Fall

• The South Korean Kospi index fell 1.4% as Asian stock markets dipped amid investor caution. • Market volatility is being driven by focus on the artificial intelligence sector and anticipation of the upcoming U.S. Federal Reserve meeting. • Investors are also monitoring a scheduled Monday conference by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding a plan to economically isolate Iran.

• Indian stock markets closed slightly lower, with the BSE Sensex falling 172 points and the Nifty 50 slipping to 24,219.05 despite an initial positive opening. • Market sentiment was dampened by geopolitical tensions, specifically warnings from Iran regarding retaliation against countries involved in the US "economic war." • Experts, including Enrich Money CEO Ponmudi R, highlight that the US-Iran standoff creates significant uncertainty for Indian investors due to its potential impact on crude oil and energy prices.

Australia’s biggest oil and gas company recorded a 27% increase in sales profit to $1.67bn in the six-month reporting periodFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWoodside Energy has scrapped its long-term emissions and clean energy targets, even after enjoying a period of windfall oil profits caused by the Iran conflict.Australia’s biggest oil and gas company recorded a 27% increase in sales profit to $1.67bn ($A2.33bn) in the six-month reporting period, according to financials lodged on Tuesday, after the price of crude surged amid disruptions to global supplies. Continue reading...

Cost of living has hit campaign group while multinationals are threatening to squeeze out independent breweriesFor centuries, the wooden real ale pump has been the hallmark of a good British boozer. But now problems are brewing for the proper pint, as the Campaign for Real Ale has seen its membership sink to an eight-year low and its accounts show it is firmly in the red, making an £800,000 loss last year.Real ale is a traditional draught cask beer, a “living” product that is produced and stored in its cask. It differs from a cold, fizzy lager, in which the yeast is killed and carbon dioxide is added. Real ale contains live yeast so it continues fermenting until it is served. Continue reading...

• Indian stock markets experienced a significant downturn, with the Nifty 50 falling below 24,200 and the Sensex slumping nearly 500 points from its daily high. • While HDFC Bank and Infosys provided some support to the Nifty 50, gains were limited by losses in SBI, Bajaj Finance, Cipla, Titan, and Apollo Hospitals. • In separate corporate news, law firm Trilegal has opened a new office in GIFT City to serve financial institutions and investment funds.

• Most Asian share indices are heading for weekly losses on Friday, August 21, driven by persistent stress in global bond markets and rising inflation risks. • The Nikkei slipped 0.8%, bringing its total losses for the week to 4%, while Chinese blue chips dipped 0.1% and markets in South Korea and Taiwan also trended downward. • Oil prices have reached one-month highs due to a diplomatic deadlock in the Gulf, further pressuring equity markets.

• NASA announced on Wednesday that a $30 million mission to rescue the Swift space telescope has failed after the rescue spacecraft became uncontrollable. • The unprecedented operation attempted to use a specialized robot to relocate the telescope and extend its operational lifespan. • The failure is significant as it leaves the Swift telescope without a recovery option, meaning it is now destined to fall back to Earth.