Business

Global finance regulator flags private credit's role in driving AI boom

Global finance regulator flags private credit's role in driving AI boom

The private credit sector’s contribution to the AI surge could rebound negatively, with a sharp downturn potentially causing “sizeable” losses, the Financial Stability Board warned. A new FSB report on private credit – the global watchdog that oversees financial authorities, including central banks in 24 nations – found that healthcare, services

Farming chief warns fertilizer shortage will sharply raise global food prices

Farming chief warns fertilizer shortage will sharply raise global food prices

Fertiliser shortages linked to the Iran conflict have pushed costs for UK farmers up by as much as 70% and will likely cause a “dramatic” rise in global food prices next year, according to one of Britain’s leading property and farming firms. Mark Preston, executive trustee of the 349‑

IEA set to urge unprecedented stockpile oil release to lower crude prices

IEA set to urge unprecedented stockpile oil release to lower crude prices

The International Energy Agency is set to request the biggest drawdown of state oil reserves ever recorded, aiming to soothe the price surge sparked by the US‑Israeli strikes on Iran. The global energy monitor is anticipated to urge its 32 members to free roughly 400 million barrels of emergency

How far could oil prices climb, and what could be the worldwide economic consequences?

How far could oil prices climb, and what could be the worldwide economic consequences?

Concerns about the world economy have intensified as oil prices have surged past $100 a barrel following the US‑Israel clash with Iran. Economists warn that a growing chance of an extended war in the key energy‑exporting zone could severely affect living standards globally, reviving fears of a fresh

UK job market stalls as firms stay cautious on hiring

UK job market stalls as firms stay cautious on hiring

Data indicate that the UK labour market is struggling under weak recruitment demand, with only modest indications of improvement. Two reports issued on Monday note that firms stay wary of taking on new employees because of cost pressures and economic uncertainty, underscoring the market’s continued fragility. The monthly employment

UK holds just two days of gas reserves as Iran conflict risks supply disruptions

UK holds just two days of gas reserves as Iran conflict risks supply disruptions

Britain now holds just two days’ worth of fossil gas after reserves fell, while an increasing number of LNG carriers are being rerouted from Europe to Asia amid the conflict with Iran. On Saturday, Britain’s gas stores contained 6,999 gigawatt‑hours (GWh), National Gas – the operator of the

UK must brace for a price shock from the Iran war, says Heather Stewart

UK must brace for a price shock from the Iran war, says Heather Stewart

Donald Trump’s strike on Iran and the lethal war it has sparked is stark and without precedent – yet its economic fallout follows a familiar pattern: another surge in prices is imminent. From the pandemic‑induced shutdown and later reopening to Russian forces advancing into Ukraine, the world economy has