India has once again emerged as the world’s largest recipient of remittances, receiving over $137 billion in 2024, according to a UN report. These funds sent by millions of Indians working abroad continue to play a crucial role in strengthening household incomes, boosting consumption, and supporting the country’s external economy. The steady inflow highlights India’s deep global workforce connections and its growing economic resilience in an uncertain world.


India Tops Global Remittances: Record $137 Billion Inflows Power External Economy in 2024 

Iran’s economy is facing mounting pressure as war fallout, sanctions, and disruptions to oil exports strain government finances and household incomes. While domestic stability has largely held so far, analysts warn that shrinking export revenues, rising inflation, and currency weakness are pushing the economy closer to a critical threshold. The Strait of Hormuz crisis and damage to key industries are also increasing pressure on Tehran’s ability to sustain growth and public spending.


Iran War: What Is Iran's Economic Breaking Point?

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strongly defended the Trump administration’s handling of the Iran war during a tense congressional hearing focused on the Pentagon’s budget and military strategy. Lawmakers questioned the growing financial burden of the conflict after Pentagon officials revealed the war has already cost around $25 billion, most of it spent on munitions and operations. Democrats on the panel criticised the administration’s long-term strategy and rising economic impact, while Hegseth argued the campaign was necessary to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.


US Secy Of War Pete Hegseth Faces Questions From Senate Committee Over Iran War

Oil extended gains to the highest since 2022, surging past 120 dollars per barrel on Thursday as the US-Iran stalemate showed any signs of easing anytime soon.
The over two-month-long conflict remains in a stalemate with energy and other supplies through the critical Strait of Hormuz at a standstill.
That has led to fuel rationing across much of Asia and Africa and fears of a global economic slowdown.

Oil's Wild Moves

The Iran war is no longer just a regional conflict — its impact is now spreading across transportation, energy, industries and global financial markets. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted one of the world’s most critical trade routes, sending oil and fuel prices soaring while forcing airlines and shipping companies to reroute operations. Industries dependent on energy and raw materials are facing rising costs, while stock markets remain volatile amid fears of inflation, recession and long-term supply chain disruption.


How The Iran War Is Reshaping Global Energy, Trade And Financial Markets

The ongoing West Asia conflict is casting a growing shadow over the UK economy, with the National Institute of Economic and Social Research warning that growth could slow sharply in 2026. Rising oil and energy prices linked to the regional crisis are increasing fears of recession and renewed pressure on household budgets. Inflation is now expected to peak at 4.1 percent next January, raising concerns over living costs, borrowing rates and the wider economic outlook for Britain.


UK Faces Rising Recession Risk As West Asia Conflict Pushes Energy Costs Higher

Efforts to end the Middle East war appeared at a standstill on Tuesday, with the United States considering Tehran's latest offer to unblock the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran saying Washington could no longer dictate terms.

Iran has blockaded the waterway – a vital conduit for oil and gas shipments – since the start of the US-Israeli offensive two months ago, sending shockwaves through the global economy.

Iran Says 'No Trust in US' As Talks Remain Stalled

India’s relationship with gold is more than just an investment- it is embedded in culture. As the reserve bank of India reportedly explores fresh schemes to incentivise the deposit of personal gold, the focus shifts to a staggering reality: Indian households sit on a sleeping giant of capital. 


Decoded: How India's Hidden Gold Reserves Could Boost Economy

After days of scorching heat across north India, there is finally some relief in sight.
The India Meteorological Department has predicted a shift in weather patterns, with rain, thunderstorms, and strong winds expected to bring down temperatures in several states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.


Import Dependent Economies Face Crisis

The conflict in Sudan is now exposing deeper fault lines in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia and the UAE appear to be backing opposing sides, raising fresh questions over their strategic rivalry. Reports suggest Pakistan has paused a key arms deal with Sudan, adding another layer to the crisis. With Riyadh reassessing its role in regional proxy wars and recent meetings with Sudan’s army, the geopolitical chessboard is rapidly shifting in ways many didn’t expect.

UAE Signals Closer Links To India Than Pakistan

Nigeria is considering a partial debt write-off for domestic airlines as part of efforts to stabilise the country’s aviation sector. President Tinubu has requested a formal proposal to evaluate possible relief measures aimed at supporting struggling carriers facing mounting operational costs and financial pressures.

Nigeria Considers Partial Debt Write-Off for Airlines; President Tinubu Seeks Formal Proposal

Bolivia is facing a worsening diesel shortage, with long queues forming outside fuel stations across the country.

The fuel crisis is disrupting transport and supply chains, raising concerns over economic stability and daily life. Authorities are under pressure to address shortages as demand continues to outpace supply.

Bolivia Runs Low On Diesel 

Bola Tinubu has agreed in principle to offer partial debt relief to domestic airlines as Nigeria grapples with soaring fuel prices.

Airline operators have warned they may suspend operations due to rising costs, raising concerns over connectivity and economic disruption. The move highlights the growing pressure on emerging economies dealing with fuel price shocks and currency challenges.

Nigeria Scrambles To Save Airlines 

Nepal has introduced a major payroll reform, moving government employees from monthly salaries to a fortnightly payment system. Led by the Ministry of Finance, the move aims to improve cash flow, boost spending, and support economic activity while easing financial pressure on households.


Nepal Govt Shifts to Biweekly Salary Pay System for Government Employees

The war in West Asia is forcing everyone to play a game no one can simply walk away from. The longer it continues, the worse things will become for consumers and companies. Central banks are also facing their toughest challenges. We decode that and more in this next report. Take a look.

