
European Stocks Slide as Iran War Escalation Sends Oil Higher
Aug 18, 2026 07:47 am UTC| Economy
European stocks extended their decline on Tuesday, with major benchmarks falling to two-week lows as a sharp escalation in the Iran war rattled global financial markets. The pan-European STOXX Europe 600 fell 0.2%, marking...

US Dollar Hovers Near Multi-Month Lows as Fed Rate Hike Bets Ease
Aug 18, 2026 03:29 am UTC| Economy
The U.S. dollar remained near multi-month lows against major currencies on Tuesday as softer economic data reduced expectations for an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate hike. However, escalating Middle East tensions...

Australian Consumer Sentiment Jumps 6% in August as Rate Outlook Improves
Aug 18, 2026 03:14 am UTC| Economy
Australian consumer sentiment strengthened sharply in August, driven by improving household finances and greater confidence about the outlook for interest rates, according to the latest Westpac-Melbourne Institute survey....

Gold Prices Hold Near $4,400 as Fed Rate Hike Bets Fade
Aug 18, 2026 03:05 am UTC| Economy
Gold prices remained close to the $4,400-an-ounce mark on Tuesday as weaker U.S. economic data reduced expectations for further Federal Reserve tightening, while escalating Middle East tensions boosted safe-haven demand....

Oil Prices Rise as Iran-U.S. Tensions Threaten Strait of Hormuz Supply
Aug 18, 2026 03:04 am UTC| Economy
Oil prices climbed on Tuesday as escalating Iran-U.S. tensions reduced hopes for a permanent Middle East ceasefire, raising concerns over global energy supplies and continued disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent...

Colombia Earthquake Losses Estimated at $9.58 Billion as Reconstruction Challenge Mounts
Aug 18, 2026 03:02 am UTC| Economy
Economic losses from the powerful earthquake that struck Colombia last week could reach 30 trillion pesos ($9.58 billion), President Abelardo De La Espriella said Monday, highlighting the enormous financial toll of the...

US Eyes Refinery Boost as Trump Seeks Relief From High Gas Prices
Aug 17, 2026 22:03 pm UTC| Politics Economy
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Washington is preparing measures to help refiners increase fuel production as the Trump administration looks for ways to bring down gasoline prices following the U.S.-Israeli war on...