Business

• A BlackRock executive stated that innovation is driving AI trade within China's two-speed economy. • Client conviction in Asia-Pacific equities is currently high, specifically regarding semiconductor investments in South Korea and Taiwan. • This shift reflects a reversal of previous capital outflows from Chinese markets as investors seek growth in artificial intelligence.

• Amritsar businessman Rakesh Trehan, known as 'Raja D King', announced he will host an "iPhone Langar" in Chandigarh on September 22. • The event will feature the distribution of free Apple iPhones to participants. • This initiative brings high-value electronics to the tradition of langar, which is the practice of providing free community meals.

• President Trump met with executives and advisers on May 21 to establish guidelines for the development of artificial intelligence. • David Sacks urged the president during a phone call to avoid any regulations that could slow down American model development. • These policy decisions determine whether the U.S. maintains a competitive edge over China in the global AI race.

• The Indian stock market saw mixed results on September 18, 2026, as the Sensex slipped while the Nifty 50 gained 75 points by the close. • Singapore reported a 46.2% year-on-year surge in August exports, which was driven primarily by demand for artificial intelligence technology. • Brazil's central bank implemented its fifth consecutive interest rate cut to stimulate economic activity.

• Singapore reported a 46.2% year-over-year surge in August exports driven by demand for artificial intelligence technology. • Brazil's central bank implemented its fifth consecutive interest rate cut while remaining undecided on future adjustments. • These shifts in global trade and monetary policy impact international investors tracking emerging market stability and tech demand.

• European stocks rose following a Federal Reserve interest rate hike as oil prices fell and bond yields stabilized. • Sweden’s benchmark index climbed 1.1 per cent, while spirits maker Berentzen jumped 19.4 per cent after confirming takeover talks with Sazerac. • E-commerce platform Allegro shares rose 9.5 per cent after the company beat second-quarter guidance and raised its 2026 forecasts.

• The BRICS grouping adopted a joint declaration by consensus on September 12 after back-channel negotiations resolved disputes between Iran and the UAE. • The agreement overcame sharp divisions regarding the conflict in West Asia to reach a unified diplomatic position. • This consensus serves as a counterpoint to the current polarization of the UN Security Council, which has struggled to unite countries on major geopolitical crises.

• The Indian Sensex and Nifty 50 stock indices closed flat on September 17, 2026, as concerns over high crude oil prices offset value buying. • Asian markets including the Nikkei, Shanghai, and KOSPI gained, while the U.S. Dow and S&P 500 declined. • The rise in the VIX, a measure of market volatility, indicates a risk-off sentiment where investors avoid risky assets.

• Asian stocks steadied on Tuesday after four days of losses as investors awaited an interest rate decision from the US Federal Reserve. • The MSCI regional equities gauge climbed 0.1%, while Japan's Topix rose 0.8% and the Shanghai Composite fell 0.3%. • Market participants are positioning for the first US interest rate hike since 2023, which typically influences global investment flows and borrowing costs.

• Raiffeisen Bank International recently refuted claims made by Grizzly Research regarding the risks associated with its business operations in Russia. • The bank specifically disputed allegations concerning its compliance systems and potential sanctions violations. • These conflicting reports create uncertainty for investors and regulators monitoring the bank's exposure to the Russian market.

• The Indian stock market declined on September 15, 2026, with the Sensex dropping more than 777.94 points and the Nifty falling below 23,118. • Market losses were driven by investor concerns regarding crude oil prices and potential decisions from the U.S. Federal Reserve. • These declines indicate increased volatility for Indian equity investors as global macroeconomic pressures drag indices into the red.

Wage growth – used to set triple-lock pension – slows to 3.9%, meaning state pension should hit £13,000 next year‘Costing billions’: is the pensions triple lock a lifeline or simply unaffordable?If the state pension rises to £13,000 next year, it will probably breach the UK’s tax-free personal allowance (currently £12,570) – the amount you can earn before paying income tax.However, pensioners who don’t receive any other income should still be exempt from paying tax if the state pension exceeds the personal allowance.In the 2025 Budget the government announced the personal allowance would be frozen at its current level up to April 2031.It also announced that pensioners whose sole income is the basic or new state pension would not have to pay small amounts of tax via simple assessment from 2027/28 if the new or basic state pension exceeded the personal allowance from that point. To date the government has not published any further details of how this is to be done. Continue reading...

