Vera

NewsSep 17, 2026 · 12:40 IST

US House Passes Russia–Iran Sanctions and Tariff Bill

The U.S. House passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act by 262–159, sending the Senate-approved measure to President Donald Trump. The bill targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors and sanctions-evasion tanker fleet, while authorizing tariffs intended to pressure major buyers of Russian oil and gas. It also extends sanctions authorities covering Iran. The measure creates a potentially important new trade-policy channel, but tariff use and the timing of implementation remain subject to presidential action.

NewsSep 17, 2026, 12:37 PM GMT+5:30

New Zealand GDP Grows 0.2%, Beating Forecasts

New Zealand’s economy expanded 0.2% in the June quarter and 2.6% from a year earlier, Statistics New Zealand said. Quarterly growth slowed from the revised 0.9% recorded in March but exceeded the 0.1% market forecast reported by Reuters. Construction rose 2.7% and provided the largest upward contribution, although only nine of 16 industries expanded. The New Zealand dollar edged higher after the release, while persistent inflation keeps the Reserve Bank’s next policy decision dependent on incoming price data.

NewsSep 17, 2026 · 12:34 IST

Brazil Cuts Selic to 13.75% and Leaves Next Move Open

Brazil’s central bank unanimously cut the Selic rate by 25 basis points to 13.75%, extending a gradual easing cycle that began in March. The fifth consecutive quarter-point reduction followed softer inflation, including a 0.32% monthly fall in the IPCA in August and a 4.22% annual rate. The Copom nevertheless retained cautious guidance, saying the total size of the calibration cycle will depend on new information as international volatility, domestic fiscal policy and inflation risks remain elevated.

NewsSep 17, 2026, 12:26 PM GMT+5:30

HKMA Raises Base Rate to 4.25% After Fed Hike

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority raised its Base Rate by 25 basis points to 4.25% with immediate effect, following the Federal Reserve’s increase under the linked exchange-rate system. It was Hong Kong’s first base-rate rise since July 2023. Chief Executive Eddie Yue said the Hong Kong–U.S. rate differential could widen and carry trades could push the local currency toward the weak side of its trading band, while banks will determine their own rates based on funding conditions and costs.

NewsSep 17, 2026, 12:25 PM GMT+5:30

Singapore Exports Surge 46.2% as AI Demand Lifts Electronics

Singapore’s non-oil domestic exports increased 46.2% year on year in August, accelerating from July’s 24.1% rise as electronics shipments surged 131.8%. Enterprise Singapore attributed the strength to AI-related demand for integrated circuits, disk-media products and personal computers, while non-electronic exports grew 12.0%. Shipments rose to nine of the country’s ten largest markets, led by gains to the United States, China and South Korea. Officials noted that a low August 2025 base partly supported the headline increase.

NewsSep 16, 2026, 03:30 PM GMT+5:30

Fed Rate Decision: Could a Surprise 50bp Hike Shake Forex Markets?

Markets are focused on the Federal Reserve’s upcoming rate decision, with a 25bp hike widely discussed while a larger 50bp move remains a potential surprise. A more aggressive increase could trigger sharp moves across the US dollar, Treasury yields, gold and major forex pairs.

NewsSep 16, 2026 · 15:09 IST

EU opens door for Canada to become its first associate member, von der Leyen says

BRUSSELS: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the European Union is opening the door for Canada to become its first “associate member”, a status that is not set out in the bloc’s treaties. Von der Leyen’s announcement is a significant shift in EU policy.

News07:32 IST

China Industrial Profit Growth Slows to 17.6% Through July

Chinese industrial profits rose 17.6% through July, still strong but slower than the 18.7% increase recorded in the first half.

News07:32 IST

Bank of Korea Raises Rates Again as Inflation and Growth Stay Firm

The Bank of Korea raised its policy rate to 3.00% for a second straight meeting and lifted its 2026 growth forecast.

News07:32 IST

Nvidia Revenue Doubles as AI Demand Drives $108 Billion Quarterly Outlook

Nvidia reported $96.2 billion quarterly revenue and guided to $108 billion next quarter as AI infrastructure demand stayed strong.

News15:30 IST

Iran Rial Hits Record Low as New US Sanctions Pressure Builds

Iran's rial fell to a record low on informal markets as Washington prepared additional sanctions targeting the country's economic links.

News15:30 IST

Gold Hits Three-Month High as Dollar Weakness Puts US Inflation in Focus

Gold climbed to its highest level since May as a subdued dollar supported bullion ahead of fresh US inflation data and Federal Reserve commentary.