In this edition of World Street, we cover a range of global financial moves, from the US markets' mixed performance to the surge in oil prices. Dive into more!
In this January 13 World Street edition, some of the top global developments include Asia-Pacific markets dropping following a US jobs report while the UK aims to lead in AI innovation
Bethlehem, traditionally a major pilgrimage site, faces a dire Christmas season for the second year in a row due to the ongoing Gaza war. The city’s tourism, which once fueled 70% of its economy, has collapsed, with hotel occupancy dropping to 3% and visitor numbers plummeting from 2 million in 2019 to under 100,000 in 2024. Manger Square is empty, businesses are struggling, and local handicraft industries are at risk as families emigrate in search of work. Bethlehem's unemployment rate is 50%, and many traditional workshops may close permanently, impacting Palestinian heritage and culture. Christmas celebrations have been cancelled to highlight the crisis.
A Christmas market opened in Damascus on December 19, just ten days after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime was ousted. Visitors flocked to the market, enjoying Christmas decorations and taking photos. Yaza al-Sahour, a Syrian man at the market, expressed hope that Syria could be rebuilt as a country inclusive of all sects and religions. The regime fell on December 8 when fighters from Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a Sunni Islamist group, advanced to Damascus, taking control of the country. Since then, many Syrians have fled, fearing persecution despite the new rulers' assurances of safety. On December 14, top diplomats from the United States, Turkey, the European Union, and Arab nations met in Jordan, agreeing that Syria's new government must respect minority rights. This development highlights ongoing international attention on Syria’s future, amid the challenges of rebuilding the country and addressing the needs of its diverse population.
On December 19, 2024, EU leaders, including Council President Antonio Costa and Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, announced that the European Union would provide an additional 30 billion euros in financial support to Ukraine in 2025. This follows the EU's previous support of around 130 billion euros since Russia’s invasion in 2022. Von der Leyen also highlighted the ongoing security situation in Syria, stressing the importance of safe and voluntary returns for Syrian refugees. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine cannot accept a frozen conflict and seeks NATO membership for future security guarantees. He also mentioned the importance of foreign peacekeeping efforts and U.S. involvement. Zelenskiy stated that Ukraine might allow Russian gas transit under the condition of deferred payments until after the war, despite previously rejecting the extension of transit contracts. Zelenskiy dismissed any Istanbul agreements from 2022 and criticized Putin’s missile offer as irrational.
On December 20, a Russian missile strike hit Kyiv during the morning rush hour, killing at least one person and injuring 12 others, six of whom were hospitalized. Loud explosions and fires erupted in several buildings in the city center. Russian forces launched eight missiles, including hypersonic Kinzhal missiles and Iskander/KN-23 ballistic missiles. Ukraine’s air force successfully shot down all five Iskander missiles aimed at the capital. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed the attack targeted a command center used by Ukraine's SBU intelligence agency, involved in missile and U.S.-made Patriot system development. However, these reports were unverified by independent sources. Russia has continued to target Kyiv and other Ukrainian infrastructure, especially energy facilities, as part of its broader strategy in the ongoing war. Amid concerns about U.S. support, Ukrainian President Zelensky urged President-elect Donald Trump to align with Europe in countering Russian aggression.
Leafing through top global developments, we have Wall Street quiet, followed by gold eases for the fourth day, bitcoin breaching past $93,000, and more
In this November 13 edition of the World Street, we take you through developments across the world, including Wall Street taking a breather post its US election rise, followed by Bitcoin briefly touching $90,000-mark, and more
Some of the top global developments include US markets ending higher overnight after Fed's 50 bps rate cut booster, followed by China and Bank of England opting to keep interest rates unchanged
Some of the top global developments include the US Federal Reserve opting for a jumbo rate cut to the tune of 50 basis points, followed by reaction of US and Asian markets
In this September 18 World Street edition, market participants are eagerly waiting for the US Federal Reserve's interest rate decision, followed by US retail sales surpassing expectations
Key global developments include market participants eagerly awaiting US retail sales data and the Federal Reserve's upcoming interest rate decision
All eyes will be on Jackson Hole conference as market participants await for Fed's hints on interest rate cuts. Dive into August 23 World Street edition for more details
Here’s your global roundup: Rate cut optimism sparks a relief rally in markets, boosting oil demand as economic activity is likely to rev up, while US bond yields take a dip.
In top global developments, the rally on Wall Street has lost momentum, impacting Asia-Pacific markets, while bond yields soften on hopes of a September rate cut
Here’s a quick roundup of the latest global happenings: US markets continued their winning streak for a third day, sparking gains in Asian markets, and more!
Here’s a snapshot of top global developments: Asian markets take a pause after last week's rally, oil prices ease due to soft demand from China, and more!
Exploring recent global developments, we find the US markets facing their steepest losses since 2022, along with quarterly reports from Ford Motor, Alphabet, Chipotle Mexican Grill, and others
In the July 23 edition of World Street, we highlight key global developments, including US benchmark indices closing in positive territory, CrowdStrike shares faltering due to a continuing global outage, and more
World Street's July 22 edition highlights several major stories such as US President Joe Biden dropping out of the 2024 presidential race, which has led to a negative reaction in Asian stock markets, and more
UK inflation respite, defence pact between North Korea and Russia, and more.
Leafing through top global news developments, we have AI chipmaker Nvidia eclipsing Microsoft to become World's most valuable company, followed by Japanese exports exceeding Street expectations, and more
Skimming through top global headlines, the June 18 World Street edition tells you why US bond yields are rising, Australia awaiting monetary policy decision, and more.
Leafing through global news developments, we have US indices - S&P 500 and NASDAQ Composite ending on a record high overnight, followed by retreating US treasury yields, and investors awaiting Nvidia's quarterly results
Skimming through some of the top global news, we have Boston Fed President vouching for higher than long interest rates, which triggered US bond yields on an upward trajectory