The Economic Times

Saudi Arabia has withdrawn from a China-led cross-border currency platform, according to the Financial Times. The move is seen as a setback for Beijing's efforts to build alternatives to the dollar-based global payments system, and observers are weighing what it signals about the Gulf kingdom's financial alignment with Washington versus its deepening economic ties with China.

Poland is dramatically increasing its defence budget, making it one of NATO's biggest military spenders relative to economic output. Analysts are debating whether the push will stimulate the economy through industrial investment and jobs, or weigh on growth by crowding out spending on infrastructure, education and public services. The debate matters for Europe's security posture as well as Poland's economic outlook.

The New York Times examines why China remains wary of international appeals for AI safety regulation. The report suggests Beijing views such calls through strategic and economic lenses, seeing safety frameworks partly as attempts by rivals to slow its technological progress. The piece is prompting discussion about whether meaningful global cooperation on AI governance is possible given US-China competition.

NOAA's National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service is highlighting forecasts of a very strong El Nino in 2026-2027, warning that unusually warm waters in the tropical Pacific could reshape weather patterns worldwide. Strong El Nino events typically bring heavier rains to parts of the Americas, drought to Australia and Southeast Asia, and altered hurricane and monsoon seasons, prompting scientists to urge early preparation.

Commentary in Global Times argues that the European Union's energy price crisis cannot be solved through domestic measures alone and requires broader international trade cooperation. The piece suggests that diversifying energy supplies and strengthening trade partnerships would help stabilise prices and improve the EU's energy security amid ongoing cost pressures.

The Jerusalem Post examines why Iran is suddenly seeking a deal, amid heightened tensions with Israel and the West. The piece suggests Iran's economic pressures, regional setbacks and weakened proxies may be pushing Tehran toward negotiations, while analysts question whether its outreach is genuine or a tactic to buy time.

Brazil's government has extended measures providing relief on fuel prices, moving shortly before the country's election. The decision keeps pump prices lower for consumers, and it is drawing scrutiny from analysts who weigh the cost to public finances against the political benefit of easing cost-of-living pressures at a sensitive moment in the campaign.

Iran is reportedly pushing to negotiate a deal, a shift that has drawn attention from international observers. Commentators are debating the timing, with speculation that mounting economic pressure, regional isolation, or military setbacks may be driving Tehran to seek an agreement now rather than continue confrontation. The move raises questions about what terms Iran is willing to accept and whether Western counterparts will engage.

The Financial Times argues the European Union lacks a clear strategy for key partners such as Canada, and needs a more coherent approach to relations with like-minded countries outside its borders. The call comes amid broader debate about how the EU positions itself with traditional allies, particularly on trade, security and economic cooperation with Western partners.

Israel's Economy Ministry has ended the pilot phase of the 'Israel's Basket' programme, citing the approaching national elections. The initiative, which was being tested by the ministry, will not move forward for now. The timing of the decision has drawn attention, as government programmes are often paused or reconsidered during election periods to avoid accusations of political influence over economic policy.

A letter to the editor published by the Tampa Bay Times argues that the United States needs more immigration, not less, for the sake of the economy. The piece contends that immigrant workers are essential to sustaining the labor force and economic growth, adding to the ongoing public debate over immigration policy and its economic effects.

A report in the Philippines suggests that businesses and consumers have become less pessimistic even as the war continues, indicating some easing of negative sentiment about the economic outlook. The piece, published by The Manila Times, is categorised under banking and finance coverage, though no further details are available from the headline alone.

A new report highlights a bipartisan effort in the United States to encourage Hollywood studios to move film production back to American soil, a topic gaining traction as productions have increasingly shifted abroad. The same commentary also marks the 20th anniversary of 'V for Vendetta' and features an interview with the film's director, adding a cultural angle to the discussion.