The US Federal Reserve is meeting to decide whether or not to raise interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade. The markets are not expecting a rate rise, given uncertainty over the severity of the global downturn. Despite a reasonable recovery in jobs, inflation is remaining stubbornly low, dragged down by the impact of a strong dollar. Experts say US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen has an increasingly difficult task projecting how the Fed will move forward.
Gulf stocks mixed amid confusion over US-Iran talks
Gulf markets ended mixed on Tuesday, with Qatar extending losses while other bourses steadied as investors parsed conflicting signals on potential US-Iran talks.
Australia, EU seal long-awaited trade deal
Australia and the European Union on Tuesday signed a trade deal marking the culmination of years of negotiations, as Europe seeks to diversify its export markets and expand ties beyond its traditional partners.
Weaponising Strait of Hormuz is an act of economic terrorism: Sultan Al Jaber
Weaponising the Strait of Hormuz is an act of economic terrorism with global impact far beyond energy markets, asserted Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, while addressing CERAWeek in Houston, Texas.
IEA consulting with governments on further oil stock releases, chief Birol says
The International Energy Agency is consulting with governments in Asia and Europe on the release of more stockpiled oil "if necessary" due to the Iran war, Executive Director Fatih Birol said on Monday.
Dollar rises as escalating Middle East tensions spur haven demand
The dollar rose on Monday as escalating retaliatory threats in the Middle East conflict curbed risk appetite and lifted demand for safe-haven assets.
