Economy
Oil prices traded higher on Monday after the US vowed to keep attacking Yemen’s Houthis until the Iran-aligned group ends its assaults on shipping. Brent futures rose 48 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $71.06 a barrel by 9:54 a.m. Saudi time, while US West Texas
Economy
Global ratings agency S&P raised Saudi Arabia’s rating to ‘A+’ from ‘A’ with a stable outlook on Friday, underpinned by the ongoing social and economic transformation in the country. Fitch said the country’s Vision 2030 project provides some flexibility in managing capital expenditure and debt issuance.
Economy
The International Monetary Fund on Thursday welcomed the new Lebanese government’s request for support in addressing severe economic challenges. Lebanon in January elected a new president after a more than two-year vacuum, and then formed a government led by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. In February the IMF said it
Economy
Oil prices edged up on Wednesday, buoyed by a weaker dollar, but mounting fears of a US economic slowdown and the impact of tariffs on global economic growth capped gains. Brent futures rose 51 cents, or 0.7 percent, to $70.07 a barrel at 7:30 a.m. Saudi
Economy
India’s trade minister Piyush Goyal started on a trip to the United States on Monday to pursue trade talks, two government officials said, with weeks to go for President Donald Trump’s planned reciprocal tariffs. Goyal’s visit was sudden, as he departed after canceling previously scheduled meetings until
Economy
Samir Al-Baghdad grabbed his pickax and walked up a wobbly set of stairs made of cinderblocks and rubble. He is rebuilding his destroyed family house in the Qaboun neighborhood near Damascus, Syria ‘s capital. The traditional building, which once housed his family, parents and some relatives, had a courtyard decorated
Economy
Afghanistan’s trade has doubled since the Taliban took over in 2021, the latest government data shows, but experts warn there is no evidence of economic growth as the import-export deficit continues to soar amid Western-imposed sanctions. In 2024, Afghanistan’s trade value reached over $12.4 billion, more than
Economy
Oil prices held steady on Friday, remaining poised for weekly gains after closing the previous session at their highest in more than two months, underpinned by colder European and US weather and additional economic stimulus flagged by China. Brent crude futures were up 22 cents at $76.15 a barrel
Economy
Turkiye’s central bank lowered its key interest rate on Thursday, the first cut in nearly two years as it battles with double-digit inflation. The bank’s monetary policy committee decided to reduce the policy rate from 50 percent to 47.5 percent, with a statement citing improvement in “inflation
Economy
Gold prices firmed on Monday, although trading was thin due to the holiday season and as investors looked for cues on the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy trajectory for next year after it signaled gradual easing in its latest meeting. Spot gold added 0.3% at $2,628.
Economy
Oil prices fell on Friday on worries about demand growth in 2025, especially in top crude importer China, putting global oil benchmarks on track to end the week down more than 3 percent. Brent crude futures fell by 32 cents, or 0.4 percent, to $72.56 a barrel by
Economy
Oil prices stabilized on Friday, heading for their first weekly rise since the end of November, as additional sanctions on Iran and Russia ratcheted up supply worries, while a surplus outlook weighed on markets. Brent crude futures edged up 7 cents to $73.48 a barrel by 7:34 a.
Economy
Syria’s central bank said Monday depositors’ funds in the country’s lenders were “safe” after militants took the capital, and following chaotic scenes near some official institutions. “We assure our fellow citizens dealing with all operating banks that their deposits and funds at these banks are safe and have
Economy
Oil prices were mostly stable on Thursday ahead of an OPEC+ meeting later in the day, with investors waiting to see what the producer group would do next on supply cuts while also monitoring geopolitical tension in the Middle East, according to Reuters. Brent crude futures rose 6 cents, or
Economy
Britain’s Institute of Directors said on Sunday that optimism among its members had fallen to the lowest since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, following tax rises in finance minister Rachel Reeves’ first budget on Oct. 30. Investment plans and employment intentions were the weakest since May 2020 last
Economy
Oil prices retreated on Monday following 6 percent gains last week, but remained near two-week highs as geopolitical tensions grew between Western powers and major oil producers Russia and Iran, raising risks of supply disruption. Brent crude futures slipped 26 cents, or 0.35 percent, to $74.91 a barrel