Ukraine grain exports drop 60% in August as Black Sea blockade bites
Ukraine's grain exports via rail fell 60% month-on-month in August to 574,000 tonnes, with Black Sea ports blocked.
Economy
China Signals Readiness to Counter Fresh US Tariff Proposals
China says it is monitoring US tariff plans and reserves the right to respond with all necessary measures.
French wheat exports to fall as poor maize harvest forces feed switch
France's wheat exports outside the EU are set to drop sharply in 2026/27 as a drought-hit maize crop forces more wheat into livestock feed.
OPEC+ Influence Fades as China Becomes Oil Market's Swing Force
OPEC+ market share drops to 40% as Iran war blocks exports; China's import cuts now balance global oil prices.
Yen rescue plan echoes Asian crisis playbook, warns ex-diplomat
Ex-FX diplomat Shinohara says US-Japan yen action mirrors Asian crisis dynamics, warns on weak yen risks.
Iran Warns of Full Strait of Hormuz Closure in Response to US Sanctions
A former IRGC commander warns Iran may close the Strait of Hormuz entirely, halting oil exports, in response to new US sanctions.
China Urges US to 'Overcome Obstacles' Ahead of Expected Xi-Trump Meeting
China's top diplomat tells US envoy to manage differences and clear hurdles before a planned Xi-Trump summit next month.
Six Months of Middle East Conflict: How Markets Have Been Reshaped
Six months of Middle East conflict have disrupted energy, tested safe havens, and reshaped global markets.
Burnham faces funding crunch as parliament returns
UK PM Andy Burnham faces a tough autumn as he must fund ambitious policies within tight fiscal rules.
Vietnam PM pushes Chinese investors toward AI, 5G, semiconductors
Vietnam's PM asks Chinese firms to focus on quality tech investments like AI, 5G, and semiconductors, as Chinese pledges grow 31.5%.
Bessent and Warsh Clash Over Who Should Set the Price of Money
Treasury Secretary Bessent and Fed Chair Warsh offer competing visions on rate-setting, with investors seeking clarity on inflation and fiscal policy.
France's 2027 Budget Fight Collides With Presidential Race
France's 2027 budget battle and presidential election are raising investor anxiety, with bond spreads at their widest since 2024.
France's 2027 Budget Showdown: Four Scenarios for a Hung Parliament
France's minority government faces a tough 2027 budget battle, with options ranging from forced passage to unprecedented ordinances.
Iran conflict pinches wallets and shapes views at Raleigh farmers market
At Raleigh's farmers market, the Iran war's economic toll is reshaping voter concerns ahead of the elections.
Canada's defense sector booms as Ottawa pivots away from US suppliers
Canada's defense industry is expanding rapidly as the government boosts spending and seeks to reduce reliance on US military suppliers.
Hormuz shipping edges up as Iran-Oman talks continue
Visible commodity vessel transits at the Strait of Hormuz rose slightly on Wednesday, even as Iran and Oman work on a waterway-sharing agreement.
Panama Canal to Cut Daily Ship Transits as El Niño Deepens Water Crisis
The Panama Canal will reduce daily ship crossings from September as El Niño brings record heat and below-average rainfall, threatening water levels.
Australian consumer spending stays firm in July, fuelling rate hike bets
Australian household spending rose 1.1% in July, extending a three-month run and strengthening market bets on a near-term RBA rate hike.
Australia Q2 Business Investment Slips 3.6% as Data Centre Boom Pauses
Australian business investment dropped 3.6% in Q2 as a record data centre buildout paused, though firms raised forward spending plans.
BOJ Deputy Governor Signals Need for Timely Rate Hikes
BOJ Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino says timely rate hikes can prevent future abrupt tightening if inflation exceeds the 2% target.