US stock index futures edged higher in choppy trading on Friday as investors awaited key economic data on growth and inflation, while escalating tensions in the Middle East continued to push oil prices higher and cloud the outlook for global markets. Futures tied to the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 135 points, or about 0.29%,
The UK economy unexpectedly stalled in January, raising concerns about the country’s ability to withstand a sharp rise in energy prices triggered by the escalating conflict in the Middle East. Data released by the Office for National Statistics showed that gross domestic product remained flat in January, with 0% growth, compared with December, when the
The Dubai edition of Token2049, one of the world’s largest crypto industry conferences, has been postponed as regional tensions continue to disrupt international travel across the Middle East. Organisers confirmed on Friday that the event, originally planned for April 29-30 in Dubai, will now take place on April 21-22, 2027. The decision comes as the
The United States issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products stranded at sea, drawing criticism from Germany and other European allies on Friday, but approval from Moscow. The waiver, which will last till April 11, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, was intended to stabilise global energy
US stocks opened in green on Friday after oil prices displayed some sign of easing, and officials from the Trump administration signalled that the Strait of Hormuz blockade will not be a long-term problem. The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 301 points, or 0.7%, while the S&P 500 added 0.5%, with the Nasdaq Composite also
The S&P 500 Index remains under pressure this week, continuing a slow downtrend that started in January when it peaked at a record high of $7,000. It has retreated by over 4.8% and is now hovering at its lowest level since November last year. Technicals suggest that this index has more downside to go as
Oil prices fell more than 2% on Friday after the US granted a waiver for sanctioned Russian crude and an Indian tanker sailed out of the Strait of Hormuz. However, both benchmarks, Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude oil, were on course for weekly gains due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. On
The US-Iran conflict has entered its 14th day on Friday, March 13th, and with no clear end in sight, the investors have started hunting for hedges to recover their losses. Currently, no strategy seems to be working as stocks are falling, bonds have weakened, and with the dollar, oil, and gold all pulled into the
Brazil’s industrial production rose 1.8% in January 2026 compared with December 2025, with positive results reported in seven of the fifteen locations surveyed. Pará recorded the strongest gains. Declines were concentrated in states such as Rio Grande do Sul, Espírito Santo and Ceará, while increases were registered in São Paulo, Minas Gerais and Bahia. Broader
Shares of Bumble jumped sharply in premarket trading on Thursday after the dating app operator reported stronger-than-expected quarterly results and outlined an artificial intelligence-driven overhaul of its platform aimed at re-engaging younger users. The company’s stock rose about 23% before the opening bell, as investors welcomed signs that Bumble’s turnaround efforts could begin stabilising its