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As recent LNG shipments from the Gulf arrive amid heightened tensions following U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, energy importers face urgency. Wealthy importers pay higher prices, while poorer nations reduce education and work hours, all while seeking alternative energy sources like coal.

On April 2, 2025, President Trump declared a significant economic independence through harsh tariffs, prompting severe backlash from global allies like Canada and Japan. This sparked fears of an impending trade war.

The 15th five-year plan outlines China's ambitious vision for the future, emphasizing technological advancements like flying taxis, fusion power, and quantum computing, akin to Elon Musk's futuristic ideas.

Markets are paradoxical, where buyers and sellers believe they are making advantageous trades. Investors challenge markets while the "no-arbitrage" principle suggests identical pay-offs should equal prices, yet arbitrageurs continue to thrive.

Investors typically seek assets that generate income, like bonds with coupons and stocks with dividends. However, gold stands apart as it yields no cash flow, and its limited practical uses don't fully explain its significant role in portfolios.

_Editor’s note (March 23rd): This piece has been updated to reflect Mr Trump’s decision to delay his threatened strikes against Iranian infrastructure._

Recent LNG shipments from the Gulf are arriving amid escalating tensions following attacks on Iran. Energy importers, especially in poorer nations, are struggling to adapt, with some increasing spending on LNG while others turn to coal or implement energy cutbacks.

After falling near 2%, inflation in the rich world has risen again due to disruptions from the war in Iran impacting energy markets, causing oil prices to soar and petrol costs to increase in the US.

The ongoing Gulf war has damaged the reputation of Middle East petro-monarchies as reliable oil suppliers, with the Strait of Hormuz closed and significant reductions in production and export revenues.

The third Gulf war has triggered a global energy crisis, leading to gas rationing in Nepal, fuel conservation measures in Sri Lanka, and school closures in Pakistan as countries brace for severe economic impacts.

Christine Lagarde warns that the risks of the Iran war are underestimated, highlighting the unprecedented energy shock. She suggests that expectations for a quick return to normal are overly optimistic, indicating a profound impact ahead.

In 1847, laborers in Kottayam, Kerala, discovered a hoard of ancient gold coins, which they traded cheaply. While many coins were melted down, some survived, providing valuable insights into global currency and ancient economies, with finds in locations like Scotland.

The 1970s' economic trauma, marked by oil price spikes and stagflation, parallels current events with Trump's conflict in Iran, causing surging oil prices and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Jacinda Ardern's relocation to Sydney after her tenure as New Zealand's prime minister has sparked concerns amid rising emigration trends in the West. Highlighting inadequate government tracking of emigrants, the article discusses the implications of the growing "expat economy."

China’s 15th five-year plan envisions ambitious technological advancements like flying taxis and fusion power, echoing past initiatives. While China has made strides in various fields, achieving dominance in future technologies remains a significant challenge.

The essay discusses the lack of focus by economists on sex work compared to other disciplines. A book highlights that only a small fraction of academic research on sex work adopts an economic perspective, with most studies relating to biology, psychology, or law.

Markets are paradoxical, where buyers and sellers believe they are making advantageous trades. Investors challenge markets while the "no-arbitrage" principle suggests identical pay-offs should equal prices, yet arbitrageurs continue to thrive.

The ongoing Gulf war has significantly impacted global oil and gas supply, as Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupts roughly 20% of production. This disruption has driven up Brent crude prices by 45% and European gas prices by 65%.

Investors typically seek cash-generating assets like stocks and bonds, but gold lacks cash flows. Its primary value lies in serving as a hedge against market crises, maintaining value over time despite its minimal real-world applications.

Christine Lagarde warns that the risks of the Iran war are underestimated, highlighting the unprecedented energy shock. She suggests that expectations for a quick return to normal are overly optimistic, indicating a profound impact ahead.