GM, Ford, and Stellantis, the three largest automobile manufacturers in the United States, have issued a warning regarding a $5 billion "commodity shock" linked to the conflict in Iran, writes the Financial Times, based on the firms' first-quarter financial reports for 2026. The carmakers pointed out that the war in Iran and resulting supply chain disruptions have driven substantial price hikes...

According to a report by the Financial Times, which is citing sources, China plans to restart the export of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel starting in May. Large state-owned oil companies have sought permissions to export fuel in the upcoming month, as stated by them. A spokesperson from a state-owned oil company told the newspaper that the Chinese leadership believes domestic fuel demand is...

Budget airlines in the US, such as Frontier Airlines and Avelo Airlines, are requesting $2.5 billion in governmental support in return for warrants that could be turned into company equity, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cites sources. The airlines stated that this figure was determined by an estimation of the rise in the companies' jet fuel expenses this year in relation to earlier...

The international rating agency Moody's Investors Service has confirmed China's long-term ratings for foreign and local currencies at "A1." The agency's press release indicated that the outlook was revised from negative to stable. This is motivated by anticipations of sustained economic and fiscal strength in spite of domestic, trade, and geopolitical difficulties. Analysts at Moody's...

European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen forecasted the enduring effects and uncertainties of the energy crisis while assuring the protection of the most at-risk citizens in the European Union and sectors of the EU economy. "Since the onset of the conflict in the Middle East, our expenses for importing fossil fuels have risen by over €24 billion. That's over €500 million each day. These...

Analysts at JPMorgan increased their 2026 forecast for the S&P 500 to 7,600, according to Reuters, referencing a research report. They additionally increased their earnings-per-share projection for the index this year to $330 from $315, and for 2027 to $385 from $355. JPMorgan explained the forecast rise by highlighting the growth of S&P 500 firms driven by developments in technology and...

Germany's sovereign wealth fund (Kenfo) is lifting limitations on investments in arms producers due to increased geopolitical tensions. The fund will have the freedom to purchase defense stocks and bonds, CEO Anja Mikus informed Bloomberg. The fund was earlier restricted from investing in firms that derived over 5% of their income from defense-related operations. This choice aligns with an...

Japanese manufacturing firms are compelled to reduce production and increase prices because of worries over a naphtha deficit, according to Nikkei Asia. Naphtha is utilized to create various products, such as solvents, laundry soaps, plastic wraps, paints, glues, rubber goods, and labels. As reported by Nikkei, 40% of Japan's naphtha demand is fulfilled by domestic refining, while another 40%...

Analysts from Wood Mackenzie and Kpler report that the global economy has incurred losses exceeding $50 billion due to unmet oil production targets since the conflict in the Middle East began. As per analysts' projections and the agency's assessments, the effects of this crisis will be experienced for months and possibly years ahead. According to Kpler data, over 500 million barrels of crude oil...