News
Hungary's leading retailer mulls contingency plan in wake of government-mandated margin cap
Hungary's second-largest retailer Spar, incurred a loss in 2024 for the third consecutive year, weighed down by windfall taxes and state-imposed price measures that have hit its bottom line.
Cambodia, US to begin tariff talks as 90-day suspension offers brief reprieve
The United States has agreed to Cambodia’s proposal to begin negotiations on tariffs, following a formal request from Prime Minister Hun Manet.
Sri Lanka to review impact of US tariffs, explore talks with Washington
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake convened a meeting with opposition party leaders in Colombo on April 10 to discuss the potential impact of recent US tariffs on Sri Lanka’s economy and explore proposals for engaging with the US government.
Latin American leaders blast US tariffs at CELAC summit as China offers economic lifeline
Latin American leaders gathered in Honduras on April 9 to condemn United States trade measures during the ninth summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
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US-China rivalry deepens over Panama Canal as Washington pushes new security pact
The Panama Canal is once again at the centre of geopolitical tension, as the United States increases pressure to counter China’s influence in the region.
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US cancels Shell, BP licences for Venezuela and Trinidad offshore projects
In a significant setback for Trinidad and Tobago's energy ambitions, Prime Minister Stuart Young announced that the United States had revoked crucial OFAC licenses that enabled major cross-border natural gas developments with Venezuela.
Serbia keeps reference interest rate steady at 5.75%
The National Bank of Serbia left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 5.75% on April 10, marking the seventh consecutive month it has held borrowing costs steady.
Argentine government braces for protests following IMF deal
Thousands of Argentines marched in an anti-austerity protest on April 9, setting the stage for a 24-hour general strike as President Javier Milei awaits confirmation of a fresh International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan.
Turkey in close contact with Israel to avoid undesired engagements in Syria
Turkey has been holding technical talks with Israel concerning the de-escalation of any conflict in Syria when needed, Reuters on April 9 quoted Turkey Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan as saying.
Argentine prosecutor seeks arrest of Iran's Khamenei for alleged involvement in Jewish community centre bombing
Argentinian prosecutor Sebastian Basso has requested the arrest of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for his alleged role in the 1994 bombing of a Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires.
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Slovak opposition parties gain majority in polls as populist PM Fico doubles down attacks on NGOs
Slovakia’s opposition parties would secure a parliamentary majority, according to the April poll by NMS agency. The country’s largest opposition party, centrist Progressive Slovakia, leads the polls with 23.2%, ahead of PM Robert Fico's Smer.
Vietnam gold prices hit record highs as global bullion rallies
Gold prices in Vietnam surged to historic highs on April 10, mirroring gains in global markets as investors flocked to the precious metal amid escalating US-China trade tensions and shifting tariff policies.
Vietnam, US business groups urge delay of steep US tariffs as Hanoi wakes to 90-day reprieve
Vietnamese and US business communities calling on the administration of President Donald Trump to warn that the proposed 46% reciprocal tariff could wreak havoc on trade flows have met with a 90-day reprieve
US eyes strikes on Mexican cartels, testing sovereignty
Growing tensions between Mexico and the United States are exposing deep fractures in their long-standing security partnership.
Russia to launch online marriage register to help women catch cheaters
Conservative lawmakers and Orthodox activists in Russia are advocating the creation of a national registry of married citizens, to be made accessible through the government’s digital platform Gosuslugi.
Vucic in Paris as Serbia faces domestic tensions
Vucic boasted about his friendship with Macron, noting that they like to exchange wine and sometimes stay up until the early hours talking.
Gazprom abandons Bolivia's Azero project after 16 years of unfulfilled promises
Gazprom, Russia's state-owned gas giant, has withdrawn from the Azero gas exploration project in Bolivia, ending a 16-year energy venture once heralded as a cornerstone of Moscow's expanding influence in Latin America.
Turkey burns $8bn of reserves on Trump tumult Monday to keep lira at 38.00 against US dollar
Turkey’s central bank has burnt $7.6bn worth of FX reserves on April 7 and another $3.1bn on April 8, according to calculations by @e507.
Trump’s and Putin’s men to talk Ukraine in Istanbul on April 10
The US and Russian delegations will on April 10 hold their next meeting in Istanbul, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, told reporters on April 8. The meeting will be launched at 10h Istanbul time in Russia’s consulate.
US imposes fresh sanctions on Iran ahead of Oman talks
The United States has introduced new sanctions targeting Iranian individuals and entities on nuclear-related charges, just days before negotiations scheduled for April 12 in Oman.