Saudi Arabia's economy has contracted 4.8% year-on-year in the second quarter, according to flash estimates, highlighting the kingdom's continued dependence on oil revenues despite years of economic diversification efforts.

The decline was driven primarily by a 24.7% drop in oil-related activities, while non-oil sectors provided only limited support. The latest figures come as geopolitical tensions across West Asia continue to influence oil production, energy markets, and global supply chains.

Although Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons, the latest GDP data underscores the challenges of transforming an economy still heavily tied to crude oil exports.

Saudi Arabia's Economy Shrinks 4.8% as Oil Slump and West Asia Tensions Weigh on Growth

Europe’s energy market is facing renewed pressure as gas prices surge amid an intense global LNG competition. European LNG futures climbed to around 62 euros per megawatt-hour, reaching their highest level since earlier market turbulence triggered by the Iran-Israel conflict. Prices have jumped nearly 50% from June levels, when they were trading in the 40–42 euro range.

Economic gloom hits UK's Gen Z | World Business Watch 

European gas prices are flashing red again. LNG futures touched 62 euros, or about 70 dollars, per megawatt-hour on July 22nd, the highest since the Iran-Israel conflict rattled markets earlier this year. It is up nearly 50 percent from June's 40-42 euros range. The reason isn't a new supply shock. It's a bidding war Europe is losing.

Europe Loses LNG Bidding War to Asia | World Business Watch 

The European Central Bank has kept interest rates unchanged, as widely expected. But while the decision itself was uneventful, the message from ECB President Christine Lagarde was notably more cautious.

Oil shock back for Global Central Banks | World Business Watch 

Asian equities staged a strong rebound on Tuesday as buyers returned to technology and semiconductor heavyweights.

What's moving global markets today?

IBM shares plunged 25% in their steepest single-day decline since 1968 after the company issued a preliminary earnings warning that fell short of Wall Street expectations. The sharp selloff wiped out more than $100 billion in market value and erased much of the company's AI-driven gains from earlier this year.

IBM blamed weaker-than-expected results on a global memory chip shortage, saying customers redirected spending toward AI servers, storage, and memory hardware instead of software and mainframes. The warning also weighed on the broader technology sector, with software stocks declining while chipmakers and storage companies gained as investors shifted toward AI infrastructure.

IBM shares plunge 25% after shock earnings warning, ai chip shortage hits software demand

In today's Newsroom roundup, global markets gained after softer US inflation eased concerns over an immediate Federal Reserve rate hike, while China's slowing economy and rising oil prices kept investors cautious. In technology, Meta faces a lawsuit from former employees over alleged AI-assisted layoffs targeting workers with disabilities and those on medical leave. Switzerland has also launched an investigation into Google over changes to Android's default search options, while reports claim Iran exploited telecom vulnerabilities to track US military personnel. In sports, Spain defeated France 2-0 to reach the FIFA World Cup Final, while Argentina prepare to face England in the second semi-final. In cricket, India ended their winless streak with a six-wicket victory over England in the first ODI.

Global markets rally | Meta sued over AI layoffs | Iran tracked US troops? | India beat England

Global markets were rocked after a massive $1 trillion selloff in technology stocks reignited debate over whether the AI boom has become overheated. The sharp decline in chipmakers triggered volatility across Asian markets, though some indices, including South Korea's, staged a strong rebound. Investors are now weighing whether the correction is a temporary setback or a warning sign for AI-driven valuations.


$1 Trillion Chip Crash Shakes Markets, AI Bubble Fears Return To Wall Street

#Gravitas A tentative peace agreement between the United States and Iran has sparked a broad rally across global financial markets. Investors welcomed reports that the deal would keep the strategic Strait of Hormuz open, reducing fears of a prolonged disruption to global energy supplies.


US-Iran Peace Deal: Global Stocks Rally on Peace Breakthrough

Wall Street closed a volatile week on a high note amid renewed peace progress hopes. The run-up in SpaceX boosted investor confidence, leading some on Wall Street to believe other stocks may be undervalued.


What Moved Global Markets This Week?

An analysis of global markets shows oil producers, defence-linked sectors, AI-driven technology stocks and the US dollar benefiting from the crisis, while airlines, energy-importing economies and vulnerable currencies face mounting pressure.

Oil spikes, airlines stumble, AI stocks soar: The sectors gaining and losing most from the Iran war

Not for the first time, it’s Britain leading the way in what has been a grim week for the global bond market. Political drama is back, interest rate expectations are rising. But for all the noise, there are limits on how much politics is likely to drive central banks this year.


Britain Leads in Grim Global Bond Week

Global bond markets witnessed a sharp downturn this week, with the UK leading the decline amid rising political uncertainty. Investors reacted to growing fiscal and political concerns, triggering a sell-off in government bonds and pushing yields higher. The turmoil reflects broader instability across global debt markets as traders reassess risk in major economies including the UK.


Britain Leads in Grim Global Bond Week | Bonds Slide As UK Political Storm Brews

The global IPO market is losing momentum. After a brief revival earlier this year, companies across major markets are hitting pause on listing plans. Recent weeks have seen a rise in delays and cautious deal-making, as volatility returns to equity markets.

Global IPO Activity Slows Sharply in April 

The global market rally was triggered after Strait of Hormuz would remain open during a 10-day ceasefire. This is critical, as the route carries nearly 20 percent of global oil supplies.

Global Markets Cheer Hormuz Reopening Announcement

Global markets whipsawed, and the wild gyrations this week reflect how tentative sentiment remains despite Wednesday’s cross-asset, milestone-filled relief rally.


US-Iran Ceasefire: Financial Markets Flip Flop on Truce Fragility

U.S. President Trump’s ceasefire announcement has significantly impacted the energy and market prices.


Global Stocks Soar on Temporary Truce

Global markets are bracing for further escalation after Trump’s deadline ends on April 6. Energy prices have surged sharply since the conflict began.

Crude oil has risen between 40 to 65 percent, now trading well above the 100-dollar-per-barrel mark, while LNG prices have jumped nearly 60 percent.

US-Iran War: Oil, Power, Food Chains Under Pressure

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 

A month into the Iran war, all financial assets have taken a hit, with the S&P 500 wiping out nearly 2 trillion dollars. Global markets are now expected to extend a month of volatile trading since the war began into April.


S&P 500 Marks Fifth Straight Week of Losses 

As global uncertainties rise, key sectors like artificial intelligence, defence, and healthcare are emerging as major winners in 2026. Increased rearmament, higher military spending, and rapid AI adoption are driving economic growth, while healthcare continues to see strong investment.

AI, Defence, Healthcare: Winners of 2026 | Rearmament Fuels Growth in 2026 

October 2025 witnessed mixed but overall resilient performance across global markets despite ongoing economic uncertainties, including inflation pressures and trade tensions. US equities marked solid gains led by strong tech stocks and early earnings reports, while European and Asian markets faced volatility linked to geopolitical concerns and slowing growth forecasts. 


Global Markets Show Resilience Amid Economic Uncertainty in October 2025  

Once Again, Financial Markets Are Focusing on Politics. By the End of Monday, Three of the "Fiscally Fraught Four" Countries Saw Their Leadership Structures Break Down in the Span of Just Four Days. The Political Uncertainty Led to High Volatility in Global Markets.

Three of 'fiscally fraught four' see leadership change

A pivotal week looms for global markets as investors brace for central bank signals, corporate earnings, and rising geopolitical tensions. From the U.S. Fed’s decision to emerging market volatility, here are the key global cues that could redefine sentiment across asset classes. Take a look.

Global markets face crucial test ahead

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