Austria agrees to €5.1B budget measures, extends bank tax, to end EU finance probe

Australian household spending rose 1.6% in March, driven by higher fuel prices linked to Middle East conflict, official data shows.

Official data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that Australian household spending rose 1.6% in March, primarily driven by a 5.1% surge in transport costs linked to higher fuel prices amid the Middle East conflict.

IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warns of a 'much worse' global economic outlook if the Middle East conflict persists into 2027, citing risks of rising inflation and oil prices hitting 125 dollars per barrel.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that the global economy faces a 'much worse outcome' if the Middle East conflict continues into 2027, potentially driving oil prices to 125 dollars per barrel and fueling inflation.

Libya approves its first unified national budget in 13 years, ending over a decade of fiscal fragmentation. Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah confirmed the move following a consensus agreement between the country's rival legislative bodies.

Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah announced the approval of a unified national budget for 2026, marking the first such consensus in 13 years following a deal between the country's rival legislative bodies.

Swedish police report gangland wars are killing dozens of bystanders.

Swedish police report that ongoing gangland wars are killing dozens of bystanders.