US stock futures are weaker to start the new quarter but have cut overnight losses by more than a third, as the first US government shutdown in nearly seven years begins. The first shutdown during Trump 1.0 lasted 3 days and the second shutdown 35 days: how long will this one last? As of 8:00am […]

Authored by RFE/RL Staff via OilPrice.com, The European Commission is proposing a loan scheme for Ukraine backed by frozen Russian assets, repayable only once Moscow pays war damages. The plan would bypass potential vetoes by Hungary or Slovakia and could mobilize up to €140 billion for Kyiv in 2026–27. Key hurdles include legal risks, ECB […]

Bloomberg reports that China Mineral Resources Group has temporarily halted purchases of all dollar-denominated seaborne iron ore cargoes from BHP Group vessels. The trade suspension follows failed talks between CMRG (the world’s largest iron ore buyer) and BHP (the world’s largest listed miner) and builds on earlier restrictions targeting BHP’s Jimblebar blend fines. CMRG has now barred mills […]

Via eugyppius.com, On September 25th 2018, US President Donald Trump delivered his first speech before the United Nations General Assembly. At one point he warned Germany about its plans for Nord Stream 2, which he said would make the country “totally dependent on Russian energy if it does not immediately change course”. German Foreign Minister […]

There have been some close calls leading up to this point. In December, Republicans and Democrats reached an initial agreement to keep the government open just days before its deadline that month—only for Republicans in the House of Representatives to rebel, arguing that the agreement contained too many extraneous measures. Incoming President Donald Trump then […]