Global goods trade resilient in the first quarter of 2026 despite war in Middle East
you are currently viewing::Global goods trade resilient in the first quarter of 2026 despite war in Middle EastJuly 31, 2026---World merchandise trade growth exceeded expectations in the first quarter of 2026 as surging trade in electronic components related to artificial intelligence (AI) offset the negative impact of the conflict in the Middle East, which began in the final month of the quarter. Trade disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz are expected to be more fully captured in trade data for the next quarter. The seasonally adjusted volume of world merchandise trade grew 1.9% in the first quarter compared to the previous quarter and 3.2% compared to the same quarter in the previous year according to recent WTO/UNCTAD data (downloadable from stats.wto.org). In value terms, world merchandise trade was up 2% quarter-on-quarter and 11% year-on-year in the first quarter. Source: World Trade Organization (WTO) |
July 6, 2026--Year-on-year inflation in the OECD as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 4.6% in May 2026, up from 4.4% in April.
Year-on-year inflation in the OECD as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 4.6% in May 2026, up from 4.4% in April. Headline inflation increased in 16 OECD countries, declined in 8, and was stable or broadly stable in 14. It remained above 5% in Colombia, Greece, Iceland and Lithuania, and exceeded 30% in Törkiye.
July 6, 2026-ETFGI reports that the global ETF industry has reached a new milestone, with a record 1,397 new products listed worldwide through the end of May 2026. After accounting for 208 closures, the industry recorded a net increase of 1,189 products.
July 2, 2026-Global central bankers and economists have warned that the AI boom could pose a growing threat to financial stability if investor expectations, debt-funded spending and job market disruption move faster than regulators can respond.
June 28, 2026-Global week in review: AI and ceasefire wobbles
US equities dropped back last week reflecting the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and renewed concerns around technology valuations. Despite ceasefire doubts, oil prices dropped further with signs of more ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
June 26, 2026-The Real gross domestic product (GDP) growth year-on-year percentage forecast tells us how much a country's production of goods and services is expected to increase over a 12-month period, with inflation removed.
June 25, 2026---Flow Traders Ltd. (Euronext: FLOW) publishes the 2Q 2026 pre-close call script to be used with analysts post the market close on 25 June 2026.
Welcome to the Flow Traders 2Q 2026 pre-close call, which is being conducted post the European market close on 25 June. During this call we will highlight relevant publicly available data and industry trends in our markets and relate these data points to their impact on our business for the quarter.
June 24, 2026--21shares, a global leader in cryptocurrency exchange-traded products (ETPs), today published its comprehensive mid-year cryptocurrency research report: State of Crypto 2026: Mid-Year Update. The comprehensive report revisits ten core industry forecasts made in December, providing an impartial, data-driven audit of what has held up, what has faced delays, and how the market architecture has evolved.
June 24, 2026-New global research shows affluent and high-net-worth investors use AI tools but rely on trusted professional advice when making financial decisions.
73% use AI for finance and investment, but just 12% say it was the most influential factor in their last investment decision.
Human expertise leads for investment ideas, with 62% citing financial professionals and institutions as the main source.
June 23, 2026-During May the actively managed ETFs industry globally gathered net inflows of US$100.08 billion, bringing year-to-date net inflows to US$411.75 billion, according to ETFGI's May 2026 Active ETF industry landscape insights report, an annual paid-for research subscription service.