Stock markets cautious with eyes on Ukraine talks, US rates
Markets were also waiting for a key speech by the US Federal Reserve chief this week for clues on interest rate cuts that could bolster the world's biggest economy.
BP profit plunges to $1.8bn
Despite the drop, BP hiked dividend.Saudi Arabia to host talks on Ukraine war in push for peace
The talks to be hosted in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah next weekend will discuss a path toward peace in Ukraine, convening representatives from Kyiv, Western powers and developing countries. Russia is likely to miss the meeting just as it did not participate in a similar gathering last...Qatar pledges $100m for humanitarian assistance to Ukraine
Kyiv, Ukraine - Qatar has pledged $100 million for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine. The funds were meant the rehabilitation of health and education infrastructure, provision of drinking water, and humanitarian services, in addition to allocating 50 scholarships, during the school year 2023-2024, to Ukrainian students in Qatari universities.The visiting Qatari...Egypt calls for renewal of Black Sea grain export deal
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Egypt's president on Friday called on Russia and Ukraine to find "urgent solutions" to allow the resumption of Ukraine grain exports to Africa, after Moscow's withdrawal led to the collapse of a Black Sea pact.The Ukraine grain deal was agreed last year and allowed around 33 million tonnes...ExxonMobil Q2 profits $7.9bn
Profits fell on lower refining margins, natural gas prices.Major energy firms post sliding profits as oil and gas prices dip
Gas prices had soared last year after Russia cut gas shipments to Europe while oil markets were also rocked by supply concerns. But natural gas prices fell sharply as European countries found new suppliers, built up reserves and experienced a mild winter.Israeli army shoot Palestinian dead in occupied West Bank
NABLUS, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES - Israeli forces have shot dead a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials said on Saturday, in what the army described as a "car ramming attempt" near here.Fawzi Mukhalifa, 18, "was killed by the occupation (Israeli) bullets in the town of Sebastia" late on Friday, the...Chinese president vows solid ties with Algeria, eyes energy supply
China's President Xi Jinping has pledged stronger ties with Algeria, highlighting the importance of their comprehensive strategic partnership. Algeria, Africa's largest natural gas exporter, has been seeking to join the BRICS economic group, and China has shown support for this goal.QatarEnergy 2022 net profit $42.46bn
QE is working to increase LNG production capacity by 64%.Rich-poor split could tighten ‘grip of poverty’: World Bank chief
The G20 talks come after Russia on Monday refused to extend a deal allowing critical Ukrainian grain exports through the Black Sea, sparking outrage from the United Nations, which has warned millions of the world's poorest would "pay the price". World Bank president Ajay Banga said he feared a lack...Ukraine to continue grain exports despite Russia’s exit from deal
Putin has been threatening to pull out of the arrangement, arguing that elements of the deal allowing the export of Russian food and fertilizers have not been honored. Russia also accuses rich countries of profiting from the bulk of Ukrainian exports. But Zelensky says that "60% of the volumes" were...Millions will ‘pay the price’ of Russia’s grain deal exit: UN chief
The move by Moscow will "strike a blow to people in need everywhere", Guterres said. "Hundreds of millions of people face hunger and consumers are confronting a global cost-of-living crisis. They will pay the price," the UN chief said.Ukraine grain deal failed to achieve objective, says Putin
Russian President Vladimir Putin said the main objective of the deal that allowed Ukrainian grain exports to resume was not achieved, in a call with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa. The deal that eased fears of a global food crisis sparked by the offensive in Ukraine is due to...With Putin arriving in Aug, Erdogan confident of Ukraine grain deal extension
The Black Sea grain deal was first signed in July 2022, five months after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and has already been renewed two times. This time however, Putin has repeatedly threatened not to renew it because of obstacles to Russia's own exports. The deal, which Erdogan helped broker,...Iran president Ebrahim Raisi holds talks with Kenya’s president
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani has described the three-day trip as "a new turning point" which could bolster economic and trade ties with African nations. He also said on Monday that Tehran and the three African countries share "common political views".NATO to discuss Ukraine bid to join at summit
German Patriot missile systems and French fighter jets were guarding the skies as NATO leaders gathered in Lithuania, on NATO's eastern flank and a land once occupied by Moscow. The Western military alliance is set to offer its full-throated backing for Kyiv's quest for victory, but its 31 nations are...Turkey unblocks Sweden NATO bid, setting stage for summit
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's block on Sweden's membership bid had cast a cloud over preparations for Tuesday's meeting, but the countries ironed out their differences in 11th-hour talks in Vilnius. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said he was "very happy" and hailed "a good day for Sweden".Egypt annual inflation surges to record 36.8 percent in June
