 6% growth target, focusing on self-sufficiency and industrial development.
Afghanistan marks five years of Taliban rule with security gains and economic worries
Afghanistan marks five years of Taliban rule. Kabul residents cite improved security but call for jobs and education access, as girls remain banned from school.
Romania's Q2 GDP Shrinks Less Than Feared, But Risks Mount
Romania's economy contracted 0.4% year-on-year in Q2, beating forecasts, but drought and political instability threaten H2 growth.
Iran Military: No Vessel Crosses Hormuz Without Tehran's Permission
Iran's military command asserts full control over the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing US claims of normal vessel passage as false.
Prabowo: Indonesia's Growth Strongest in 13 Years, 6% Target Within Reach
President Prabowo Subianto highlighted Indonesia's strongest first-half growth in 13 years and set a 6% year-end target, stressing welfare over raw numbers.
Taiwan lifts 2026 growth outlook to 11.05% on strong Q2
Taiwan's statistics agency raised its 2026 GDP growth forecast to 11.05% from 9.64%, citing revised Q2 data showing 12.93% annual growth.
Prabowo Hails Strongest Half-Year Growth in 13 Years, Sets 6% Target
President Prabowo Subianto cites decade-best first-half growth and pledges 6% by year-end, but insists welfare, jobs matter more than figures.
Iraq's Summer Power Crisis Pushes Families Toward Costly Private Generators
Iraq's summer heat exposes a chronic electricity crisis, with residents and businesses depending on costly private generators amid frequent grid failures.
French maize harvest forecast slashed to lowest since 1970s
French grain maize production may fall to 7-8 million tonnes, the lowest in decades, as heat and drought take a heavy toll.
EU Trade Curbs Add to Wartime Woes for Ukraine's Steel Sector
New EU import quotas and carbon tariffs threaten Ukraine's steel industry, already battered by Russian attacks and logistics hurdles.
Autonomous tech is quietly rewiring America's freight networks
AI, driverless trucks, and smart rail systems are transforming US freight, with major implications for energy demand.
Bank of Japan Signals Possible September Rate Hike
BOJ likely to raise rates in September, may accelerate pace of hikes amid inflation concerns.
Indonesia's Prabowo expands state export watchdog role, flags $5 billion gap
Indonesia's president says the new state export firm will expand monitoring to 50 ports and more commodities, citing a $5 billion price discrepancy.