• The Bank of Canada is expected to maintain current interest rates during its upcoming policy decision in October. • Core inflation measures, which exclude volatile food and energy prices, are likely to remain near the 2 per cent target. • A decision to hold rates provides stability for borrowers and businesses facing high borrowing costs.

• European tech stocks dropped to a six-week low recently as investors reacted to calls for a slowdown in artificial intelligence development. • The Financial Times reports that AI firm Anthropic informed its backers it expects to be profitable this quarter. • Market volatility reflects investor anxiety over the sustainability of AI growth and anticipation of an upcoming Federal Reserve interest rate decision.

• Philippine senators called for peaceful and orderly conduct during the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao on Sept. 14. • Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri urged electoral participants and authorities to remain impartial for the polls, which occur after four postponements. • The outcome of these elections determines the leadership and governance structure for the autonomous region in Muslim Mindanao.

• The Philippine economy faced a series of systemic shocks over the past year, including domestic corruption and global geopolitical instability. • A flood control corruption scandal restricted state spending while overseas conflicts triggered a global energy shock that increased domestic prices. • These events highlight structural vulnerabilities that threaten the long-term resilience of the national economy.

• The US Federal Reserve, the UK, and Japan will announce monetary policy decisions on three successive days starting this Wednesday. • These decisions follow key data releases, including a record-low 4.7% unemployment rate in Lima for July. • The outcomes of these meetings may reshape the global monetary policy landscape for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the BRICS summit to discuss strengthening business ties and restoring border peace. • The meeting marks a recovery in diplomatic relations following a violent border clash between the two nations in 2020. • Improved cooperation between these two global powers could stabilize regional trade and reduce geopolitical tensions in Asia.

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged on Saturday to strengthen business and transport links to revive diplomatic ties. • The leaders focused on resolving structural trade imbalances, supply chain issues, and the need for predictable market access. • This agreement aims to stabilize the economic relationship between the two largest Asian markets by addressing mutual trade concerns.

• India and China are experiencing a cautious diplomatic thaw following a period of tension that began with a deadly border clash in 2020. • The Chinese leader is making his first official visit to India in seven years to help stabilize relations between the two Asian powers. • This shift toward stability reduces the risk of military escalation and opens potential for renewed economic cooperation between the two markets.

• Industry leaders concluded the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026 in Mumbai with a focus on AI-led growth and secure digital payments. • Participants stated that future growth depends on turning artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into scalable and inclusive financial solutions. • This shift means fintech companies must prioritize security and accessibility to expand their market reach and user adoption.

Proceeds are in a UK account amid a dispute about how the money should be used and a separate criminal investigationFunds from Roman Abramovich’s sale of Chelsea FC have earned at least £175m in interest while locked in a UK bank account, new accounts show, leading one analyst to describe the company housing the frozen cash as “the most profitable football business in the world”.Accounts for Fordstam, the company through which the billionaire Russian oligarch owned Chelsea, show that the proceeds of the sale have risen from £2.3bn to nearly £2.5bn. Continue reading...

• The Sensex fell 120 points and the Nifty closed at 23,398 on September 11, 2026, marking the fifth consecutive weekly loss for Indian stock markets. • International gold rates have seen a 20% price correction since the start of the year, though Indian prices remain higher due to import duties and Rupee depreciation. • Rising oil fears and geopolitical tensions are driving investors toward gold as a resilient asset during a volatile economic phase.

• The Bank of England is considering interest rate increases following the release of stronger-than-expected GDP figures today. • Decision-makers are expected to press the pause button on rate hikes during next week's meeting to await more data. • Higher interest rates increase borrowing costs for businesses and homeowners to combat inflation.

• Indian stock indices Sensex and Nifty 50 faced downward pressure on September 11, 2026, as Brent crude oil prices reached $108 per barrel. • Market analysis for the Nifty 50 indicated a bearish outlook with a key resistance level set at 23,400. • Rising energy costs typically increase operational expenses for companies and can lead to higher inflation for consumers.