Reeves seizes on surprise UK growth as evidence Labour leadership must stay Chancellor says ‘now not the time to put economic stability at risk’ as ONS records 0.3% growth in first month of Iran war The Guardian - UK · May 14
'I find you very beautiful': Brigitte Macron ‘slapped’ French President Emmanuel Macron after finding messages with Iranian actress Golshifteh Farahani, new book claims A new French political book alleges First Lady Brigitte Macron slapped President Emmanuel Macron during a 2025 trip to Vietnam after discovering messages with actress Golshifteh Farahani. The author describes their relationship as "platonic," but the book links the incident to a viral video of Brigitte Macron appearing to strike… The Economic Times · May 14
Reeves warns against risking economic stability with leadership battle, after UK growth beats forecasts in March – as it happened Chancellor warns against plunging the country ‘into chaos’ with leadership battle, after economy grows at fastest pace in a year in Q1 2026 The Guardian - UK · May 14
Asian stocks are mixed as investors watch takeaways from Trump-Xi summit Asian shares are mixed as investors closely monitor takeaways from the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping The Independent UK · May 14
Europe’s household energy prices surge after Iran war: Which capitals were hit hardest? Household gas prices rose across EU capitals between early February and early April, reflecting the impact of Middle East tensions. However, electricity prices fell on average, highlighting diverging trends in Europe’s energy markets. Euronews · May 14
With Chabahar Port in limbo, can India still reach Central Asia and Russia? India's crucial trade route to Russia and Central Asia is at a critical juncture. US sanctions on Iran's Chabahar port create uncertainty for India's role. India is exploring options to maintain its presence. This development impacts the International North-South Transport Corridor. Analysts believe the corridor can survive but India's influence… The Economic Times · May 14
Rupee hits record low of 95.85/USD as energy risk worries deepen The Indian rupee reached an all-time low on Thursday, driven by elevated oil prices and continuous foreign portfolio outflows. This has created strain on India's current and capital accounts, with the currency particularly vulnerable due to its heavy reliance on oil imports, especially if the Iran conflict persists. The Economic Times · May 14
Silver slides Rs 3,300/kg, gold drops Rs 1,600/10g as Trump-Xi talks in spotlight amid Iran war; key levels to watch Gold and silver prices opened sharply lower on MCX Thursday as markets tracked ongoing Trump-Xi talks and developments in the Iran conflict. MCX silver futures for July 2026 fell Rs 3,359, or 1.1%, to Rs 2,96,879 per kg, while June 2026 gold futures dropped Rs 1,159, or 0.7%, to Rs… The Economic Times · May 14
Sensex surges over 800 points to cross 75,400; Nifty above 23,650 despite weak rupee In a recent turn of fortunes, Indian stock markets experienced a notable rise for the second consecutive day. On Thursday, both the Sensex and Nifty indices surged as trading commenced, despite soaring oil prices and the rupee inching closer to all-time lows. Bharti Airtel's stock was a standout performer, propelling… The Economic Times · May 14
US to persuade China to play 'more active role' in resolving Iran war crisis during Trump-Xi talks: Rubio US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington wants China to play a bigger role in helping resolve the Iran war crisis during talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. The Economic Times · May 14
Iran-US war latest: Rubio warns president Trump won’t be pressured into ‘bad deal’ as Israel and Lebanon trade blows ‘We’re not going to let Iran use that [the US economy] as leverage,’ Rubio insisted The Independent UK · May 14
Xi warns Trump of ‘clashes and even conflicts’ with US over Taiwan Trump says China’s president also pledged ‘strongly’ not to send weapons to Iran, after two-hour meeting between the leaders The Guardian - UK · May 14
US, China will have 'a fantastic future together', Trump tells Xi at Beijing meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump met in Beijing. The leaders engaged in high-level discussions. Topics included trade, Taiwan, and Iran. The meeting featured ceremonial pageantry. Both sides are expected to discuss economic cooperation and potential trade agreements. The visit aims to advance economic outcomes for the… The Economic Times · May 14
Oil Price Today (May 14): Crude oil above $105 per barrel. Here’s why Trump-Xi meeting is important for Strait of Hormuz Oil prices edged higher as investors awaited talks between U.S. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, focusing on economic gains and geopolitical issues like the Iran war. Despite concerns over interest rate hikes, crude futures saw slight increases, with analysts warning of potential price surges if the Strait of… The Economic Times · May 14
The Guardian - US · May 14 Trump news at a glance: president says not letting Iran have nuclear weapon ‘only thing that matters’ President’s remarks come as midterm elections looks to be defined by economic concerns sparked by the conflict. Key US politics stories from Wednesday 13 May at a glance
The Economic Times · May 14 Quote of the day by Simone Weil: 'Petroleum is a more likely cause of international conflict than...' – French philosopher and mystic's warning on global conflict, power, energy politics and how oil drives war and the economy Quote of the day by Simone Weil: Simone Weil's observation that petroleum is a more likely cause of international conflict than wheat highlights its critical role in modern economies and geopolitical power. The current Iran conflict demonstrates this, with disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz impacting global oil supply, driving…
The Economic Times · May 14 India-bound LPG tanker MV Sunshine crossing Strait of Hormuz; Indian Navy, agencies provide all support: Sources The India-bound LPG tanker MV Sunshine is safely navigating the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian Navy is providing support for its secure passage. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister stated that peace in the Strait of Hormuz would improve safety. He also mentioned that Iran welcomes any Indian initiative to reduce regional…
The Economic Times · May 14 Global Market Today: Asian stocks, US futures climb on tech optimism Asian stocks advanced, mirroring Wall Street's record highs driven by a tech surge and strong corporate earnings. Investors are closely watching the US-China summit and geopolitical developments in Iran, while inflation concerns fuel bets on Federal Reserve rate hikes next year.
The Economic Times · May 14 Oil edges up ahead of Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing Oil prices saw a slight increase as investors awaited the meeting between U.S. President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with the Iran war a key focus. Despite U.S. sanctions, China remains a major buyer of Iranian oil, complicating efforts to resolve the conflict.
The Economic Times · May 14 Trump wants China's help on Iran. Beijing may have other ideas President Trump will ask President Xi for help with the Iran conflict. China is unlikely to fully comply, preferring to maintain its economic and military ties with Iran. The US has limited options to pressure China, as sanctions could lead to costly retaliation. Both nations face complex geopolitical and economic…
The Economic Times · May 14 Trump, Xi set for Beijing talks with trade truce, Iran war at stake President Donald Trump is in Beijing for crucial talks with China's Xi Jinping. The meetings aim to boost economic ties and maintain a trade truce. Discussions will also cover the Iran war and arms sales to Taiwan. Trump seeks to open China to U.S. business. Both leaders are keen to…
The Guardian - US · May 14 ‘Stone-cold racism’: Newsom condemns GOP redistricting efforts; Louisiana approves plan to erase majority-Black district – as it happened This live blog is now closed.
Evening Standard · May 13 Refusal by allies to back US in war against Iran ‘unconscionable’, says Hegseth The White House has singled out the UK for criticism in the past over its reluctance to be drawn into the Middle East conflict
We Got This Covered · May 13 ‘Sledgehammer’: The U.S. is considering renaming the Iran war to reset the congressional clock, and Trump is already meeting with generals Round 2 seems imminent.
We Got This Covered · May 13 ‘Nothing left in a military sense’: NYT report reveals how far Trump and Hegseth’s Iran victory claims strayed from reality They painted a much rosier picture.