Bessent warns of unprecedented economic measures against Iran
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says new measures will bring unprecedented economic isolation to Iran, with announcements due next week.
Economy
Canada, US Signal Shared Goal for Trade Deal Ahead of August 19 Tariff Deadline
A Canadian source says Washington also wants a deal before August 19 tariffs. Minister LeBlanc met USTR Greer again Thursday.
Prabowo's 2027 Budget Faces Investor Scrutiny Amid Falling Approval
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto presents his 2027 budget amid falling approval ratings and investor unease over commodity export plans and fiscal discipline.
Fitch Affirms US 'AA+' Rating, Flags Fiscal and Inflation Pressures
Fitch affirmed the US 'AA+' rating with a stable outlook, citing economic resilience but flagging fiscal and inflation risks.
US Slaps Tariffs on Drone Imports, Citing National Security
The US will impose tariffs on drone imports, with rates varying by size, origin, and sensitivity, citing security risks.
Fitch Affirms US at AA+ With Stable Outlook, Flags Fiscal Risks
Fitch affirmed the US at 'AA+' with a stable outlook, citing a strong economy but flagging fiscal pressures and political risks.
US Trade Court Upholds Trump's Closure of De Minimis Tariff Exemption
A US trade court ruled President Trump had the power to end the de minimis tariff exemption for low-value imports, a rare legal victory.
El Niño Rains Slow Argentina's Corn Harvest, Raising Planting Concerns
Excessive moisture from El Niño-linked rains is delaying Argentina's corn harvest, with fieldwork running behind last year's pace in major producing areas.
Alaska Governor Warns Stalled LNG Bill Sends Negative Signal to Investors
Alaska's governor says legislative inaction on a key tax change for the $50 billion Alaska LNG project risks scaring off investors and worsening local gas shortages.
Iran military: No safe passage through Hormuz without Tehran's nod
Iran's military says no vessel can safely transit the Strait of Hormuz without its permission, dismissing US claims of normal traffic as false.
Canada, US Signal Progress in Trade Talks Ahead of Aug 19 Tariff Deadline
Canadian and US negotiators are making progress on a trade deal, with both sides reportedly keen to finalize an agreement before the August 19 tariff deadline.
US Producer Prices Flat in July, Cooling Inflation Bets on Fed Rate Hike
US producer prices were unchanged in July, while weekly jobless claims rose, further reducing market odds of a September Fed rate hike.
Peru Central Bank Holds Rate Steady as Inflation Seen Temporary; Moody's Raises Growth View
Peru's central bank sees no need to hike rates, viewing inflation as temporary, as Moody's prepares to raise its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5%.
Russia's grain exports face fresh hit as Novorossiysk terminal halts loadings
Russia's grain exports face further cuts as the KSK terminal in Novorossiysk suspends operations, following Ukrainian drone attacks that damaged other key terminals.
White House says tariff evasion costs US up to $26 billion a year
A White House report estimates $19-26 billion annual revenue loss from tariff evasion via transshipment, with China named as a key user.
Survivors Describe Chaos as Second Missile Hit Yemeni Ship During Rescue
Survivors of a Houthi missile attack on a commercial ship off Yemen describe a second strike during rescue efforts, which killed six.
CBN relaxes bank lending rules, widens open market access
Nigeria's central bank eases bank access to its discount window, revives tenored repos, and expands OMO participation to deepen markets.
Salvage Crews Rush to Contain Oil Spill From Stricken Tanker Off Oman
Salvors are heading to waters off Oman to contain a crude oil spill from the Caroline Bezengi tanker, which has hit the coastline and threatens a marine reserve.
US Producer Prices Flat in July, Jobless Claims Rise Slightly
US producer prices were unchanged in July, easing inflation concerns, while weekly jobless claims rose to 209,000, signaling a stable labor market.
Canada's trade minister to hold fresh talks with US envoy ahead of tariff deadline
Canadian minister Dominic LeBlanc will meet US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer again on Thursday, with talks intensifying before August 19 tariffs take effect.