Geopolitics

Soybean prices have risen more than corn prices amid the war between Israel, the United States, and Iran, despite larger global soybean stocks. AgRural analyst attributes this to soybeans' more concentrated production and harder substitution. Brazilian producers saw gains offset by logistics costs.

March 24, 2026 Reported by AI

Overseas galleries at Hong Kong's Art Central are considering keeping their artworks in the city for months after the fair due to soaring shipping costs from the US-Israeli war on Iran. Fuel surcharges have risen by as much as four times, gallerists told the South China Morning Post. The fair opens at Central Harbourfront on Wednesday and runs until Sunday.

DPP Partai Golkar has voiced support for the government's call to celebrate Lebaran 2026 simply, amid global geopolitical pressures affecting domestic conditions.

March 21, 2026 Reported by AI

Gold prices have fallen unexpectedly amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia, diverging from their traditional safe-haven role. A strong U.S. dollar, rising Treasury yields, and profit-taking after recent gains are key factors suppressing prices. Analysts note a choppy near-term outlook but constructive long-term prospects.

South Korea's government vowed to deploy all resources to stabilize financial markets amid escalating Middle East tensions and the U.S. Federal Reserve's rate freeze. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol emphasized 24-hour monitoring of foreign exchange markets with timely interventions if needed. Authorities also raised the crude oil supply disruption alert to Level 2 and secured 24 million barrels from the UAE.

March 16, 2026 Reported by AI

Alkyl Amines Chemicals announced a temporary halt in production of certain products due to a shortage of ammonia, a key raw material. The company's shares dropped 4% following the disclosure. The disruption stems from geopolitical conflict in the Middle East affecting supply chains.