The World Waits for a Sharp Slowdown

The ongoing Iran war is casting a shadow over the United Arab Emirates’ reputation as a global financial hub, with market volatility, shipping disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, and pressure on investor confidence raising fresh concerns. Reports indicate Gulf stock markets have slipped and capital flows face uncertainty amid escalating tensions.

UAE's Status As a Global Financial Hub Hit by Iran War 

The International Monetary Fund has once again underlined India’s strong economic momentum, calling it the fastest-growing major economy in the world. With robust domestic demand, ongoing reforms, and resilience amid global uncertainty, India is emerging as a key engine of global growth. The IMF’s outlook reinforces confidence in India’s economic trajectory, even as challenges like inflation and global headwinds remain in focus.


IMF Hails India as Fastest-Growing Major Economy

The BRICS alliance is actively shifting its focus towards developing independent, cross-border payment systems to reduce reliance on the U.S. dollar and Western-controlled financial messaging systems like SWIFT. This initiative, often referred to as "BRICS Pay" or the "BRICS Bridge," is gaining momentum, particularly under the 2025 Brazilian and 2026 Indian leadership, with a focus on practical, digital-led infrastructure rather than a single common currency. 


BRICS Focus Shifts To Cross-Border Payment Systems

Economy passengers can soon pay to lie down and stretch out for a few hours in bunk beds on Air New Zealand’s newest planes.

The airline will offer sleeping pods, known as Economy Skynest, on new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights. Bookings open May 18 for select flights starting in November.

Sleeping Pods Take Off on Air New Zealand's Long-haul Flights

To understand the market thinking on the war requires an understanding that markets are cold-hearted.
The fact that negotiations broke down over the weekend is important.
But it's not the dominant input for markets.
Market moves were positive even before the latest push for another round of peace talks.

Markets: Plenty of Optimism Priced in 

The global economy is in the midst of a critical setback as the Iran conflict delivers a third major shock after the covid-19 and the Ukraine war. Finance leaders gathering in Washington this week are now bracing for slower growth and higher inflation.


Global Finance Leaders to Meet Amid War Shock

The global wealth gap is widening at an alarming pace, with inequality deepening as a massive $4 trillion financing gap emerges. At the same time, global aid has dropped by 23% in 2025—the largest decline on record—leaving vulnerable economies under increasing strain. The combined impact is raising concerns about long-term development, poverty reduction, and economic stability across the world.


Global Inequality Widens as Financing Gap Hits $4 Trillion

Pakistan is under severe foreign exchange pressure as the country prepares to meet roughly $4.8 billion in external debt repayments in April, straining reserves and raising concerns about currency stability. Analysts warn that these outflows, combined with slowing export revenues and import costs, could heighten inflation, weaken the rupee further, and force new negotiations with multilateral lenders.


Pakistan Faces Forex Stress Amid $4.8 Bn Repayments in April

As the geopolitical situation in West Asia remains elevated, today we look at how Iran has redefined the economics of power and control.


Iran War: How Iran Has Redefined the Economics of Power 

War-driven uncertainty is beginning to weigh heavily on Gulf economies, with signs of slowing growth across key sectors. In Dubai, luxury demand is softening, while the aviation, retail, and hospitality industries face growing pressure. The region’s non-oil growth model is now facing a critical test as consumer spending weakens and businesses brace for a tougher economic environment ahead.


Iran War: Gulf Economies Under Strain As War Impact Hits Jobs, Luxury Demand And Growth

China’s onshore bond market is quickly becoming a major global player, especially for developing economies looking for cost-effective funding. Backed by ample liquidity and a stable currency, it’s emerging as a preferred source of financing for countries across the Global South. 


 China’s Bond Market Attracts Developing Nations Globally 

Rising oil prices are fuelling concerns of a potential US recession, with historical trends pointing to a worrying pattern. A Goldman Sachs analysis shows that nearly every major spike in oil prices has been followed by an economic downturn.

The research suggests that 2026 could join that list, as surging energy costs driven by ongoing conflict put pressure on inflation, growth and consumer demand. Markets are now closely watching whether the latest oil shock will once again tip the US economy into recession.

US-Iran War: History Shows Every Oil Spike Caused Recession | World Business Watch

The past month has been all about the Iran war and the deep sell-off in broader financial markets. Market declines have been driven by the escalating Iran conflict spreading further across West Asia. The deep sell-off has now morphed into a full-blown rout across Wall Street. Efforts to end the war and restart the flow of West Asian oil produced only further escalation. That, in turn, fueled an ever-greater sense of dread in markets. President Donald Trump’s recent 10-day pause on energy strikes has not reassured investors.


Global Markets & Economic Health Check - March

Global central banks are facing mounting pressure ahead of their April policy meetings as inflation concerns, energy price volatility, and geopolitical tensions continue to shape monetary decisions. Markets are closely watching whether policymakers will proceed with further interest-rate hikes or pause tightening cycles amid slowing growth signals in several major economies. 


Can Anything Stop Central Banks from Hiking Rates in April?

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have entered the conflict, launching their first confirmed missile attack on Israel. The strike marks a significant escalation, opening a new front in the war and raising fears of a wider regional confrontation. Israel says it intercepted the incoming threat as tensions continue to surge across West Asia.


Israel Hits Iran's Steel Plants, Economic Warfare Intensifies 

A Reuters/Ipsos poll has found that President Donald Trump’s approval rating has fallen in recent days to its lowest point since he returned to the White House in January, 2025. The widespread disapproval of the war he launched on Iran is the one statistic that stands out.

The survey found that 61% disapproved of the strikes on Iran, compared to 59% last week. Only 35% of Americans approve of the US strikes on Iran. This is down from 37% in a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted last ​week.

Americans Rate Trump's Handling of Iran War, Presidency, Economy

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