GLOBAL ECONOMY

Jun 5, 2026, 12:46 PM

US stock markets continue to set record highs driven largely by artificial intelligence investment, even amid the Iran war, inflation and rising national debt. Analysts are debating whether the AI-fuelled rally constitutes a speculative bubble and how vulnerable markets are to a correction. The BBC examines the risks and the factors sustaining investor confidence.

Guerre au Moyen-Orient : des répercussions mondiales

Mar 17, 2026, 01:44 PM

Two weeks into the Middle East war, analysts are already documenting a measurable deterioration in the global economic outlook. France 24 brings together a Swiss banking expert, an agricultural strategy specialist and an energy markets analyst to assess the damage across financial markets, food supply chains and energy pricing. Their assessments point to compounding pressures that could affect economies worldwide.

El Banco de Australia alerta sobre la inflación y sube los tipos en una decisión muy ajustada

Mar 17, 2026, 07:12 AM

The Reserve Bank of Australia has raised interest rates in a closely contested decision, citing inflationary pressures — becoming the first central bank to tighten monetary policy since the outbreak of the Iran conflict. The move comes as a series of major central bank meetings is set to take place this week. The decision underscores the mounting economic ripple effects of the Middle East conflict on global monetary policy.

Stock Market LIVE: Markets Open In Green As Wall Street, Asian Peers Edge Higher

Mar 17, 2026, 05:17 AM

Indian equity markets opened in positive territory on Tuesday, with Sensex and Nifty 50 tracking gains on Wall Street and across Asian markets. GIFT Nifty futures had signalled a bullish start ahead of the opening bell. The broader upbeat sentiment reflects improved investor confidence globally.

Un mercado que nunca duerme: las Bolsas miran al modelo cripto y exploran operar 24 horas, los siete días de la semana

Mar 17, 2026, 04:30 AM

The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are exploring plans to extend trading hours to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, taking inspiration from the always-on model of cryptocurrency markets. Europe is beginning to debate similar moves, though experts warn that thin off-hours liquidity could significantly amplify price volatility. The shift would mark one of the most fundamental changes to financial market structure in decades.

Gold, Silver Prices Drop Marginally: Check Rates In Your City Today

Mar 17, 2026, 04:05 AM

Gold and silver prices edged marginally lower in both domestic and international markets. Spot gold in international trade hovered near $5,008 per ounce, while silver fell 0.21 per cent. City-wise rates across India reflect the slight dip in precious metal values.

نفط موسكو "العائم".. طفو مؤقت على سطح الأزمة

Mar 17, 2026, 03:55 AM

Any temporary easing of sanctions on Russian oil is unlikely to last, as global demand for large volumes of Russian crude remains limited. For Gulf states, maintaining sanctions on Russian oil represents a more favourable option than engaging in an all-out price war. The piece argues that the partial relief offers no durable solution to the underlying crisis in energy markets.

Millions without electricity as Cuba's power grid collapses

Mar 17, 2026, 03:46 AM

Cuba's national power grid has collapsed, leaving millions of residents without electricity amid worsening fuel shortages. The crisis has been deepened by a US blockade on oil shipments to the island, which has severely curtailed energy supplies. The blackouts highlight the mounting humanitarian toll of Cuba's long-running economic crisis.

Guerre au Moyen-Orient : Trump isolé ?

Mar 16, 2026, 07:35 PM

As the war between Iran, Israel and the United States enters its third week, Donald Trump has threatened NATO allies with serious consequences if they refuse to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Energy and commodity prices have surged since the conflict began. The European Union is now weighing the use of its Aspides naval mission to protect maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.

دليل الأسرة للتكيف مع ارتفاعات الأسعار جراء حرب إيران

Mar 16, 2026, 06:56 PM

The US-Israeli war on Iran is squeezing household budgets through a cascade of rising costs that begins with oil, gas and shipping, then filters through to electricity, transport and food prices. Consumers are ultimately feeling the impact in their monthly bills as the conflict disrupts global supply chains. The article offers families practical guidance on how to adapt to and cope with these price pressures.

بعد أسبوع مضطرب.. وول ستريت تنتعش بدعم التكنولوجيا وتراجع النفط

Mar 16, 2026, 05:09 PM

US stock markets recovered after a turbulent week, driven by gains in the technology sector and a decline in oil prices. The rebound highlights global markets' sensitivity to developments in the Gulf conflict and fluctuations in energy markets. Investors appeared to find relief in easing oil prices as geopolitical tensions weighed on sentiment.

Guerre au Moyen-Orient : Donald Trump veut enrôler ses alliés dans le détroit d’Ormuz

Mar 16, 2026, 04:22 PM

Donald Trump is pressing allies and China to help secure oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blockaded. Major economies began tapping their strategic petroleum reserves on Monday to head off a potential oil shock. However, the UK and Germany ruled out any NATO-led mission to restore freedom of navigation in the strait.

Guerre au Moyen-Orient : que signifie "sécuriser" le détroit d'Ormuz ?

Mar 16, 2026, 03:46 PM

US President Donald Trump has called on allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which 20% of the world's oil normally passes, after Iran effectively closed it in retaliation for US and Israeli strikes. Military historian Guillaume Lasconjarias analyses what "securing" the strait would concretely entail. The situation raises major questions about naval strategy, international law, and the global energy supply.

Iran : "Les Américains sont surpris par la résistance du régime"

Mar 16, 2026, 03:43 PM

Following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint through which 20% of the world's oil normally flows. President Trump has called on allies to help secure the waterway. An Iran analyst notes that the regime has proven more resilient than Washington anticipated, suggesting it had long prepared for such a confrontation.

