The Bank of England's MPC maintained the UK interest rate at 3.75%, warning that an escalation of the Iran war could drive inflation above 4% by 2027, intensifying cost of living pressures. Governor Andrew Bailey dismissed immediate rate hike expectations, despite three MPC members dissenting for an immediate rise to 4%.
The Bank of England warns that high UK inflation, potentially reaching 4.1%, is primarily threatened by the Middle East conflict's impact on oil prices, not domestic pressures. Despite current stability, the MPC fears future wage and price increases if the conflict persists, potentially necessitating interest rate hikes.
Middle East conflict drives oil price spike above $4/gallon; expert Bob McNally cites structurally escalation-prone dynamics, depleted strategic stocks, and China's rebounding oil imports as factors leading to potentially record-high gasoline prices.
Indonesia's National Economic Council Chairman, 78, expresses desire to relocate assets to Bali citing the unending Middle East conflict, amidst Indonesia's economic crisis.
India's Akasa Air seeks $110M for expansion, while Malaysia's AirBorneo launches international service, both growing despite high jet fuel prices and Middle East conflict, signaling smaller Asian carriers' growth amidst larger airlines' capacity issues.
China and Asean foreign ministers released a joint statement in Manila, addressing the ongoing energy crisis and the Middle East conflict, calling for a ceasefire and peaceful resolution, and welcoming US-Iran negotiations.
US President Donald Trump threatened to seize frozen Iranian assets to cover damages to ships and cargo in the Middle East, following Houthi rebel strikes on Saudi tankers. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the move as a dangerous, 'incendiary precedent' with global implications.
Global markets face a pivotal week with Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, and Bank of England meetings, heightened by Middle East conflict, oil prices above $100, and new US tariffs. Investors also await Big Tech earnings and inflation data for interest rate clues.
Coca-Cola has increased prices in India due to severe disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key supply route for aluminum cans and raw materials, following the collapse of an interim truce in the Iran conflict.
Crude oil prices surpassed $100 a barrel, driven by new threats to Red Sea shipping from Yemen's Houthis, escalating the Middle East conflict. This surge is expected to lead to higher gas and diesel prices, impacting airline stocks and mortgage rates.
Oil prices surpassed $100 a barrel for the first time in two months due to escalating Middle East tensions, including Houthi militia attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea. This renewed conflict threatens global oil supplies, pushing up government borrowing costs and causing stock market declines amid inflation fears.
U.S. stock indexes tumbled as investors priced in a prolonged Middle East conflict, with Brent Crude futures topping $100 and 10-year Treasury yields exceeding 4.7% after new attacks on tankers, raising concerns about inflation and borrowing costs.
In May 2026, US LNG exports reached 502.8 bln cubic feet, a 6.5% decrease from April but 15.5% higher year-on-year. Europe remained the primary destination, but Asia's share significantly increased to 41.3% due to the ongoing Middle East crisis and supply disruptions from Qatar and the UAE.
Oil prices surged to $100 a barrel for the first time since May due to escalating Middle East conflict, including US strikes against Iran and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. This reignites global inflation fears, potentially leading to higher consumer prices and pressure on central banks to maintain high interest rates.
Oil prices surpassed $100 a barrel for the first time in two months due to escalating Middle East conflict, particularly Houthi attacks on Saudi oil tankers and rising US-Iran tensions over Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz oil flows.
Oil prices surged past $95 a barrel for the first time in six weeks due to escalating Middle East conflict, including renewed US-Iran aggression and Houthi threats to shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Analysts warn prices could hit $120 by year-end without a restart of Gulf exports via Hormuz, despite IEA efforts to cushion the market.
Norway's state oil company Equinor reported nearly doubled profits of $11.5bn in Q2, exceeding predictions, driven by increased oil and gas production and soaring prices due to the war against Iran and a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US-China AI competition escalates with potential US sanctions over Chinese AI model "theft" and OpenAI's IPO efforts. The Trump administration plans new tariffs, while the Middle East conflict sees US strikes in Iran and a 10-day ceasefire proposal. Boeing and Airbus plan next-gen narrow-body jets, but airlines prioritize current deliveries.
Queensland's Liberal National government buried a report by domestic violence victim-survivors that criticized police handling of cases and advocated for civilian review mechanisms, despite promises to prioritize victims in justice policies.
Lindt reported a 7.5% drop in sales volume in H1 2026 despite an 11.8% price hike, attributing it to geopolitical conflicts, reduced tourism, and lower consumer sentiment in Europe. The company also faces future challenges from El Niño's potential impact on cocoa production.
Jordan's air defense intercepted Iranian missiles targeting its territory, with no injuries reported. This comes amidst heightened regional tensions, recent US casualties in Jordan from Iranian strikes, and Jordan's diplomatic efforts to end attacks while balancing its US alliance and strained relations with Israel.
UK job vacancies dropped to 712,000 in June, nearly half of 2022 levels, as employers delay hiring. Unemployment held at 4.9%. Economists warn of a fragile labor market, while the new PM Andy Burnham faces pressure to boost the economy amid rising costs and global conflict.
Analysts warn of renewed inflation fears driven by escalating US-Iran tensions in the Middle East, which keep oil prices high. BlackRock estimates a 0.8 percentage point increase to global inflation, particularly affecting energy-reliant regions like Europe and Asia. This environment reinforces the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance, prompting calls for diversified portfolios.
European natural gas prices reached a four-month high, briefly exceeding €60/MWh, due to escalating Middle East conflict and fears of winter supply shortages. Disruption to Qatari LNG exports and reduced Gulf shipping are pressuring Europe's ability to meet storage targets, potentially requiring costly state intervention.
