France's Nuclear Output to Drop 15% as Heatwave Peaks
France's nuclear fleet faces a 15% output cut on Friday as the fifth European heatwave forces reactor shutdowns, lifting power prices.
Economy
Ukraine Grain Exports Plunge 76% in August as Port Blockade Bites
Ukraine's grain exports fell 76% year-on-year in early August to 201,700 tonnes, as the Black Sea port blockade continues to strangle shipments.
Hungary's 2026 Deficit Could Reach 7.5% of GDP, Finance Minister Warns
Hungary's 2026 budget deficit may hit 7.5% of GDP, the highest in the EU, as the new government revises fiscal plans.
Fuel crisis drives up Russian trucking costs, adding to inflation
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have pushed fuel prices up, driving trucking costs and freight rates sharply higher, stoking inflation.
Europe's punishing drought shrivels crops from Dutch potatoes to Bosnian corn
A severe European drought, worsened by climate change and El Niño, is devastating crops from Dutch potatoes to Bosnian corn, threatening harvests and economies.
Vietnam, New Zealand Pledge Deeper Ties Across Security and Trade
Vietnam's President To Lam and New Zealand PM Luxon agree to deepen defense, security, and economic cooperation during Auckland visit.
Black Sea blockade pushes Ukrainian farmers to the brink
Russian attacks on Black Sea ports have cut Ukraine's grain exports by 75%, leaving farmers with full silos, plunging prices, and little hope for next year's sowing.
UK economy grows in June on services, World Cup boost
UK GDP rose 0.3% in June, beating forecasts, helped by services, the World Cup, and a ceasefire.
New Zealand approves new onshore petroleum permit in Taranaki
New Zealand grants a new onshore petroleum mining permit in Taranaki, the second in recent years, to boost domestic gas supply.
US claims on Hormuz oil flows clash with vessel tracking data
US officials say Middle East oil exports are near pre-war levels, but independent vessel data shows a much lower picture.
Gaza's Grape Harvest Shrinks as War Damage and Costs Bite
Gaza's grape farmers report severe vine losses and soaring input costs, with merchants seeing a dramatic drop in market supplies.
Tariff refunds reach consumers through shippers after court ruling
Shippers are passing tariff refunds to consumers after the Supreme Court struck down 2025 import duties, with billions flowing back.
China's central bank shifts focus to overnight rates in liquidity push
China's PBOC is shifting its policy focus to overnight rates, announcing large daily liquidity injections to smooth money market conditions.
Zambia heads to polls as Hichilema seeks second term amid economic strain
Zambians vote Thursday in a presidential election testing Hichilema's economic reforms against widespread cost-of-living frustrations.
Dollar Holds Ground as Soft US Inflation Cools Fed Hike Bets
The dollar steadied after soft US inflation data cut September Fed hike odds to 40%, with the yen near intervention zone and the Aussie easing from highs.
Severe European Drought Devastates Dutch Potato and Vegetable Harvests
A punishing European drought is severely impacting Dutch farms, with potato harvests shrinking and crops like samphire struggling.
South Korea expands housing supply and eases loans for young buyers
South Korea raises construction financing to 47.8 trillion won and eases loans for young buyers to stabilise housing.
IAG shares slide 7% as annual cash earnings miss estimates
IAG's full-year cash earnings fell 12.6% to A$1.03 billion, missing consensus and sending shares down over 7%.
Oil slips over 1% as demand outlook weakens despite Gulf supply risks
Oil prices fell more than $1 as OPEC and the IEA lowered demand forecasts, though stalled US-Iran talks and shipping risks kept a floor under the market.
Venezuela seeks UK-held gold to fund quake rebuilding as inflation hits 20%
Venezuela plans to recover $4 billion in UK-held gold for reconstruction as July inflation hit 19.9% following deadly earthquakes.