Markets, trade, and economic policy worldwide
The Bank of Canada has maintained its policy interest rate at 2.25%, a decision that aligns with market expectations.
India is facing supply shocks from the war in the Middle East, and the resulting hit to domestic demand is a serious concern, the Finance Ministry said in its monthly economic review.
Oil prices have risen by 5% amid market concerns regarding a potential prolonged blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
WTI crude oil prices rose 5% to $106.50 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed 4.9% to over $109, marking the highest levels since March 23.
U.S. gas prices have reached a new record high since the onset of the war with Iran, with the national average rising to $4.23 per gallon, according to AAA.
China announced it will extend zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, effective May 1.
Euro zone economic confidence plunges, price pressures soar
China's Ministry of Commerce stated that a new trade proposal violates World Trade Organization rules and announced that China will take necessary measures to defend its legitimate rights.
EQT is set to make a better takeover offer for Intertek, according to First Squawk.
China Southern Airlines and its subsidiary have agreed to purchase Airbus aircraft in a deal valued at $21.4 billion.
Global fertilizer prices are rising, with urea costs doubling since January to approximately $900 per ton, as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz impact the food supply chain.
Jerome Powell chairs his final Fed meeting today, with markets expecting a hawkish stance as inflation expectations reach their highest since last summer.
US orders for business equipment increased in March by the most since mid-2020, extending a yearlong stretch of solid capital investment fueled by spending on artificial intelligence.
The U.S. advance goods trade deficit widened to $87.9 billion in March, slightly better than the expected $88.0 billion. Goods imports rose 3.3% month-over-month while exports increased 2.5%.
US wholesale inventories increased by 1.4% month-over-month in March, compared to an estimate of 0.4% and a revised prior of 0.9%. Retail inventories rose by 0.7% versus an estimate of 0.1% and a prior of 0.2%.
Amphenol reported Q1 2026 earnings with organic sales growth of 33%, beating estimates, and net sales of $7.62 billion. The company issued Q2 guidance above analyst expectations.
The OPEC Fund has announced a $1.5 billion support package aimed at assisting developing nations in addressing economic challenges stemming from energy, commodity, and trade disruptions caused by the Iran war.
UK Prime Minister Starmer announced that AstraZeneca will invest 300 million pounds in the United Kingdom.
Kenya's annual inflation rate has risen to its highest level in two years and is expected to accelerate further, according to Treasury Secretary.
Regeneron reported Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $9.47, beating estimates of $8.96, but revenue of $3.6 billion fell short of the estimated $9.46 billion. The company also authorized a new $3 billion share buyback program.
Iran's national currency, the rial, has reached a record low of 1.8 million against the U.S. dollar, even as a ceasefire with the U.S. and Israel remains in effect.
EU antitrust chief Teresa Ribera has announced temporary state aid measures, including grants, loans, and tax breaks, to support companies affected by the ongoing war in Iran.
UK 10-year government bond yields have risen above 5%, marking the highest level recorded since 2008.
Brent crude oil prices on the ICE exchange in London have risen above $115 per barrel for the first time since March 30, according to trading data.
Hedge-fund firm Millennium and Norges Bank Investment Management are among those that participated in CATL’s $5 billion share sale.
The extended closure of the Strait of Hormuz and extreme weather have driven the crop price index to a two-year high.
Finland's Kone has announced an agreement to acquire German competitor TK Elevator in a deal valued at $34.4 billion.
Hong Kong recorded its largest trade deficit in at least 74 years as imports significantly increased.
The Australian government has proposed a new tax on digital platforms including Meta, Google, and TikTok, requiring them to contribute a portion of their revenue to support news journalism.
Lloyds Bank reported a statutory pretax profit of £2.03 billion in the first quarter of 2026, surpassing estimates of £1.78 billion. The bank reiterated its full-year 2026 guidance and made no changes to provisions for motor finance commission.