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Hormuz closure threatens global chemicals supply chains, Fitch warns
Fitch warns a prolonged Hormuz closure threatens global chemicals supply chains, with force majeure declarations already emerging and material credit risks building across Gulf, European and Asian producers.
Russia sells gold bars for the first time in 25 years to fund budget deficit
Russia began selling physical gold from its central bank reserves for the first time in 25 years, as the government seeks to plug a widening budget deficit driven by sustained military spending.
Istanbul-listed Halkbank sells $210mn AT1 eurobond at 8.30% amid Iran war
Debt issue follows signing of deferred prosecution agreement over US claims of collusion with Iranians in sanctions dodging.
North Macedonia's central bank keeps key rate at 4% amid rising global uncertainty
National Bank of North Macedonia warned that a prolonged or expanded conflict could lead to sustained price pressures, weaker growth and broader economic instability.
The death of coal power in the UK - OWID
The United Kingdom was the birthplace of coal. It has now, effectively, died there, Our World in Data reprots.
Tel Aviv stocks plummet despite brief recovery after US halt on Iran strikes
Israeli stocks on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange deepened their losses on March 24, hitting a new intraday low at approximately 16:53 local time. The TA-35 index fell approximately 2%, whilst the TA-90 index declined 1.8%.
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Polish stock exchange hits record highs in 2025, bets on ETFs and AI for growth
The Warsaw Stock Exchange posted record-high financial results for 2025, driven by unprecedented investor activity.
Polish retail sales grow 5% y/y in February but still disappoint
Harsh February weather drove the headline result, discouraging Poles from shopping after they stocked up on warm clothing and shoes in January.
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Turkey’s diesel tax buffer evaporates amid booming oil prices and refinery margins
Annual rise in diesel price reaches 57% versus 37% on gasoline.
Which countries face the broadest international sanctions? Statista
As geopolitical tensions remain elevated and economic measures are becoming a key foreign policy tool, sanctions continue to shape global trade and diplomacy, Statista reports.
Democracy fading as autocractic rulers gain ground – Statista
Released on March 19, the latest Freedom in the World 2026 report finds that global freedom declined for the 20th consecutive year in 2025, with more countries experiencing deterioration in political rights and civil liberties than improvements
Polish industrial production rebounds in February
Poland’s industrial output expanded 1.5% y/y in constant prices in February, a changeover from a decline of 1.5% y/y the preceding month, unadjusted data from the statistics office GUS showed.
Luminor forecasts steady growth for Baltic economies in 2026
Lithuania is set to lead the Baltic growth this year with 3.6%, while Estonia is forecast to expand by 2% and Latvia by 2.5%.
Gulf disruption puts global fertilizer supply at risk – STATISTA
Since 28 February, 2026, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted amid the escalation of the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States, Statista reports.
Saudi bank lending to private sector and government entities rises 10% in January
Saudi bank loans to the private sector and non-financial government entities rose 10% year on year to SAR3.43tn in January 2026, reflecting sustained credit growth across the kingdom's economy.
Dubai property sales spike as Middle East war wages on
Dubai property prices could fall up to 20% by 2028 as a record supply wave collides with weakening demand driven by the Gulf War.
Majority of Ukrainians back peace deal with territorial concessions if framed positively - KIIS
Ukrainians are getting tired of the war. In a change of heart, a majority would now support a peace agreement involving territorial concessions if presented alongside clear incentives such as European Union membership and security guarantees.
Wages in Romania post deep 5.5% y/y real contraction in January
Drop follows a period of strong wage expansion, with real net wages having surged by 11.1% over the two years leading up to January 2025 — a pace widely seen as unsustainable.
Turkey’s real estate industry expects higher demand for homes from Iranian buyers
No decline in mortgage rates foreseen because of geopolitical developments.
Romania’s industrial activity hits lowest level since lockdown in January
Outlook for February indicates further deterioration as manufacturing PMI index declines.