Latest Business News
Global Markets React to Attack on Iran
Global markets are responding to the recent attack on Iran, with bond traders not rushing to safe havens amid heightened tensions. This volatility is linked to Iran's critical role in global oil supply, producing a significant portion alongside the Middle East's third of world oil.
Energy markets face uncertainty as conflicts disrupt shipping and supply chains.
Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran Conflict
Crude oil prices topped $73 per barrel early Monday, up from $64 last week, due to a 'fear premium' from Iran tensions. The Middle East produces a third of global oil, with 20% transiting the Strait of Hormuz, raising disruption risks.
Analysts warn prolonged conflict could scramble supplies and push prices higher.
QatarEnergy Halts LNG Production After Attacks
QatarEnergy ceased LNG production due to military attacks on facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. This adds to global energy market pressures from Middle East conflicts.
Supplies remain sufficient short-term but volatility persists.
Latam Stocks See Historic Gains Fueled by Global Cash
Global investors are pouring into Latin American stocks at the fastest rate in a decade, with MSCI EM Latin America Index up over 20% in 2026. This marks the strongest yearly start since 1991 after nine weeks of gains.
Regional markets hit multi-year highs amid improving sentiment.
US GDP Growth Drops Sharply to 1.4% in Q4
US GDP growth fell to 1.4% in the fourth quarter, hit by reduced government spending during a federal shutdown. This is down from 4.4% prior and below 2.8% expectations.
The figure underscores economic slowdown pressures.
Turkey M&A Volume Surges with Mega Deals
Turkey completed 450 M&A transactions in 2025, up 6% from 2024, with deal value rising 88% to $16.2 billion. Mega deals over $500 million drove 44% of total value.
This rebound signals business recovery.
Papa Johns Closes 300 Restaurants, Cuts Staff
Papa Johns is shutting 300 underperforming restaurants and cutting 7% of workforce amid seven quarters of declining sales. CEO plans $25 million in cost savings through 2027, with $13 million this year.
Moves aim to streamline operations.
Global Economic Sentiment Improves Entering 2026
Businesses are more optimistic about growth, aligning with IMF upward revisions, despite trade uncertainties. Central banks cut rates in December, boosting sentiment.
Overall outlook is positive post-2025 turbulence.
Bank of Canada Addresses Monetary Policy in Turbulent World
Deputy Governor Sharon Kozicki discusses managing supply shocks like trade reconfiguration and geopolitics impacting inflation. Bank enhances models and scenario analysis for better risk management.
Framework maintains 2% inflation target with flexibility.
Red Sea Shipping Hopes Derailed by Iran Strikes
Strikes on Iran have derailed Red Sea shipping recovery hopes, affecting global trade routes. Ongoing conflicts continue disrupting energy and shipping.
US trucking faces freight recession with plummeting rates.
Vietnam Poised to Overtake Canada as US Import Source
Vietnam is on track to surpass Canada as a key source of US imports amid shifting global trade. This reflects reconfiguration of supply chains.
Broader trends include AI rise and aging populations.
Argentina’s Economy Expands Post-Midterm Election
Argentina’s economy grew more than expected after midterm elections, signaling political stability benefits. This contributes to Latam regional optimism.
Growth aligns with improving global sentiment.