There's an inflation wave coming. How worried should we be?
Economic consequences are an intrinsic aspect of the Iran conflict, writes BBC economics editor Faisal Islam. [Continue Reading]
US, Israel, and Iran Conflict Escalates as Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid Attacks on Energy Facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia
The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has escalated, marking a significant transition in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. As fighting continues, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments. Attacks on energy facilities in neighboring Qatar and Saudi Arabia have compounded the crisis, crippling vital energy supplies and threatening global economic stability. As this conflict unfolds, the implications for energy prices are immediate and severe. Oil prices have surged past $90, with those increases reflected at gas pumps across the United States, where prices have reached their highest in... [Continue Reading]
Iran war is latest threat to a global economy rattled by Trump
Rising energy prices threaten to stoke inflation and hobble economic growth in countries around the world. [Continue Reading]
Iran war pushes oil price above $90 threatening rise in global inflation
Reports Kuwait was cutting output pushed up cost of barrel of Brent crude to highest weekly gain since Covid pandemic beganThe Iran conflict has driven the oil price past $90 a barrel to its highest weekly gains since the Covid-19 pandemic six years ago, threatening a fresh rise in global inflation.Reports that Kuwait had begun cutting production of oil at some fields after running out of space to store it drove the cost of a barrel of Brent crude to as high as $91.89 at one point on Friday – its highest since April 2024 and up from about $72.50... [Continue Reading]
Weak Jobs Data Underscores Fed’s Dilemma as War Stokes Inflation Risk
The Federal Reserve is still widely expected to hold interest rates steady when its officials next meet on March 17-18. [Continue Reading]
Petrol and diesel prices in Europe expected to exceed €2 per litre amid rising global oil prices and Middle East conflict
Petrol and diesel prices across Europe are predicted to surpass €2 per litre, with concerns escalating among fuel garage operators about imminent price hikes. This situation follows the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, which began last Saturday, and has been compounded by significant increases in global oil prices. The average price for unleaded petrol rose from €1.73 per litre last month to levels exceeding €1.80, while diesel has also approached €1.90 at many pumps. The ramifications of the ongoing conflict are already evident in the home heating oil market, where costs have surged dramatically. For instance, data from... [Continue Reading]
Stocks Drop as Weak Jobs Report Adds to Uncertain Outlook
Market movements this week had already been choppy as investors weighed the inflationary impact of the conflict in the Middle East. On Friday, the jobs report complicated matters. [Continue Reading]
Three Men Arrested in Sheung Wan for Attempted HK$10 Million Knifepoint Robbery
Hong Kong police have arrested three men in connection with a significant knifepoint robbery in Sheung Wan, where the assailants attempted to steal HK$10 million (approximately US$1.28 million) from two victims who had just exchanged foreign currency. The arrests occurred following a police operation that was initiated after receiving a tip-off about the potential robbery attempt. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns related to currency exchange-related crimes in the bustling financial district. On the morning of the robbery, the two victims had successfully exchanged their foreign currency for Hong Kong dollars at a currency exchange store located on Hillier Street.... [Continue Reading]
‘Geopolitical uncertainties’ amid Iran war could slow fall in mortgage rates, says Halifax
UK house price growth slowed in February as value of typical home rose 0.3% to £301,151Business live – latest updatesHalifax has warned that the US-Israel war on Iran could slow mortgage rate decreases this year, as it said that house price growth eased dramatically in February.Halifax, which is part of Lloyds – Britain’s biggest mortgage lender – said the conflict in the Middle East was likely to affect global economies, stoke inflation and reduce the likely rate of interest rate cuts that influence borrowing costs for homebuyers. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Hitting inflation target is key to China’s other economic goals, adviser says
Achieving this year’s inflation target would be one of China’s top economic tasks, a prominent economist and government adviser said, as it was pivotal to accomplishing other government priorities such as boosting consumption, raising incomes and achieving the required headline growth figures. “The inflation target corresponds to a state of relative equilibrium between supply and demand,” Zhang Bin, deputy director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social... [Continue Reading]
US and Venezuela agree to resume diplomatic and consular relations after years of severed ties
The United States and Venezuela have officially agreed to resume diplomatic and consular relations, marking a momentous step in the re-establishment of bilateral ties that had been severed for several years. This decision comes in the wake of the US military's surprising capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January during an operation that also involved the apprehension of his wife. The announcement underscores a shift toward cooperation between the two nations in addressing shared challenges. The diplomatic rapprochement was announced through a statement from the US Department of State, which noted that both nations intend to collaborate on fostering... [Continue Reading]
Philippines battles US-Iran war fuel crisis with air con limits, flexible work plan
The Philippines is looking at ways to save on energy as tensions in the Middle East push global fuel costs higher, with the government suggesting people use their air conditioners less and shy away from non-essential travel. The Southeast Asian nation imports nearly all of its oil requirements and the war in Iran could spur inflation that already hit a 13-month high in February. President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr’s administration this week ordered government offices to set their air conditioners to... [Continue Reading]
HSBC and Coventry raise rates on fixed mortgages in response to crisis in the Middle East
Experts say Iran war could cause energy price shock that pushes up UK inflation, in turn forcing up interest ratesHSBC, Nationwide and Coventry building societies are the first big UK lenders to announce an increase in rates on their fixed mortgage deals as a result of the Middle East crisis, with brokers predicting others are likely to follow.Experts have said the war could trigger an energy price shock that pushes up UK inflation, which may in turn force the Bank of England to increase interest rates. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Why Does Child Care Seem Less Affordable Than Ever?
