Spreads

• On June 11, the World Bank lowered its global growth forecast for 2026 to 2.5%, the lowest projection since the 2019 COVID-19 pandemic. • The downgrade is primarily driven by the war in the Middle East, which has severely impacted energy exports for countries like Iraq and the United Arab Emirates. • The bank warns that growth could plummet further to 1.3% if energy supply disruptions worsen and trigger substantial stress in global financial markets.

Record numbers linked to warming waters is mixed news for fishers, with shellfish catches down but octopus catches boomingRecord numbers of octopuses found off the south-west coast of England last year have now spread as far as Scotland and Wales and are transforming the fishing industry and the marine ecosystem, according to a study.The surge in sightings of one of the world’s most intelligent invertebrates was first recorded in 2025 off the south coast of Devon and Cornwall. Continue reading...

• A rapidly widening epidemic of the Bundibugyo virus, a rare type of Ebola, is currently spreading across Africa. • A World Health Organization (W.H.O.) expert panel has recommended two monoclonal antibodies, maftimivab (by Regeneron) and MBP-134 (by Mapp Bio), for urgent clinical trials. • These treatments are significant because they utilize antibodies from survivors that can bind to glycoproteins across multiple strains, including Bundibugyo and Sudan viruses.

• India has reached 1.6 GW of operational data centre capacity, establishing itself as the second-largest market in the Asia Pacific region. • According to Cushman & Wakefield’s Global Data Center Market Comparison 2026 report, an additional 3.1 GW of capacity is currently under construction or planned. • This rapid expansion places India among the top three global development pipelines, signaling a significant shift in AI infrastructure growth beyond Mumbai.

• Inspired by India's Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), satirical political accounts have emerged in Pakistan, most notably the Cockroach Awami Party. • The movement uses the cockroach as a symbol for resilience and the ability to survive despite attempts at elimination. • These accounts position themselves as satirical alternatives to Pakistan's established political giants, including the PTI, PML-N, and PPP.

Police see off gatherings of teenagers in London and Edinburgh after videos of similar stunts in US go viralHundreds of teenagers have attempted to “speed run” Scientology buildings in different parts of the UK as part of a TikTok trend that started in Los Angeles.Scientology speed running is where people rush into churches and see how far they can get before being ushered out by staff. The Church of Scientology said using its church spaces for viral stunts was “trespass, harassment, and disruption of religious facilities”. Continue reading...

• NBA released updated 2025-26 playoff odds for second-round series on May 3, featuring spreads and betting lines for top matchups. • Favorites like the Nuggets and Celtics show tight spreads at -3.5 and -4.0, reflecting intense competition post-first round. • These odds influence betting markets heavily, with over $500 million wagered already this postseason per league reports.