Economic slowdown

West Afghanistan female dress-code crackdown hits businesses

Women in Herat said they no longer go out unless absolutely necessary, fearing they could be stopped by the authorities over alleged dress-code violations.

Why more South Koreans are becoming ‘full-time children’

More young people in South Korea are embracing life as a "full-time child".

Oracle cut 21,000 jobs in 12 months, says AI replaced some roles

The company had a total workforce of 141,000 as at May 31, compared with about 162,000 as of the same period in 2025.

UK economy shrank in April as Iran war began to take its toll

British businesses and consumers grapple with higher energy costs and borrowing rates triggered by the Iran war.

Why Trump’s war has not broken Iran’s economy

The war has caused thousands of businesses in Iran to close, and at least a million jobs are estimated to have been lost since the conflict began.

Philippines says Iran war sends economic growth to five-year low

A vendor carries a sack of ice at a market in Marikina City, Metro Manila, Philippines, 05 May 2026.

ASEAN economic ministers say Middle East war could significantly slow regional growth

ASEAN said rising energy and transport costs are cascading into food systems, including higher fertiliser prices and potential disruptions in fertiliser supply chains.

Indian officials see Iran war oil shock as disruptive as Covid-19

India gets about 90 per cent of its gas from the Middle East.

Energy shock from Iran war to hit S’pore sectors like property and F&B; bunkering already affected

A prolonged disruption to global energy supplies poses risks of higher inflation and weaker growth in Singapore, and moderate demand for labour and wage growth.

Australian business, consumer confidence crashes on worries about fallout from Iran war

The two surveys added to concerns that both supply and demand shocks could put the Australian economy into stagflation.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.