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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) left Pakistan's growth forecast at 3.7% for FY2027, while projecting inflation at 8.3% for the current fiscal year. The Manila-based lender also lowered its growth forecast for developing Asia and the Pacific to 4.9% for 2026, citing Middle East conflict-related disruptions.
Seoul shares closed higher on Thursday, buoyed by institutional buying that offset heavy retail selling, while the Korean won weakened against the U.S. dollar. The KOSPI gained 45.12 points, or 0.62 percent, to 7,291.91, despite concerns over geopolitical tensions and AI demand uncertainty.
Shin Bet chief David Zini’s comments about loyalty to the elected leadership have sparked sharp political reactions, with opposition leaders warning of threats to democracy and national security, while government allies praised his stance. President Isaac Herzog and IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir also weighed in, emphasizing the security establishment’s commitment to the state over any individual or camp.
The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its 2026 global growth forecast for the second time this year, citing the lingering effects of the war in the Middle East on energy markets. The IMF now expects the world economy to grow 3% this year, with an AI-driven technology boom only partly offsetting the shock.
Recent exchanges of fire between the US and Iran have put the fragile ceasefire and the Islamabad MoU at risk, with both sides accusing each other of violations. Analysts and officials call for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider conflict.
The United States and Iran have traded multiple rounds of strikes over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran launching attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation. The exchanges threaten a fragile ceasefire and a memorandum of understanding signed in June.
Following a US military operation against Tehran, Israel is bracing for a possible Iranian response, with assessments that Iran does not intend to return to full fighting. Defense officials highlight differing Israeli and US priorities regarding Iran, while US forces remain in Israel until 2027.
The United States carried out another round of strikes on Iran on Wednesday, hours after President Donald Trump said Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz ended the ceasefire. Iranian state media reported explosions in several locations, and Trump threatened further action, including seizing Kharg Island and hitting civilian infrastructure.
Seoul shares opened higher on Thursday as investors bought bargain-priced chip stocks following the previous session's steep sell-off. The KOSPI rose 3.3 percent, with Samsung Electronics and SK hynix leading gains, though U.S. markets ended mixed overnight.
The US military has launched additional strikes against Iran following Iranian attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, with explosions reported across southern Iran. President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire 'over', while Iran's military reportedly prepares a 'massive' response, and US Central Command denies involvement in some of the latest blasts.
Pakistan has called on the US and Iran to exercise restraint after a series of overnight strikes raised fears of a renewed Middle East conflict. The appeal came from both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Foreign Office, which also urged all sides to honor the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is over and threatened fresh strikes, as fighting flared around the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command struck over 80 targets, and Iranian state media reported explosions, raising oil prices and straining the interim deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump declared an interim peace deal with Iran "over" during a NATO summit in Ankara, warning that Washington might reimpose a naval blockade. His remarks followed U.S. military strikes on over 80 Iranian targets after attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about renewed full-scale conflict.
The IMF has downgraded its global growth forecast to 3% for 2026, citing the Iran war, higher energy prices, and geopolitical uncertainty. AI investment is partially offsetting the damage, while inflation is expected to rise. The UK's outlook was upgraded to 1% growth, making it the third-fastest G7 economy.
As the US and Iran exchange strikes for a second night, Gulf countries hosting US military installations find themselves in a precarious position. From Bahrain and Kuwait to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the renewed fighting threatens to disrupt the region, with Iran already targeting US sites in two Gulf states.
US President Donald Trump has announced plans to grant Ukraine a license to produce Patriot interceptor missiles, a move that could bolster Kyiv's air defenses against Russian ballistic missile strikes. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that political agreements have been reached, with some missiles expected to arrive in the coming days.
Pakistan's KSE-100 index fell sharply on Wednesday, dropping over 4,600 points, after US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran was 'over'. The decline was attributed to heightened geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over oil supply disruptions.
As NATO leaders gather in Ankara, fresh tensions between the US and Europe over Ukraine are surfacing. The bloc is preparing a new military aid package for Kiev, while US President Donald Trump plans a meeting with Vladimir Zelensky. Meanwhile, Europe is increasingly becoming a production hub for Ukrainian military needs, and the global economy is adjusting to ongoing Strait of Hormuz crises.
The ABC and SBS are set to face scrutiny at the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion over their Middle East coverage. Australia's antisemitism envoy Jillian Segal has called for an independent oversight committee, while the ABC has rejected allegations that its journalism contributed to antisemitism.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has endorsed the recent US strikes on Iran as 'absolutely necessary,' citing Iranian violations of the ceasefire. The strikes came after attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, with other leaders urging diplomatic pressure alongside military action.