live Trump says U.S. could strike Iran ‘hard’ as Tehran warns of economic fallout- Middle East conflict
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would...
Inflation expectations for the next 12 months in the eurozone rose to 2.8% in August, up from 2.6% in July, according to the results of a consumer survey published by the European Central Bank (ECB) on Friday.
The central bank said that uncertainty over inflation expectations increased slightly in August. Respondents from lower income groups continued to report slightly higher inflation perceptions and short-term expectations on average, a trend that has persisted since 2023.
Younger respondents (aged 18-34) reported lower inflation expectations compared with older age groups (35-70), although the gap has narrowed compared with previous years. Inflation expectations over the next three years remained stable at 2.5%.
Meanwhile, eurozone consumers expect economic growth to decline by 1.2% over the next 12 months.
The ECB’s Consumer Expectations Survey is conducted monthly, interviewing around 19,000 people across Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Austria, Portugal and Finland.
Inflation expectations play a key role in the ECB’s monetary policy, helping to guide decisions on the level and pace of interest rate changes.
Annual inflation in the eurozone rose to 2.1% in August from 2% in July. The ECB’s medium-term inflation target remains 2%.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Washington shows seriousness. His remarks came as talks on Iran’s nuclear programme continued, with Trump and Xi also opposing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would face growing economic costs from the conflict. The remarks came as Hezbollah reported new attacks on Israeli forces despite an extended Lebanon ceasefire.
The second semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place tonight in a rain-soaked Vienna, with the final 10 places in Saturday’s grand final still up for grabs.
Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war as well as the bodies of fallen soldiers, on Friday (15 May). The swap came as Ukranian officials said Moscow had carried out its largest aerial attack over 48 hours since the conflict started.
Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday evening to a carefully choreographed reception that underscored the significance China is placing on the visit.
Negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its workforce on Wednesday have broken down, officials said, raising fresh concerns over potential disruption to South Korea’s export-heavy economy.
By the time American shoppers began noticing higher prices on everything from trainers to televisions, the world's two largest economies were already deep in a trade war that left the world wondering how it would end.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital maritime chokepoint and serves as the primary artery linking the Persian Gulf to international energy markets. With approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments transiting this waterway, it is the backbone of energy security for Asia, Europe, and beyond.
China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies amid fears that the conflict involving Iran could drive up global energy and transport costs.
Asian stocks surged to record highs on 7 May as investors priced in growing hopes of a potential Middle East peace deal, while oil prices eased and the U.S. dollar weakened amid shifting global risk sentiment.
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