
Putin and Xi to discuss Power of Siberia 2 pipeline amid Iran war energy disruption
Russian and Chinese leaders are set to prioritise the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline in upcoming talks, driven by supply concerns stemming from the ongoing war in Iran.
Markets, companies, capital, and the strategic shifts reshaping the global economy.

Russian and Chinese leaders are set to prioritise the Power of Siberia 2 pipeline in upcoming talks, driven by supply concerns stemming from the ongoing war in Iran.

The breakdown in negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its union has triggered a strike involving more than 47,000 employees, contributing to a drop in the technology giant’s share price.

Thomas Massie’s defeat in the Kentucky Republican primary follows President Donald Trump’s public campaign against the lawmaker’s stance on party priorities.
A May 2026 analysis in The Economist suggests Jerusalem retains significant international support while simultaneously straining relationships with its closest partners.

Sources confirm the space firm has chosen the investment bank to lead an initial public offering expected to set a new record, amid a broader rally in US equities.
Strategic shifts in creative direction are driving renewed attention for the luxury giant, though specific financial metrics remain undisclosed.

At Google I/O 2026, the company announced the global launch of Gemini 3.5 Flash, the rollout of personal AI agent Gemini Spark, and a reduction in its AI Ultra subscription tier as it intensifies competition in the artificial intelligence sector.
A potential health crisis of significant scale is emerging, complicated by a lack of specific immunisation and ongoing instability in affected regions.

President agrees to drop case against Internal Revenue Service as part of deal establishing fund to address claims of targeting under previous administration

Lenders raised rates on Tuesday, marking the most significant jump in mortgage pricing since July 2025, as investors react to the ongoing war with Iran.
Josie Delap, Middle East editor for The Economist, notes that the campaign season for a potential Israeli election has commenced, with Binyamin Netanyahu remaining the central figure in the unfolding political landscape.
A recent march organised by Tommy Robinson drew a crowd described as eclectic, according to a report in The Economist, though specific details on demographics or numbers remain undisclosed.

While US President Donald Trump maintains current Middle East conflicts do not meet the definition of war, insurance providers argue the opposite, highlighting a significant mismatch between political rhetoric and commercial risk assessment.

Scott Bessent seeks coordinated action to target financial flows supporting Iranian terrorism, coinciding with high-stakes diplomatic engagements in Beijing.
The Economist’s latest episode argues that African health systems are “spread too thin” to manage a potential resurgence of the virus, drawing on past international emergency responses.
The publication’s latest US in Brief entry, titled 'Friends with benefits', arrives as institutional investors continue to drive share price movements in major technology stocks.
The opposition leader writes in The Economist that a successful outcome for Turkey’s democracy would carry wider global resonance than similar movements elsewhere.

The home improvement retailer exceeded Wall Street forecasts for revenue and profit, citing a resilient customer base even as some consumers scaled back on major renovations.
Publication highlights shifting dynamics in regional energy sectors following latest issue release.

A shift in corporate hiring strategies driven by artificial intelligence is altering demand dynamics for US workers, with blue-collar sectors gaining ground relative to traditional white-collar entry paths.

Crude benchmarks decline as President Donald Trump postpones planned strike on Iran, citing ongoing negotiations and pressure from Gulf leaders, though military readiness remains high.

Initial selling pressure in US Treasuries has subsided, but the 30-year yield has reached its peak since 1999, prompting heightened vigilance across fixed income markets.

Moscow seeks reassurance on Sino-US ties while US markets rally on trade and AI developments

The postponement marks a temporary halt to hostilities in the Persian Gulf, where the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a significant energy supply shock.

New modelling shows extreme weather threats are escalating, with projected risk values rising to over $71bn by 2070, while immediate operational disruptions continue in Queensland.
A new analysis from The Economist attributes a measurable slowdown in US economic expansion to fitful policymaking under Donald Trump, though specific monetary figures remain undisclosed.

US President Donald Trump is set to announce a broadening of the TrumpRX programme, following a high-stakes summit in Beijing that saw major tech executives gather and US equities post gains.

A federal jury in California has delivered a unanimous verdict against Elon Musk, dismissing his case against Sam Altman and OpenAI because the claims were filed after the statute of limitations had expired.
As US and Chinese leaders meet to discuss trade and AI, a new report highlights the persistent risk of escalation in the Middle East.
Vladimir Putin is scheduled to travel to China with the primary objective of finalising an agreement to construct a new gas pipeline, as reported by The Economist.

The incoming chair takes the helm as US equities post gains and diplomatic tensions with China persist.

The former US president drops the high-profile suit filed in late January 2026, leaving the status of related proceedings against the individual whistleblower unclear.
The latest instalment of The Economist’s daily podcast series focuses on legal accountability in post-conflict Syria, alongside updates on US historical coverage and global spirits markets.
Shirakawa Masaaki writes that minimising the economic costs of a shrinking population requires overcoming significant political resistance from the elderly.

Internal messaging highlights a 'harsh AI reality' as Mark Zuckerberg’s company restructures amid broader market movements and US-China summit discussions.
The Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq climb as Nvidia surges on chip sale approval, while The Economist’s daily update flags a political development involving Donald Trump.

The deal unites the largest US renewable energy developer with the primary power provider for Northern Virginia’s data hub, positioning both firms as central players in the sector powering artificial intelligence.

The company has characterised Wilson as 'misguided' and 'outdated' in a move to secure board backing at the upcoming vote.
Donald Trump has indicated he is negotiating with China regarding the sale of weapons to Taiwan, a development unfolding during a high-stakes diplomatic visit to Beijing that has coincided with gains across US equity markets.

Donald Trump has stated he should have negotiated for a larger share in Intel, following a significant rise in the chipmaker’s stock price since the government’s 9.9% acquisition was finalised.
Amidst a high-stakes US-China summit and surging semiconductor stocks, The Economist’s latest analysis highlights the looming impact of artificial intelligence on global jobs.

Government officials warn the potential shutdown at the tech giant’s domestic operations poses a significant risk to national economic stability, prompting high-level intervention to secure a resolution.

A White House fact sheet released Sunday outlines $17 billion in annual US agricultural purchases by China, marking the first details of the trade framework following President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing.

Economic indicators point to a stumble in the world’s second-largest economy, coinciding with high-level diplomatic engagements in Beijing.

A $13.2 billion exit by overseas funds last week has pushed South Korean market volatility to near-record levels, coinciding with a broader retreat in US futures amid Middle East tensions.

Brent and WTI futures climb on 18 May 2026 as reports confirm stalled negotiations between Washington and Tehran, with investors pricing in the risk of renewed conflict and extended shipping disruptions.

Investors in the region sold off assets on 18 May 2026 following renewed diplomatic pressure from the United States, raising concerns over potential disruptions to global energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Greg Abel’s first three months as chief executive officer have seen a substantial reduction in the company’s equity holdings, marking a pivotal shift in the investment firm’s strategy.