Starmer’s China Visit Highlights Western Balancing Act Amid U.S.-China Rivalry

Feb 02, 2026 01:28 am UTC| Economy Politics

British Prime Minister Keir Starmers recent visit to China underscores the complex balancing act Western middle powers are attempting as rivalry between Beijing and Washington intensifies. While the trip allowed China to...

U.S. Stock Futures Slip as Markets Brace for Big Tech Earnings and Key Data

Feb 02, 2026 01:22 am UTC| Economy

U.S. stock futures edged lower on Sunday evening as investors adopted a cautious stance ahead of a busy week filled with major corporate earnings and crucial economic data. The pullback follows weakness in technology...

South Korea Factory Activity Hits 18-Month High as Export Demand Surges

Feb 02, 2026 01:19 am UTC| Economy

South Koreas manufacturing sector showed its strongest momentum in nearly a year and a half in January, driven by a sharp rebound in export demand and improving business confidence, according to a private sector survey...

UK Employers Plan Moderate Pay Rises as Inflation Pressures Ease but Persist

Feb 02, 2026 01:15 am UTC| Economy

British businesses are most likely to raise employee pay by between 3% and 3.49% this year, according to a new survey, highlighting ongoing concerns for the Bank of England as it works to return inflation to its 2% target....

Gold Prices Stabilize in Asian Trade After Sharp Weekly Losses Amid Fed Uncertainty

Feb 02, 2026 00:59 am UTC| Economy

Gold prices steadied during early Asian trading on Monday after suffering steep losses last week, as investors reassessed the outlook for U.S. monetary policy, the strength of the U.S. dollar, and fading safe-haven demand....

Oil Prices Slide Nearly 3% as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Geopolitical Tensions

Feb 02, 2026 00:58 am UTC| Economy

Oil prices fell sharply on Monday, retreating nearly 3% as signs of potential diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran eased fears of escalating geopolitical conflict. The decline came after U.S. President...

BOJ Policymakers Warn Weak Yen Could Fuel Inflation Risks and Delay Rate Action

Feb 02, 2026 00:55 am UTC| Central Banks Economy

Bank of Japan (BOJ) policymakers are increasingly concerned that persistent price pressures driven by a weak yen could leave the central bank behind the curve in managing inflation, according to a summary of opinions from...