The Economy Markets

Iran warns of a “closure of the Strait of Hormuz” and carries out actual attacks on transiting vessels Global oil prices surge despite the IEA’s largest-ever emergency stockpile release As Iran signals resolve for a prolonged conflict, Trump claims “the United States has won”

Middle East war shocks ripple through Dubai, with landmarks and other sites hit Tourists and capital flee in droves, with some escaping on chartered jets Distrust toward the UAE deepens, sending investor funds toward Singapore and Hong Kong D

China’s Push for Military Self-Reliance Gains Momentum, Arms Imports Contract Sharply Asia and Oceania Accelerate Rearmament Chinese-Made Weapons Remain Mired in Combat-Performance Controversies, Sustaining Doubts Over Military Capabilities

Strategic shift toward a robotics platform company gains momentumWorkforce and production facilities reorganized to build mass-production capacity

Qatar production halt erases 20% of global supply European gas prices surge 68%, with Asia also taking a direct hit U.S.

Energy price surge and economic slowdown emerging simultaneouslyMoves to consider and implement wartime-style price control policies

Government discussing measures to expand supply, including converting retail space into housing If realized, the move is expected to simultaneously ease retail blight and the housing supply cliff Special legislation also under review to lower institutional barriers

Cortical Labs to build commercial data centers in Australia and Singapore using ‘CL1’ Bio-computing emerges as an alternative to AI-driven power shortages, demonstrating potential for intelligent information processing Experts caution the technology remains in an early stage despite intensifying development race

Rising demand for elite education drives international school growthPerception grows of schools as stable long-term investment assets

AI apps show strong early monetization but struggle with long-term retention Absolute number of paying subscribers remains limited, profitability under pressure AI firms begin monetization push in markets such as India while maintaining optimistic outlooks

Direct punitive measures targeting specific countries and industries Broad scope for sanctions, including additional tariffs and import restrictions A foreshadowed next step after reciprocal tariffs were struck down, aimed at reimposing extra duties

Claim that most strategic targets have been eliminatedTehran responds with hardline rhetoric, raising economic and digital retaliation

Concerns raised over central bank independence and procedural integrityIssue expanding across Washington with Democrats joining the debate

Escalating maritime tensions amid signs of mine deploymentDebate over U.S. control of sea lanes intensifies

U.S.

Accelerating high-efficiency solar cell production capacityExpanding from ground power to space energy supply

U.S.

Late-Stage Offensive Aims to Cripple Core InfrastructureIran Keeps Up Retaliatory Strikes as Clash Continues

Inflation expectations now shape inflation more than traditional economic slack Regional evidence in Europe shows that household and firm beliefs strongly influence price dynamics Effective monetary policy must manage expectations, not just interest rates

Geopolitical shocks can destabilize local labor markets The Canada–U.S.