News

Market news: The EU plans to suspend some duty-free sugar imports for one year.

Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said that he had discussed the Iran issue and the Zaporozhye Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov.

Market news: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency took action to relax restrictions on emissions of ethylene oxide, a carcinogenic gas.

Market News: Iran arranges special transportation operation to send sailors back from India.

Sources: Iran has agreed to the Indian government’s application to allow two liquefied petroleum gas carriers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. (Reuters)

British Airways: Additional flights from London to Singapore and Bangkok next week.

Market news: Britain shot down multiple drones in Iraq.

White House official: U.S. President Trump has previously stated that the United States is in dialogue with Cuba and that Cuban leaders should reach an agreement, which is entirely possible.

According to the British Financial Times: Elon Musk ordered xAI to lay off more employees.

According to the New York Times: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday proposed easing restrictions on emissions of ethylene oxide, a cancer-causing gas.

According to the Wall Street Journal: The amphibious assault ship "Tripoli" stationed in Japan and its attached Marine Corps are heading to the Middle East. Officials say Marines are already in the Middle East to support operations against Iran.

Brazilian President Lula: Blocked a US official from visiting Brazil.

Mexico, Colombia, and Brazil issued a joint statement on Iran: calling for an end to Iran’s hostilities.

Barclays: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates by 25 basis points each in September 2026 and March 2027, compared with previous forecasts of interest rate cuts in June and September this year.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney: The U.S. trade measures are causing a major adjustment in the Canadian economy.

Reuters survey: 33 economists surveyed agreed that the Bank of Canada will maintain the overnight lending rate at 2.25% on March 18. Twenty-five economists surveyed expect the Bank of Canada to keep interest rates on hold until 2026 (compared to 26 of 35 in January).

U.S. stocks opened higher and moved lower, with the S&P 500 down 0.15%, the Nasdaq down 0.4%, and the Dow slightly up 0.07%.

German Chancellor Mertz: We will have the opportunity to hold talks with French President Macron at the weekend. Most G7 members are opposed to relaxing sanctions on Russia.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney: Canada hopes to maintain oil sanctions against Russia.

German Chancellor Mertz: We do not agree with Washington’s decision to impose sanctions on Russia.