16 Apr 2026

Japan has announced a USD 10 billion financial support framework to help Asian countries procure crude oil and other energy resources amid rising Middle East tensions and supply disruptions. The funding will be routed through state-backed institutions to ease credit constraints faced by several Southeast Asian nations. The move also aims to protect Japan's own supply chains, which depend on regional manufacturing inputs. With limited stockpiles in Southeast Asia and heavy reliance on the Strait of Hormuz, concerns over supply stability have increased, prompting Japan to also plan a release from its oil reserves in the coming weeks.Read more

16 Apr 2026

Invesco Mortgage Capital Inc has announced a leadership transition with Kevin Collins set to take over as Chief Executive Officer and David Lyle appointed as President. The changes follow the planned retirement of current CEO John Anzalone, which is scheduled to take effect later this month. The move reflects a structured succession plan within the company. Invesco Mortgage Capital, a real estate investment trust focused on mortgage-backed securities, has been aligning its leadership to support long-term strategy and market positioning amid evolving financial conditions.Read more

16 Apr 2026

Prodea Real Estate Investment Company SA has announced a voluntary tender offer to acquire up to 50,000 bonds that were issued in 2021. The move is part of its broader capital management strategy and comes amid ongoing efforts by real estate firms to optimise their balance sheets. To fund this transaction, the company is planning to issue up to 10 million new shares. Such actions are generally aimed at improving financial flexibility, managing liabilities, and aligning long-term funding structures with current market conditions.Read more

16 Apr 2026

Greece has proposed extending the tenure of central bank Governor Yannis Stournaras, whose current term is set to end later this year. Having led the Bank of Greece since 2014, he played a key role in stabilising the country's economy during the debt crisis as finance minister. The move, announced by government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, was widely expected under the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. If approved, Stournaras would become the first central bank governor in Greece to serve three consecutive terms.Read more

16 Apr 2026

The United States has initiated a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing geopolitical conflict in the Middle East. The enforcement, which began in the past week, applies to vessels entering or leaving Iranian coastal infrastructure across the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, while allowing transit through the Strait of Hormuz for non-Iran-bound traffic. The move follows the collapse of diplomatic negotiations between the two countries and is aimed at restricting Iran's oil exports and economic activity. The development has triggered concerns over global energy supply disruptions, with oil prices reacting sharply and maritime traffic facing increased scrutiny. The blockade is expected to have implications for international shipping, logistics, and trade flows, particularly across Asia-bound energy corridors.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Liquidators of China Evergrande Group have entered into an exclusivity agreement with a selected bidder to sell their 51.016% stake in Evergrande Property Services, according to a recent exchange filing. The parties will undertake exclusive negotiations for a period of 30 business days, although the identity of the bidder and transaction value have not been disclosed. The development comes as the group continues to address its prolonged debt crisis, having defaulted on over USD 300 billion in liabilities since 2021. The services arm, which was valued at over HKD 94 billion at listing in 2020 and peaked near HKD 200 billion in 2021, currently has a market capitalisation of approximately HKD 13.19 billion. The transaction forms part of ongoing efforts to monetise assets under liquidation proceedings.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Swedish green steel developer Stegra has secured EUR 1.4 billion (USD 1.7 billion) in fresh funding from an investor consortium led by the Wallenberg group, providing financial support to complete its hydrogen-based steel plant in northern Sweden. The funding, which remains subject to lender approvals and documentation finalisation, comes amid delays and cost pressures affecting green hydrogen-based industrial projects across Europe. The consortium includes Temasek and IMAS Foundation, linked to the IKEA ecosystem. The project timeline remains under review, with production previously expected by 2027. As part of the transaction, investors plan to nominate Leif Johansson as chair of the board. The development highlights continued institutional interest in large-scale decarbonised industrial infrastructure despite execution and financing challenges.Read more

15 Apr 2026

International Monetary Fund has projected India's GDP growth at 6.5% for both 2026 and 2027, maintaining its position as the fastest-growing major economy despite geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The estimate, published in its latest World Economic Outlook, reflects an upward revision driven by strong economic momentum from 2025 and a reduction in additional US tariffs on Indian goods. These factors are expected to offset the adverse impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Meanwhile, global growth is projected to moderate to 3.1% in 2026 and 3.2% in 2027, compared to 3.4% in 2025. The outlook indicates a stable growth trajectory for India within a gradually slowing global economy.Read more

15 Apr 2026

China Evergrande founder Hui Ka Yan has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including misuse of funds and fundraising fraud, in a Shenzhen court. The case follows Evergrande's 2021 default on over USD 300 billion in liabilities, highlighting ongoing challenges in China's property sector. Authorities had earlier fined Hui and barred him from the securities market for life over financial misconduct. Additional charges against him and the company include illegal lending, fraudulent securities issuance and bribery. Verdicts are pending, as the case continues to draw attention to the broader impact of the real estate crisis on China's economy.Read more

15 Apr 2026

Over 1,000 workers protested in Haiti's capital, demanding a higher minimum wage amid rising fuel prices and living costs. Employees said wages have remained unchanged since 2023, while recent hikes in diesel and gasoline prices have sharply reduced purchasing power. Many workers are struggling to afford transport and basic necessities, with some forced to walk long distances to work. The protest also drew participation from informal workers facing unstable incomes. Ongoing inflation, transport challenges and economic pressures continue to impact daily life, with workers calling for urgent government action to address wages and working conditions.Read more