Navigating the Chokepoint: US and Israel Forge Coalition to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz

Mar 20, 2026 04:57 am UTC| Insights & Views

Restoring transit faces major tactical and financial challenges, such as sea mine removal, armed tanker escorts, and coping with rising insurance costs for maritime cargo. Experts warn that if the current closure is not...

Decimation and Dissolution: Netanyahu Predicts Swift End to Iranian Conflict

Mar 20, 2026 04:54 am UTC| Insights & Views

On March 19, 2026, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a high-profile speech claiming that the ongoing conflict with Iran is moving toward a considerably faster resolution than foreign observers project....

Strategic Rebalancing: US Grants Temporary Reprieve for Russian Oil Amid Middle East Crisis

Mar 20, 2026 04:34 am UTC| Insights & Views

On March 12, 2026, in response to a volatile worldwide energy market, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Treasury released General License 134, thereby enacting a crucial but transient relaxation of...

ECB Holds Rates at 2.00% as Middle East Energy Shocks Cloud Inflation Outlook

Mar 19, 2026 16:03 pm UTC| Central Banks Insights & Views

At its March 19, 2026 meeting, the European Central Bank chose to hold all key interest rates steady, maintaining the deposit facility at 2.00%, the main refinancing rate at 2.15%, and the marginal lending facility at...

BoE Holds Rates at 3.75% as Middle East Energy Shocks Stall Disinflation

Mar 19, 2026 15:14 pm UTC| Central Banks Insights & Views

At its March 19, 2026, policy meeting, the Bank of England (BoE) maintained its restrictive monetary attitude, choosing to keep the Bank Rate at 3.75% in a move consistent with overwhelming market expectations. The...

ECB Holds Rates Steady at 2.00% as Middle East Energy Shocks Cloud Inflation Outlook

Mar 19, 2026 11:56 am UTC| Central Banks Insights & Views

At its March 19, 2026, policy meeting, the European Central Bank (ECB) kept its wait-and-see attitude by opting not to change any of the main interest rates. In a move reflecting a neutral attitude against a complicated...

SNB Holds at 0% and Flags FX Intervention to Curb Franc Strength

Mar 19, 2026 11:04 am UTC| Central Banks Insights & Views

At its March 19, 2026, policy meeting, the Swiss National Bank (SNB) stayed course and maintained the headline policy rate at 0.00%. Consistent with market expectations, the central bank maintained its sight deposit...