Roughly 20% of global oil and LNG flows through the Strait of Hormuz—making any disruption a potential shock to global energy markets.
All posts in World trade
U.S. Trade Deficit Drops 56% as April Imports Fall
April’s trade deficit plunged from a revised $138.3 billion in March to $61.6 billion, driven by a 16% drop in imports that reversed the pre-“liberation day” spike.
U.S. inflation falls to 2.3% in April but data remains key as the Fed holds interest rates steady amid growing tariff uncertainty
Inflation fell to 2.3% in April. The Fed is keeping rates steady at 4.25%-4.5% as new tariffs fuel inflation risks, prompting a cautious wait-and-see approach.
IMF downgrades U.S. outlook amid tariff uncertainty
IMF issued its steepest downgrade for the U.S. among advanced economies, citing rising tariff-related uncertainty and a heightened risk of recession. Global economic sentiment has dimmed, with the IMF now projecting a 37% chance of a U.S. downturn—up sharply from 25% just months ago.