It has always been expensive, but recently prices have risen faster than inflation. [Continue Reading]
Middle East tensions raise investor concerns, predicting decline in Australian share market amid rising oil prices
Recent tensions in the Middle East are causing significant trepidation among investors, leading to predictions of a sharp decline in the Australian share market. As conflict intensifies, concerns over rising oil prices and inflationary pressures weigh heavily on financial sentiments. This comes as Wall Street, despite earlier losses, managed to recover somewhat following statements from former President Donald Trump assuring the protection of oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. Investor anxiety has reached notable levels as the situation unfolds, with the Australian market expected to open considerably lower, reflecting fears that the ongoing conflict may prolong and further destabilize... [Continue Reading]
Global oil prices rise to $84 per barrel amid tensions in the Middle East and concerns over shipping safety in the Strait of Hormuz
The recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, primarily involving Iran, has prompted a significant rise in global oil prices amid fears for shipping safety in the Strait of Hormuz. Following Tehran's targeting of vessels in this crucial maritime route, oil prices have surged from $72 per barrel to $84, raising alarms about potential increases in fuel costs for consumers worldwide, including in Ireland. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital channel for global oil transport, with approximately one-fifth of the world's petroleum passing through it. As the conflict escalated, shipping rates for supertankers in the area have reportedly... [Continue Reading]
Brewdog acquired by Tilray for £33 million after going into administration, resulting in 484 staff redundancies
Brewdog, a prominent independent brewer and pub chain based in Aberdeenshire, has faced a significant upheaval following its recent acquisition by Tilray, a beverage and cannabis firm, for £33 million. The announcement comes after Brewdog went into administration, leading to the heartbreaking news that 484 staff members would be made redundant. This decision was communicated during a 15-minute conference call, a method that has drawn sharp criticism from labor unions and has left many employees heartbroken and without employment. The swift communication from management has raised serious concerns. Bryan Simpson, a hospitality organiser for the Unite union, condemned the method... [Continue Reading]
Escalation of military conflict in the Middle East raises concerns over potential economic impacts in Europe
A recent escalation of military conflict in the Middle East has raised alarm over potential economic ramifications, particularly in Europe. Reports indicate that a coalition of U.S. and Israeli forces has intensified its military actions against Iran. This situation has become increasingly volatile, particularly with Israel's military actions in Lebanon and Iran's retaliatory missile strikes across the Gulf region, affecting countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The repercussions of this conflict are already being felt globally, particularly in energy markets, with oil prices witnessing an over 10% surge. Confirming these developments, European Central Bank (ECB)... [Continue Reading]
US and Israel launch military strike on Iran, resulting in significant casualties and regional missile retaliation
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, a coordinated military strike by the United States and Israel on Iran on the final day of February has resulted in significant casualties and geopolitical ramifications. This operation reportedly killed hundreds, including Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Following the strike, Iran retaliated by launching missiles against multiple nations in the region, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, marking the onset of a potential wider conflict. According to reports, the military strike employed advanced technology, including AI-assisted systems for intelligence assessments and target identification, underscoring the growing role of artificial... [Continue Reading]
Global financial markets brace for potential oil price surge amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
In a significant development, global financial markets are preparing for a potential surge in oil prices as reports indicate that the Strait of Hormuz may be nearing closure amid increasing military activity between the United States, Israel, and Iran. This strategic chokepoint is vital to the world's oil supply, with approximately 27% of global crude oil passing through this waterway, which is crucial for several Gulf states including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Recent actions in the region have raised alarms about the future of shipping through this critical waterway. Analysts suggest that... [Continue Reading]
Cargo plane crash near La Paz kills 20 and injures over a dozen as banknotes scatter across the highway
A cargo plane crash near La Paz has left a scene of devastation as Bolivians rushed to collect scattered banknotes after the aircraft veered off the runway moments after landing. The Hercules C-130, carrying freshly printed currency from the Central Bank of Bolivia, crashed at a nearby airport, resulting in the tragic death toll of 20 individuals, with over a dozen reported injuries. Witnesses describe chaotic scenes as people flocked to the site of the crash, attempting to gather the cash that spilled across the highway where the plane came to a stop. Social media footage revealed rescue operations amid... [Continue Reading]
Argentine Senate passes labour reforms backed by President Milei amid public protests and concerns from labour unions
The Argentine Senate has enacted sweeping labour reforms supported by President Javier Milei, a move that has sparked significant public outcry and continued protests. The legislation was passed with a vote tally of 42 in favor, 28 against, and two abstentions, marking a pivotal moment for Milei in his efforts to implement a more business-friendly environment. These reforms are intended to relax hiring regulations, extend working hours, and impose limitations on the right to strike, raising concerns among labour unions and worker advocacy groups about potential violations of worker protections. Critics of the reforms argue they represent a significant rollback... [Continue Reading]
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Feb 2026 08:49
There Is Good in Every Bad
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Feb 2026 17:11
