trade truce

China signals willingness to accept existing US tariff levels while seeking to extend the current trade truce. Beijing hopes Washington will honor previous understandings, aiming to stabilize economic ties. Discussions are expected to focus on extending the one-year agreement and reducing unilateral tariffs.

Israel and Lebanon have agreed to renew a ceasefire and establish security zones in Lebanon, barring Hezbollah from these areas. This US-mediated deal hinges on a complete halt to Hezbollah fire and their withdrawal south of the Litani River, with the Lebanese army taking control.

President Trump has yet to approve a proposed deal with Iran, emphasizing that any agreement must meet his conditions, including preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. While discussions continue, Iran denies negotiating under US dictates. The uncertainty impacts energy markets, with regional tensions also escalating between Iran, the US, and Israel-Hezbollah.

AIADMK faces internal turmoil as Hosur MLA P Balakrishna Reddy backs Edappadi K Palaniswami, signaling a potential truce. This follows multiple rebel MLAs submitting apology letters to avoid disqualification after voting against party lines. The party's strength in the Assembly has dwindled due to recent resignations, intensifying a 'horse-trading' row.

Oil prices remained elevated as markets awaited confirmation of a fragile US-Iran ceasefire, with Brent crude trading near $100 per barrel. Asian shares rose, led by Japan's Nikkei hitting a record high, though caution persisted regarding the impact of the ongoing conflict on global energy markets.

Oil prices fluctuated as US-Iran talks showed signs of progress, clashing with US military strikes on Iranian missile sites and vessels. Hopes for the Strait of Hormuz reopening were dampened by fresh clashes, adding to market uncertainty after a major energy shock.

The US has proposed a plan to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Lebanon, urging Hezbollah to halt attacks in exchange for Israel refraining from escalation in Beirut. Meanwhile, President Trump has reportedly sent back a proposed agreement with Iran for further revisions, seeking tougher provisions and guarantees against nuclear weapons.

On Tuesday, Kyiv was jolted by drone strikes, shattering a fragile three-day ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump. The capital's air raid sirens, silent since Friday, echoed through the streets as Ukrainian defenses sprang into action. Both warring parties had already exchanged blame for previous ceasefire breaches, undermining Trump's hopes for a lasting peace.

Presidents Xi and Trump are set for a crucial summit, aiming for stability despite deep-seated issues like tech rivalry and Taiwan. While a trade deal might emerge, it won't end the underlying friction. China's focus on domestic chip production and its stance on Taiwan, deemed the 'biggest risk,' will also be key discussion points. The US may also expect China's mediation in ending the Iranian mess.

Russia resumed attacks on Ukraine with drone strikes on Kyiv as a three-day truce expired, while one person was killed in Dnipropetrovsk. Moscow claims to have downed 27 Ukrainian drones. Despite hopes for peace, both sides accused each other of violations during the ceasefire, with President Zelensky stating fighting continued.

President Trump's Beijing visit concluded without major breakthroughs, highlighting a widening gap in core interests between the US and China. While projecting stability, the meetings revealed limited cooperation on issues like Iran and Taiwan, with trade offering the only tangible deliverables. Both leaders claimed victory, entering a transactional phase focused on leverage.

Oil prices saw a slight uptick as traders awaited crucial talks between US President Trump and China's Xi Jinping. Lingering concerns over the Strait of Hormuz disruptions and the ongoing Middle East conflict are keeping markets on edge. Despite US pressure, China's continued reliance on Iranian oil adds complexity to potential resolutions.

The Trump-Xi summit yielded no major breakthroughs, with both leaders sticking to their strategic interests, particularly concerning Taiwan. Russia's intensified attacks on Ukraine, met with Ukrainian drone strikes deep into Russia, highlight Moscow's continued aggression. Latvia's government collapsed over a drone incident, underscoring regional security concerns. Meanwhile, a joint US-Nigeria operation eliminated the Islamic State's No. 2 leader in Nigeria.