وكالة الطاقة الدولية: احتياطيات إضافية جاهزة إذا استمرت أزمة النفط

Mar 16, 2026, 02:33 PM

The International Energy Agency has confirmed it holds additional emergency oil reserves that can be deployed to stabilize markets if supply disruptions linked to the Gulf conflict continue. The announcement signals readiness to intervene should the crisis deepen and threaten global energy security. The IEA's statement aims to reassure markets and prevent sharp price spikes driven by geopolitical uncertainty.

Hungary announces oil pipeline deal amid feud with Ukraine

Mar 16, 2026, 02:31 PM

Hungary is set to sign a bilateral pipeline agreement with Slovakia as the two countries seek to secure an alternative oil supply route amid an ongoing dispute with Ukraine over transit. The deal reflects Budapest's effort to reduce dependence on Ukrainian-controlled infrastructure for Russian oil flows. The move underscores growing tensions between Hungary and Ukraine over energy transit arrangements.

Iran hits key UAE oil port and Dubai airport

Mar 16, 2026, 12:43 PM

Iran has struck the port of Fujairah in the UAE — a critical alternative oil supply hub used when the Strait of Hormuz is blocked — as well as Dubai's international airport. The attack marks a dramatic escalation in regional tensions, threatening global energy supplies and international aviation. The strikes could have far-reaching consequences for oil markets and Gulf stability.

Moscow issues warning over Trump’s Golden Dome plan

Mar 16, 2026, 12:31 PM

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has warned that Donald Trump's proposed Golden Dome missile defense system poses a serious threat to global nuclear security and risks militarizing outer space. Moscow views the initiative as a destabilizing move that could upset existing strategic balances. The warning signals growing Russian concern over the US plan to build a comprehensive national missile shield.

España crecerá al 2,4% este año pese a la guerra en Oriente Próximo, según BBVA Research

Mar 16, 2026, 10:16 AM

BBVA Research forecasts Spain's economy will grow by 2.4% this year, despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The bank's research unit attributes this resilience to a strong starting position entering the year. Inflation is expected to close the year at 2.9%.

UniCredit lanza una opa sobre Commerzbank de 35.000 millones

Mar 16, 2026, 07:59 AM

Italian banking giant UniCredit has launched a public takeover bid for Germany's Commerzbank valued at approximately €35 billion. The bank aims to cross the 30% ownership threshold but insists it does not seek full control of the German lender. The move marks a significant step in cross-border European banking consolidation.

Mar 16, 2026, 12:06 AM

Ukraine is urgently seeking critical financial support from the IMF and the European Union to sustain its war effort against Russia. As part of efforts to shore up public finances, the country is also raising taxes on its beleaguered population. The moves highlight the mounting economic pressure Kyiv faces alongside the ongoing military conflict.

Mar 16, 2026, 12:05 AM

Following missile strikes in the region, airspace over Iran and the Gulf has been severely restricted, forcing airlines to reroute flights and absorb higher operating costs. The disruptions highlight how modern aviation must navigate active conflict zones, balancing passenger safety with commercial pressures. Airlines are under increasing strain as the closures compound existing logistical challenges on key intercontinental routes.

Con la vida en una caja tras el fin del escudo social

Mar 15, 2026, 04:30 AM

Thousands of vulnerable families in Spain are once again facing the threat of eviction after the political right blocked the extension of social housing protections. The expiry of the so-called "social shield" leaves renters without safety nets at a time of economic uncertainty, compounded by the potential fallout of the Iran conflict on energy prices and the cost of living. Families describe packing their belongings into boxes, bracing for a loss of their homes.

Las guerras de Trump quieren imponernos un mundo de incertidumbre económica y política

Mar 14, 2026, 04:45 PM

The article argues that while the current Middle East conflict driven by Trump's policies will not trigger an economic crisis on the scale of the 1970s oil shocks, it will disproportionately harm the world's most vulnerable nations. The author warns that Trump's geopolitical agenda is imposing widespread political and economic uncertainty on the global order. Other countries are urged to develop an alternative model to preserve Western democratic values against this destabilising influence.

“No pienso en marcharme”: la necesidad de seguir enviando remesas atrapa a los migrantes africanos en el Golfo

Mar 14, 2026, 04:30 AM

Around five million African workers are employed in Gulf states — mainly in construction, hospitality and domestic service — and rely heavily on remittances to support families back home. Despite deteriorating conditions tied to volatile oil revenues, most say they cannot afford to leave. The fluctuation in global oil prices now threatens their livelihoods and deepens their precarity.

The EU never learns – except for the wrong lessons

Mar 13, 2026, 05:51 PM

The EU's economic situation was already deteriorating before the shock of the Iran war, yet it continues to double down on backing the United States and Israel in the conflict. The commentary, published by RT, argues that Brussels is compounding its own vulnerabilities by aligning with a military campaign that risks further destabilising Europe's economy. The piece contends that the EU is incapable of drawing the right lessons from successive crises and is set to pay a steep economic price for its geopolitical choices.

India denies Reuters claim over US trade deal delay

Mar 13, 2026, 12:26 PM

India has denied a Reuters report claiming New Delhi was considering delaying the signing of a trade deal with the United States. The report had suggested the delay was linked to a new tariff investigation launched by the Trump administration. Indian officials pushed back against the claim, rejecting it as inaccurate.