The Egyptian pound has lost half its value against the dollar since early last year, shooting prices upward and adding to the burden of families struggling to make ends meet in the import-dependent country. The latest figures, a rise of almost 37 percent from June last year, also showed a...Russia denounces repatriation of Ukrainian troops from Turkey
"The return of Azov commanders from Turkey to Ukraine is nothing but a direct violation of the terms of existing agreements," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies. Peskov said the return was linked to the "failure of the counter-offensive" launched by Ukraine, and Ankara's...Zelenskiy to visit Turkiye Friday for grain deal talks with Erdogan
Ankara, Turkiye - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to visit Turkiye on Friday to discuss the Black Sea grain deal and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine with President Tayyip Erdogan, according to Turkiye's state-run Anadolu Agency. The grain deal, brokered by Turkiye and the United Nations last year, enables the...Saudi Arabia says oil production cut not at odds with Russia
Oil producers are grappling with falling prices and high market volatility amid fears of global economic slowdown and the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which has upended economies worldwide.Saudi Arabia discusses tennis tournaments in Kingdom
LONDON, UK - Novak Djokovic warned on Saturday that the "integrity and tradition" of tennis must be preserved should the sport strike a tournament deal with Saudi Arabia.Both the ATP and WTA, which run the money-spinning men's and women's tours, have had discussions with Saudi Arabia.The country has been signing up...EU support for Ukraine’s membership unequivocal, says Spanish PM
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that his visit to Kyiv on the first day of Spain's EU presidency showed the bloc's "unequivocal" commitment to Ukraine's bid to join the 27-nation bloc. "My being here on the first day of the six-month presidency... demonstrates a clear and unequivocal political commitment......Canada, others to seek damages from Iran at UN court over downed jet
On Wednesday, Iran took Canada to the Hague-based International Court of Justice, the UN's top tribunal, accusing Ottawa of allowing victims of alleged terror attacks to claim damages from Tehran. Tehran's case claims that Ottawa, which listed the Islamic Republic as a sponsor of terrorism in 2012, had violated Iran's...Israel summons Ukraine envoy over pro-Russia accusation
On Sunday, the Ukrainian embassy charged that "the current Israeli government" had "opted for a path of close cooperation with the Russian Federation". It noted a "near absence of Israeli humanitarian assistance to Ukraine" and a recent statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel needed to cooperate with Russia...UAE President discusses strategic ties in a call with Putin
Abu Dhabi, UAE - UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed strategic relations in a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday.Sheikh Mohamed underscored the importance of maintaining stability in Russia and ensuring the safety and security of its people. President Putin expressed his satisfaction with...Wagner crisis shows Ukraine war is ‘cracking’ Russian power: EU
EU foreign ministers were scrambling to digest the fall-out from the uprising at their regular meeting in Luxembourg. Sweden's Foreign Minister Tobias Billstrom said the unrest was an "internal affair" for Russia. He insisted that the "most important thing" was supporting Ukraine so it can win back its territory.China supported Russia to counter Wagner mutiny, says Moscow
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Russia's foreign ministry said on Sunday that Beijing had backed Moscow's efforts to counter a short-lived armed uprising led by the head of the Wagner mercenary group Yevgeny Prigozhin."The Chinese side expressed support for the efforts of the leadership of the Russian Federation to stabilize the situation in...Rebels seize military base, pose serious challenge to Putin’s rule
Rebel mercenaries have seized a crucial military base and are making their way north towards Moscow, presenting a serious security crisis and a significant challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin's leadership. Regular forces have initiated a counter-terrorist operation to halt their advance, while infighting and divisions among key military and...Iran dismisses US claims on Russia’s use of Shahed drones in Ukraine war
Tehran, Iran--Iran’s permanent mission to the United Nations has rejected the claim by the United States and its allies about Russia’s use of Iranian drones in the Ukraine war.The mission in a statement on Friday said the "anti-Iran claims" are aimed to influence the six-month periodic report of UN Secretary-General...Qatar signs 27-year gas supply deal with Chinese firm
The agreement, to supply four million tons annually to the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), matches the terms of a November deal with China's Sinopec as the longest ever seen in the industry.Ukraine, Lebanon top agenda as Saudi crown prince meets French president
Saudi Arabia has maintained a cautious stance throughout the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, stopping short of condemning the assault while emphasizing the importance of Ukraine's territorial integrity. MBS hosted President Volodymyr Zelensky last month in Jeddah during an Arab League summit, the Ukrainian leader's first visit to the Middle...Putin meets UAE President Sheikh Mohamed, hails ties