President Trump embarks on a crucial three-day visit to China, set to engage in high-stakes talks with President Xi Jinping. Discussions will span critical global issues including the Middle East conflict, Taiwan, AI, and nuclear weapons. Business leaders are accompanying Trump, signaling a focus on trade and potential new deals, as both nations navigate complex economic and security landscapes.

US President Trump expressed optimism for his upcoming visit to China and meeting with President Xi Jinping, anticipating positive outcomes for both nations. Accompanied by prominent business leaders, Trump aims to discuss trade, Iran, tariffs, and AI, seeking to strengthen US economic and national security interests.

Xi dealt with Trump as his equal, pitting Beijing’s grand strategic concerns against Washington’s transactionalism. Yes, both sides outwardly agreed on some issues. But Beijing is playing a long game

Iran's chief negotiator insists Washington must accept Tehran's peace plan, warning of continued failure otherwise. President Trump, however, deemed Iran's response 'unacceptable,' escalating tensions. The ongoing conflict has triggered an energy shock, spiking oil prices and threatening global supply chains. Fighting also persists in Lebanon, with Hezbollah vowing to make the battlefield 'hell' for Israel.

A ceasefire between the US and Iran is reportedly still in place despite an Iranian attack on US destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting US retaliatory strikes. Both sides accuse the other of initiating the exchange, threatening a fragile truce that ended weeks of conflict. Tensions remain high as negotiations continue.

President Donald Trump is set to visit China from May 13-15 for talks with President Xi Jinping, focusing on easing trade tensions and discussing Iran. Broader issues like tariffs and Taiwan are also on the agenda. The visit aims to rebalance the relationship, prioritizing reciprocity and fairness for American economic independence.

This week, US President Donald Trump will embark on a pivotal journey to China, where his host expects 'more stability' in terms of trade disputes and the turbulence in the Middle East. A day before his visit, key economic advisers and trade negotiators will meet in Seoul to finalise critically important negotiations.

Amidst rising tensions, Israeli troops executed a high-stakes operation near the Litani River, striking key Hezbollah positions and arms depots. Officials indicated that the clash resulted in the neutralization of various militants as forces engaged in direct combat, affecting over 100 installations. This military action raises concerns given the existing ceasefire, with both parties experiencing losses since its commencement.

US President Trump announced a three-day Russia-Ukraine ceasefire from May 9-11, hoping for a long-term peace deal and a prisoner exchange. Despite this, fighting persisted, with both sides reporting attacks. Ukraine accused Russia of continuing assaults, while Russia claimed to intercept numerous drones. The truce follows Russia's Victory Day, a proposal Kyiv had previously dismissed.

During his recent trip to Beijing, President Trump showcased a willingness to engage in conversations about US arms sales to Taiwan, confident that his personal bond with Xi Jinping would act as a buffer against any potential Chinese aggression. The visit, primarily focused on enhancing trade relations, also included key American business leaders.

In a charged political atmosphere, Defence secretary Pete Hegseth is facing tough questions from lawmakers, including some from his own party, regarding the prolonged conflict in Iran and its controversial lack of congressional authorization. The Trump administration's ambitious military spending plan is taking a backseat to growing concerns about economic fallout and rising international tensions.

Jewellery stocks saw a sharp decline on Monday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed to citizens to reduce gold purchases. This call aims to preserve foreign exchange reserves. Major jewellery companies experienced significant drops in their share prices. Investors reacted quickly to the potential demand impact. Indian equities opened lower amid global concerns.

US President Donald Trump branded Iran's terms for ending the Middle East war "totally unacceptable", raising the possibility of fresh conflict and sending oil prices sharply higher in early Asia trade on Monday. The impasse unnerved global energy markets, with international benchmark Brent crude prices rising 4.65 percent to $99.95 a barrel during Monday morning trade in Asia.