Markets, trade, and economic policy worldwide
Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern have announced a proposed $71.5 billion merger, which the companies estimate would result in a 39% share of the U.S. rail freight market.
US President Donald Trump announced plans to remove tariffs and trade restrictions on Scottish whiskey, citing influence from the King and Queen of the United Kingdom.
The Securities and Exchange Organization has announced that stock market transactions are suspended until Monday, May 4, 2026, with future operations dependent on ongoing market condition reviews.
Investment firm KKR has raised over $10 billion to establish a new company focused on the development and operation of artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The US dollar is experiencing its largest monthly decline since June as traders reduce positions in the currency following reports of potential peace talks regarding the Iran war.
LIV Golf is seeking outside investors and has unveiled new board members, stating it will continue operations despite Saudi investors moving to withdraw significant financial backing.
Central bankers in Frankfurt and London have adopted a more hawkish stance as oil prices approached $130 per barrel on Thursday.
Google Cloud revenue growth outpaced Microsoft and Amazon in the latest quarter, as all three major cloud providers exceeded analyst expectations driven by sustained demand for artificial intelligence services.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that a potential blockade of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a global economic recession.
European Central Bank policymakers reached a broad consensus on Thursday regarding the necessity of a rate hike in June, with several governors suggesting at least two increases may be required depending on geopolitical and energy market developments.
The Bank of England has maintained its current interest rates while warning that the ongoing conflict in Iran poses significant risks to inflation levels.
The Cigna Group announced it will exit the Affordable Care Act market starting next year to prioritize other business segments.
The Nikkei reports that Japan has conducted a yen-buying operation to support the currency.
The European Union has announced plans to revise its merger regulations to reduce barriers for the formation of large regional companies that can compete with US and Chinese corporations.
Pakistan is facing its most significant fuel price increase in over 50 years, creating economic instability that threatens the administration of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The US Core PCE Price Index rose 0.3% month-over-month in March, matching analyst estimates, while the year-over-year rate reached 3.2%. The headline PCE Price Index increased 0.7% for the month and 3.5% annually.
A key U.S. inflation measure has reached its highest level in nearly three years, driven by rising gasoline prices linked to the conflict in Iran.
The U.S. economy expanded at a 2% annualized rate during the first quarter of 2026, rebounding from the impact of a government shutdown, though potential conflict with Iran remains a risk to the outlook.
The United States economy grew at an annualized rate of 2.0% in the first quarter of 2026, falling short of the 2.3% growth rate anticipated by economists.
Mexico's economy experienced its largest contraction in nearly six years during the first quarter, marking a significant economic challenge for the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
U.S. initial jobless claims totaled 189,000 for the week ending April 25, falling below the estimated 212,000.
The European Central Bank has decided to maintain its current interest rates, citing ongoing concerns regarding inflation.
The European Central Bank has maintained current interest rates, with officials citing a need for further assessment of the economic impact resulting from the war in Iran.
The European Central Bank reports that upside risks to inflation have intensified, while downside risks to economic growth have also increased.
Global oil prices have retreated from a four-year high of over $126 per barrel amid ongoing concerns regarding the potential escalation of the US-Iran conflict and its impact on Middle East oil supplies.
The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady, but dissent rose to its highest since 1992 as three policymakers opposed language indicating a bias toward cuts. Tim Graf of State Street said the committee wants to make clear it will resist political pressure to lower rates.
Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey projects that inflation will rise to slightly above 3.5% by the end of 2026, noting that initial indirect effects are expected to impact food prices most significantly.
Major European banks are allocating hundreds of millions of euros in reserves to mitigate potential financial impacts stemming from the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
The Bank of England has revised its Consumer Price Index (CPI) forecasts upward for 2026 and 2027, while lowering its projections for 2028.
The Bank of England has decided to maintain its base interest rate at 3.75%.