Putin thanked Al-Nahyan for the role the UAE has played in prisoner exchanges between Russia and Ukraine and Russia and the United States. Al-Nahyan said he was in favor of "de-escalation" and a "political solution" to the Ukraine conflict during the talks, in which the pair discussed their countries' "strategic...Finland firm to slash 1,150 jobs
Stora Enso plans to permanently close four units in Europe.Peak in oil demand ‘in sight’ before end of decade: IEA
"The shift to a clean energy economy is picking up pace, with a peak in global oil demand in sight before the end of this decade as electric vehicles, energy efficiency and other technologies advance," IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said in a statement. "Oil producers need to pay careful...UN working to renew Ukraine grain export deal
That crucial accord granting safe passage for Ukrainian grain to be exported via Black Sea ports despite Moscow's invasion was signed in July 2022 by Russia, Ukraine, Turkey and the United Nations. It was renewed again in May but for only two months, until July 17. But the Kremlin on...Russia plans to make Iranian drones by next year, says US government
Russia is receiving materials from Iran to build a drone factory that "could be fully operational early next year," White House national security spokesman John Kirby warned. The White House released a satellite image of the location of the prospective plant in Alabuga special economic zone, some 900 kilometers east...UK to scrap energy windfall tax if oil, gas prices drop further
The UK government said it would scrap a windfall tax on the energy sector should oil and gas prices drop to historically-normal levels for a sustained period. The Energy Profits Levy, introduced after Russia's invasion of Ukraine sent oil and gas prices surging, increased tax on profits from North Sea...GCC, US vow to work jointly for regional stability
The strategic partnerships between the two sides seek to focus on peace, security, stability, integration, and economic prosperity in the Middle East.UK to hold first AI summit, says Sunak on his US visit
Opening his two-day trip, the prime minister announced that Britain would hold the world's first summit on artificial intelligence in the second half of the year. "AI has an incredible potential to transform our lives for the better. But we need to make sure it is developed and used in...Inditex posts record profit
The firm attributed the figures to strong sales which reached $8.15bn.War casts shadow on Sudan breadbasket, fuelling famine fears
"Transportation disruptions, market devastation and the absence of financing... will have catastrophic impacts on the food security of the people of Sudan and the surrounding region," said the head of the Khartoum-based Arab Organisation for Agriculture Development, Ibrahim al-Dakhiri. Although some farmers have sown crops like maize, millet or oilseeds...OPEC+ looks to slash production to rein in weak prices
The UAE energy minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei said he expected the outcome of meeting to "balance the market and ensure we are ready for any challenges in the future". Analysts expected OPEC+ producers to maintain their current policy, but signs emerged that staying the course might fall short of...Nintendo ends online sales of games in Russia
Following the shipment suspension and "as a result of the economic outlook, Nintendo of Europe has decided to wind down operations of its Russian subsidiary", the company said. Nintendo's eShop was already "under maintenance" in Russia because its payment provider had stopped ruble transactions.Moscow issues 1.5m passports in occupied Ukraine territories
Russia has for years been issuing passports to people living in the eastern Donbas areas held by pro-Moscow separatists since 2014 as well as in annexed Crimea.Putin slams Ukraine as Moscow hit by multiple drone attacks
As drones struck in and around Moscow, Russian drones targeted Kyiv for a third straight day while Ukraine gears up for a major offensive against Russian forces. Officials said no one was seriously injured in Moscow, but some ordinary people said they never thought the Russian capital could be hit...Three days before election, Russia hopes for Erdogan’s win
In a world where Turkey and Russia are both sceptical of Western military, political and economic dominance, Putin and Erdogan see each other as reliable partners. "Russia must have breathed a sigh of relief," said a Western diplomat, referring to the outcome of the first round on May 14.European energy crisis could worsen, warns Qatar minister
Doha, Qatar - Qatar's energy minister warned on Tuesday the "worst is yet to come" for Europe's oil and gas shortages, saying a warm winter had prevented greater difficulties in recent months."The only thing that saved humanity and Europe this year was a warm winter, and the slowdown in the economy,"...Gross sovereign borrowing requirements will jump to $12.9 trn in 2023: OECD
Paris, France – Sovereign borrowing needs are expected to increase in 2023 against the backdrop of the financial and economic spillovers of the crisis in Ukraine, as many countries forming a part of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) seek to cushion households and businesses from rising prices,...Moscow ‘captures’ Bakhmut ahead of Kyiv counteroffensive
Bakhmut, which once had a population of 70,000 people, has been the scene of the bloodiest battle in Moscow's more than year-long Ukraine offensive. The fall of Bakhmut, where both Moscow and Kyiv are believed to have suffered huge losses, would allow Moscow to bring home a key victory after...