Capital of Thailand, a sprawling delta city facing climate and growth pressures.
The euro has fallen to near 17-month lows after investors have pushed up French borrowing costs and bond spreads. France has faced rising yields, mass protests and a political stalemate over deficit cuts ahead of the presidential election. Markets are pricing greater contagion risk across the eurozone and the ECB is under pressure to act.
The IMF and UN officials have warned at annual meetings in Bangkok that rising energy prices from the US–Iran war, the strongest El Niño on record and higher global interest rates have pushed low‑income, energy‑importing countries toward fiscal crisis. AI investment has bolstered rich economies while poorer nations are paying more of their revenue to service debt and losing fiscal space.
Germany’s ruling coalition is pursuing reforms to pensions, long-term care, and an income-tax cut as leaders from the CDU and SPD meet in Berlin after constructive talks at the chancellery.
A blaze has destroyed Paris’s oldest covered market, the Enfants Rouges, an iconic 17th-century site in the Marais. City authorities say the market is completely destroyed, with one firefighter lightly injured and no other casualties. The market, renovated in 2000 after a historic campaign, was a hub for street food from around the world.
AI-related debt issuance is rising amid higher yields and rate expectations. Investors worry about distressed bonds as hyperscalers and AI firms fund data-center buildouts, potentially triggering wider market stress even as equities hold firm. IMF warns of sovereign-bond risks.
Zelenskiy has been received in London with strong UK support, while ministers announce accelerated delivery of missile systems and new sanctions against Russia. The visit follows tensions after Trump’s diesel deal with Moscow and aims to reinforce allied unity and arms deliveries for Kyiv.
The UN has set up a taskforce to move fertilisers through the Strait of Hormuz. Moreira da Silva says activation could come within seven to 10 days if Washington and Tehran agree. Five vessels per day could keep fertiliser flowing to countries in need, while a broader deal on navigation remains pending.
Global markets are volatile as AI-linked shares retreat amid funding risks. SK Hynix’s Solidigm reviews have been halted due to market conditions, while other AI infra players face investor scrutiny. The Kospi, Nasdaq, and European indices are all showing declines as inflation and rate expectations fuel selling.
Rights groups say 22 inmates—predominantly Palestinians—have been shot with rubber, plastic or sponge rounds since last year, with injuries ranging from leg wounds to a crushed testicle. Israel defends the use as measured and last-resort, while calls for accountability and policy changes grow.
The Houthis have fired multiple missiles at Aden’s Al-Maashiq Palace, the government says the prime minister and cabinet ministers are unharmed. Attacks also target Marib, while government forces push back Houthi fighters around Taiz amid heavy clashes.
The IEA reports tight diesel supply as demand remains fragile amid geopolitical shocks and shale and Gulf disruptions. The U.S. and Europe are considering stock releases to ease prices, while market volatility persists.
The BBC and Guardian report that the UK government is weighing an increase to the bank surcharge ahead of the 28 October budget. Ministers are considering reversing Hunt’s cuts and possibly returning the surcharge to 8%, which would raise billions in tax revenue while banks warn on competitiveness. Trade unions press for a larger levy amid record profits in the sector.
The Federal Reserve has shown no clear path for future rate moves as global central banks tighten. Officials emphasise they do not prejudge meetings, while data suggest inflation remains sticky. Markets are pricing in a likely hold at the October meeting, but risks of a December hike persist.
The Treasury has reported that federal net interest costs for the 2026 fiscal year have reached about $1.05 trillion, making debt service the third-largest federal outlay and larger than defense. The fiscal deficit has widened to roughly $2 trillion for the year, driven largely by higher interest payments as Treasury yields have climbed.
The government has signalled that a third Heathrow runway remains central to plans for growth, while ministers study responses to a public consultation. Heathrow’s owners say expansion would boost the economy and create jobs, but critics warn of climate risks and local disruption as planning hurdles loom.
Delegates at the IMF-World Bank meetings in Bangkok have walked out as Russia’s finance minister addressed the room, underscoring Europe’s stance on Moscow and signaling ongoing strain in global economic diplomacy. The incident follows tense debates over Russia’s role at the G20 and broader sanctions dynamics.
The IMF has signaled firm policy and financial support for Iraq and Lebanon during annual meetings in Bangkok, with discussions ongoing and a willingness to back programs as authorities outline priorities.
Egypt has offered "all necessary and possible" support to Saudi Arabia after repeated Houthi drone and missile strikes on airports, oil facilities and cities. President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi has asked parliament for emergency authorisation to deploy forces if Riyadh requests help and Cairo says any intervention will be defensive and paired with diplomatic de‑escalation.
IMF and Gulf states report that diversified export routes, robust reserves, and swift policy action are keeping Gulf economies resilient amid regional instability and a global energy shock. Saudi investments in energy infrastructure and regional cooperation are key factors in weathering disruption.
Elon Musk has said special committees at Tesla and SpaceX are exploring a possible merger and that combining the firms "would be a good idea." He has recused himself from the committees. The proposal would require approval from at least 50% of Tesla shareholders and has sparked stock movement and renewed debate over control, AI and national-security implications.
The Bank of Japan has kept its policy rate at 1.25% and is signaling a December or January hike could follow as inflation and wages rise. Analysts see a terminal rate around 1.75%–2%, with the yen and yields responding to policy shifts, energy costs, and wage growth.
BBC and The Guardian report on Sam Fender’s 2027 Proper Massive Stadium Tour. Fender has criticised high ticket prices and the splitting of standing sections, saying prices have inflated beyond the cost of putting on the shows. Presales begin soon, with general sale scheduled for Friday.
Hyrox world champion Joanna Wietrzyk has apologised for continuing to race in Beijing after falling ill, and organisers have updated rules to allow removal of athletes for contamination risks. She is preparing to return to competition in Hamburg amid ongoing backlash and calls for accountability.
Myanmar will hold by-elections in 55 constituencies across 34 lower-house seats, five upper-house seats and 16 regional seats. The vote aims to fill vacancies after the 2021 coup disrupted parliament, but observers warn the ballot may not shift power and could signal public support for contesting parties amid ongoing conflict in multiple states and regions.
AI-driven post-training, embodied AI, and robotics research are accelerating investment and development globally. Startups and legacy players are racing to enable robots to learn tasks from minimal demonstrations, while women’s leadership and regional policies shape the adoption and governance of these technologies.
Leaders gather as COP31 opens under pressure to translate past climate pledges into action. Delegates face financing for poorer nations, energy transition plans, and a shift toward renewables, while geopolitical tensions and energy shocks test commitments.
The 11-country Eurovision event is debuting in Bangkok, aiming to mirror Europe’s contest while navigating local tastes, geopolitics and regional music scenes. Bangkok hosts the unveiling as acts from Bhutan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and Vietnam compete for a three-minute showcase.