economy

Japan initiates largest-ever strategic oil release as gasoline prices hit record 190.80 yen

State reserves drawdown equals 30 days of demand roughly 8.5 million kiloliters scheduled through April end

ECB President Lagarde signals potential rate hikes to counter energy shock

Lagarde stated that a moderate overshoot of the inflation target could justify measured tightening 

Japan’s core consumer inflation slows below central bank’s ​2 percent target in February

Core inflation eased from 2 percent in January to 1.6 percent in February, falling below the BOJ’s 2 percent target for the first time since March 2022

EU and Australia reach trade deal to eliminate up to 99 percent of tariffs, secure critical mineral supplies

Deal grants EU enhanced access to Australian critical minerals like lithium manganese and aluminum

Reserve Bank of Australia lifts interest rates to 10-month high on rising inflation risks

The central bank lifted its benchmark rate to 4.1 percent, marking its second hike this year following a similar move in February

U.S. trade deficit plummets to $54.5 billion as exports surge in January

Trade gap fell from a revised $72.9 billion in December 

South Korea to inject $350 billion into U.S. AI, quantum computing, semiconductors

Legislation completes major portion of trade agreement intended to mitigate U.S. tariff strains on Korean goods 

U.S. stock futures slip following 0.3 percent rise in February Consumer Price Index

CPI rose 2.4 percent annually while investors assessed the Fed outlook 

Central African Republic launches first fully digitalized Ministry

The platform was developed in partnership with the Central African technology firm EDEN TiiiT

U.S. weekly jobless claims increase as unemployment stabilizes

Initial filings for state unemployment benefits increased by 4,000 to a seasonally adjusted 212,000 for the week ended February 21

Eurozone inflation drops to 1.7 percent in January 2026, lowest level in 12 months

France recorded 0.4 percent annual inflation; Romania registered the highest rate at 8.5 percent

Germany and India sign strategic AI Pact at New Delhi Summit to drive economic growth

The pact fosters joint initiatives in industry energy healthcare and agriculture to integrate AI economically

China’s luxury market shows signs of stabilization after two years of decline

Bain estimates that 65 percent of luxury purchases occurred within mainland China in 2025, compared with 35 percent overseas

U.S. and Taiwan finalize trade deal with 15 percent tariff, $500 billion in semiconductor and AI investments

Agreement exempts more than 2,000 export items from reciprocal tariffs, cutting average duty to 12.33 percent 

U.S. job growth likely picked up in January as layoffs ease, but labor market remains sluggish

Economists point to lingering uncertainty over import tariffs as a key factor dampening business confidence and hiring decisions

Pakistan pledges $1 billion investment in Artificial Intelligence to modernize digital economy by 2030

AI funding will modernize sectors like agriculture, industry, and trade enhancing national productivity 

Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75 percent as inflation relief signals spring pivot

The decision to hold rates comes after a narrow 5-4 vote among the MPC members 

Australia RBA interest rate hike hits households as cash rate reaches 3.85 percent in first tightening since 2023

The December Consumer Price Index showed inflation rising to 3.8 percent, alarming financial markets 

EU’s economy grows 1.6 percent in 2025 as unemployment holds at 5.9 percent

Lithuania recorded the highest increase compared to the previous quarter at 1.7 percent, followed by Spain and Portugal

U.S. trade deficit widens 94.6 percent, marking largest jump since 1992 as imports surpass records

The import surge, driven by technology needs, indicates a strong demand unmatched by domestic production 

U.S. hits South Korea with 25 percent tariff hike over trade deal delays

New levies target South Korean automobiles and pharmaceuticals