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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has revised its outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa, forecasting regional economic growth of 4.3% in 2026, slightly below earlier projections. While the region remains among the world’s fastest-growing, the IMF cited geopolitical tensions, external shocks and weaker global demand as key factors weighing on economic performance. The World Bank has projected
IMF Lowers Sub-Saharan Africa Growth Outlook Read More »
The US Federal Reserve has left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 3.5%–3.75%, maintaining its current policy stance for a second consecutive meeting. The decision, however, revealed growing divisions within the Federal Open Market Committee, with three regional presidents voting in favour of another rate increase. Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh described the outcome as
Fed Holds Interest Rates Steady, Hawkish Split Emerges Read More »
Global copper prices climbed to fresh record highs this week as tightening physical supplies continued to support the market while investors awaited a United States decision on potential tariffs covering refined copper imports. Copper futures on Comex traded near US$6.90 per pound, extending gains of approximately 50% over the past year. Market analysts attribute the
Copper Prices Reach Record High as Tariff Decision Looms Read More »
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reinstated a nationwide ban on copper and cobalt concentrate exports, tightening restrictions on the shipment of unprocessed minerals as part of its strategy to expand domestic mineral processing. The renewed policy, signed by the country’s Ministers of Mines, Foreign Trade and Economy, closes previous exemptions that allowed
DRC Reimposes Copper and Cobalt Concentrate Export Ban Read More »
Singapore / Bangkok | 21 July 2026 Across Asia, governments, investors and businesses are increasingly preparing for a world in which rivalry between the United States and China is no longer a temporary disruption but a permanent feature of the global economy. Rather than choosing sides, many countries are pursuing a more flexible strategy, working
Asia Is Trying to Navigate Between the US and China Read More »
Tokyo, Japan | 21 July 2026 Japan has pledged $550 billion in investment in the United States, but turning that commitment into actual projects is proving more complicated than announcing it. According to Reuters, JPMorgan and other US banks are close to helping finance part of the investment plan. The challenge is that Japanese banks
Japan’s $550 Billion US Investment Pledge Faces a Financing Test Read More »
Paris, France / Redmond, United States | 21 July 2026 Microsoft has agreed to invest billions of dollars in the computing infrastructure of French artificial intelligence company Mistral, strengthening a partnership that could expand Europe’s access to advanced AI technology. The deal will give European customers greater access to Mistral’s AI systems and computing infrastructure
Microsoft and Mistral’s New AI Deal Shows Europe’s Fight for Digital Independence Read More »
Seoul, South Korea | 21 July 2026 South Korea is pushing to expand its semiconductor industry and strengthen its position in the global artificial intelligence race. But its ambitions face a practical challenge: the infrastructure required to support advanced chip manufacturing. The country is looking to develop major semiconductor capacity beyond the Seoul metropolitan area,
South Korea’s AI Chip Ambition Has a Problem: The Infrastructure It Needs to Succeed Read More »