A UN report reveals South Sudanese authorities misappropriated over $1.7 billion from the 'Oil for Roads' project. The funds benefited companies tied to Vice President Benjamin Bol Mel, intensifying the nation's crises.

The U.S. Treasury has sanctioned Iranian financiers and entities in Hong Kong and the UAE for facilitating over $100 million in cryptocurrency transfers from Iranian oil sales. These actions aim to curb Iran's military funding amidst stalled nuclear negotiations and follow recent UN sanctions reimposed by European nations.

U.S. retail sales rose 0.6% in August, outpacing forecasts and showcasing robust consumer spending despite economic hurdles. Key growth areas include motor vehicles, dining, and online shopping, but rising tariffs and a weakening labor market may challenge future spending trends.

Singapore's Deputy PM Gan Kim Yong announced the formation of the Future of Investment and Trade (FIT) Partnership to bolster rules-based multilateral trade amid rising global tensions. The initiative, including 14 WTO members, seeks to maintain open economies and foster innovation, with the inaugural ministerial meeting set for November.

Russian President Vladimir Putin virtually joined the BRICS summit in Brazil, focusing on economic cooperation amid global challenges. India's S. Jaishankar called for stabilizing the economy and reforming institutions, while Putin emphasized Russia's goal to outpace global economic growth through industrial and technological development.

India's commerce ministry plans to unveil a list of 100 imported products to boost self-reliance by late September or October. This move supports the 'Make in India' initiative, promoting domestic manufacturing and reducing import dependence.

The Federal Reserve's independence is under scrutiny as recent pressures from President Trump threaten its autonomy crucial for long-term economic stability. This echoes past challenges like Nixon's influence over interest rates, underscoring the importance of safeguarding the Fed's role in global financial equilibrium.

Vietnam's seafood exports to the U.S. face a potential ban starting January 1, 2026, due to fishing methods harming marine mammals, prompting Vietnam to seek U.S. reconsideration. This comes amid existing trade tensions and tariffs affecting Vietnamese exports, as the U.S. remains a crucial market for Vietnam's seafood industry.

The US is threatening India with tariffs over its purchase of discounted Russian oil, risking pushing India closer to China and Russia. Such measures could destabilize global economic relations and challenge India's internal political balance, limiting Modi's options.

U.S. companies have issued a record $100 billion in euro-denominated bonds in 2025, significantly up from $78 billion in 2024, driven by favorable European funding conditions. This trend reflects a strategic shift by U.S. firms such as Alphabet and Visa towards euro debt markets due to a weakening dollar and the euro's strengthening global position.

The UK's Office for Budget Responsibility is set to slash its productivity growth forecasts, possibly reducing GDP by 1.4% over five years. This could force the government to raise taxes or cut spending by £20 billion to adhere to fiscal rules.

Foreign investors are flocking back to China's stock markets after a three-year hiatus, spurred by tech innovation and the need to diversify beyond U.S. assets. Despite China's fragile economy, recent U.S.-China trade easing and domestic monetary policies have bolstered market sentiment, with the Shanghai Composite reaching a decade high.

India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman calls for responsible AI regulation to drive innovation without stalling growth, emphasizing AI's potential in urban planning and job creation. With a strategic focus on AI, the country aims to significantly boost its GDP by 2035, leveraging advanced technologies and fostering an AI-ready workforce to capture a substantial share of the global AI market.

India's exports rose 6.18% from April to August 2025, while imports grew 2.5%, narrowing the trade deficit significantly. Despite US tariffs, Indian exporters adapt by finding new markets and increasing competitiveness, with government policies aiding resilience.

The Federal Reserve is set to lower interest rates by 0.25% amid mounting political pressure from President Trump, marking the first cut since December 2024. Concerns over the Fed's independence persist, as legal battles and political interference threaten to influence its future policy decisions.

The economic landscape for 2025 is fraught with uncertainty, as indicators like trade policies and interest rates suggest a potential recession. However, sectors such as healthcare and utilities may remain resilient, while experts are split on recession likelihood, highlighting the need for strategic vigilance.

The Bank for International Settlements warns high asset valuations and increased government bond issuance to leveraged investors could trigger market stress before debt becomes unsustainable. They emphasize that current elevated debt levels and unusual market behaviors pose a significant risk of market instability, urging caution and vigilance in financial conditions.

Russia is increasingly using barter trade with China and India to bypass US and EU sanctions, swapping commodities like metals and wheat for machinery and cars. This approach, driven by financial restrictions, helps Russia access Western goods, though it distorts official trade statistics and contributes to economic strain.

The global economy shows resilience with a 15-month high PMI of 52.9 in August, indicating reduced uncertainty and easing trade tensions. While eurozone inflation nears ECB targets, US inflation remains elevated at 2.7%, with labor market slowdown sparking rate cut talks.