Global Economy

Oil Rebounds Toward $110 as Gulf Tanker Attacks Escalate

Oil prices recovered on October 21 as fresh threats to commercial shipping in the Gulf overshadowed hopes of diplomatic progress. Brent approached $110 a barrel, with attacks on vessels and elevated freight costs complicating the movement of Middle Eastern crude.

Oil Prices Retreat as Trump Waives New Sanctions on Russia

Brent crude retreated below $109 after President Trump suspended new sanctions and punitive tariffs targeting Russia. The waiver eases pressure on global oil supplies and reduces immediate tariff risks for major buyers, including India, while Middle East shipping disruptions continue.

Vietnam Signs Free-Trade Deal With Four European Nations After 14 Years

Vietnam has signed a free-trade agreement with four European nations after 14 years of negotiations. The pact aims to reduce tariffs, expand market access and strengthen investment ties, building on bilateral trade worth €4.8 billion in 2025.

Indonesia Stocks Plunge 11% in Worst Fall Since 1998

Indonesia's stock market plunged more than 11% after MSCI proposed removing the country from its emerging-market indexes over concerns about transparency and trading practices. The warning raises the prospect of billions in investment outflows and intensifies pressure on Jakarta's regulators.

Warsh Says World Economy Has Withstood Shocks Better Than Expected

Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh says the global economy has performed better than expected despite successive geopolitical and financial shocks. Speaking in Bangkok, he highlighted strong US investment while declining to signal the Fed's next interest-rate decision.

Oil Slips Toward $106 as Russian Diesel Offers Relief From Gulf Supply Pressure

Oil prices eased after Monday’s rally as traders assessed the return of Russian diesel to global markets against continuing risks to Gulf shipping and energy infrastructure.

Global Debt and Energy Shock Dominate IMF–World Bank Meetings

Global finance leaders are gathering in Bangkok as an energy shock, rising borrowing costs and record public debt threaten vulnerable economies. The IMF and World Bank face pressure to deliver faster crisis financing and meaningful debt relief.

G7 Approves 100 Million-Barrel Fuel Reserve Release as Diesel Crisis Deepens

G7 countries will release up to 100 million barrels of diesel and crude oil from strategic reserves as disrupted shipping, refinery outages and the Middle East conflict drive fuel prices higher and place renewed pressure on households, transport and industry.