The European Central Bank (ECB) left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2 percent on Thursday, confirming that the eurozone’s economic and inflation trajectories are largely aligned with its projections. The decision—widely anticipated by markets—reflects a rare moment of stability… Read More ›
Geopolitics
Markets Slide as US Fed Signals Caution, Tech Giants Disappoint and U.S.–China Trade Deal Clouds Outlook
Wall Street futures slipped on Thursday, as investors recalibrated their expectations following remarks by the Federal Reserve (Fed), tepid results from the technology sector and fresh, though still-vague, developments in the U.S.–China trade relationship. The sell-off in futures reflects the… Read More ›
Trump’s Nuclear Test Order Signals Strategic Power Play Amid Eroding Global Deterrence Balance
Donald Trump’s order for the U.S. military to resume nuclear weapons testing marks one of the most provocative shifts in American defense policy in more than three decades. Issued abruptly before his meeting with China’s Xi Jinping, the directive signals… Read More ›
U.S.–South Korea Investment Pact Triggers Currency Flight Fears in Seoul
A bold investment-and-tariff deal between the United States and South Korea, announced during President Donald Trump’s visit to Seoul, is raising deep concerns about capital outflows from South Korea and the consequent weakening of the Korean won. While the agreement… Read More ›
Trump-Xi Summit in South Korea Reveals Layered Stakes Across Trade, Tech and Strategic Supply Chains
In a high-profile meeting in Busan, South Korea, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up talks that, while billed as a breakthrough, reflect complex underlying issues spanning tariffs, rare-earth minerals, fentanyl precursor controls, semiconductor access, and… Read More ›
Washington–Seoul Trade Pact Marks Strategic Realignment of Trade and Industrial Policy
The announcement of a sweeping trade and investment pact between the United States and South Korea has reshaped the economic centrepiece of President Donald Trump’s Asia visit. The agreement, described by both sides as a “breakthrough,” reflects a calculated shift… Read More ›
Ukraine’s Allies Tighten the Economic Noose: Coordinated Plan to Drive Russian Oil and Gas from Global Markets
A new front has opened in the West’s campaign to weaken Moscow. In London, a coalition of over 20 nations aligned with Ukraine unveiled a sweeping initiative to cut Russian oil and gas from the global market — a move… Read More ›
UK Consumer Confidence Climbs to Highest Level in Over a Year as Retail Promotions and Inflation Relief Lift Mood
UK consumer sentiment improved sharply in October, reaching its joint-highest level since August 2024, as British households benefited from widespread retail discounts and signs of easing inflationary pressures. The latest data from GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index reflects a growing… Read More ›
Brussels to Host Crucial EU-China Talks as Rare Earth Export Curbs Threaten Industrial Supply Chains
Brussels is preparing to host a pivotal round of EU-China trade talks next week amid rising tensions over Beijing’s export restrictions on rare earth minerals—materials that are indispensable to Europe’s high-tech and green manufacturing sectors. The discussions, taking place under… Read More ›
Canada’s Carney Seeks to Restart U.S.-Canada Trade Talks After Reagan Ad Fallout
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney signaled that his government is ready to resume trade negotiations with Washington, following the abrupt suspension of talks by President Donald Trump. The freeze came after a political advertisement from Ontario’s provincial government used archival… Read More ›