The inflation rate in Turkey jumped in May, official statistics showed Monday, increasing pressure on the central bank to again raise interest rates as fears persist over the strength of the economy.

State-owned energy giant Qatar Petroleum on Sunday signed an agreement to buy a 30-percent stake in Exxon Mobil hydrocarbon affiliates in Argentina.

US-imposed trade tariffs on its close allies could have a "grave impact" on ties and the world trading system, the Japanese government said Monday, describing the situation as "extremely deplorable".

Qatar has weathered the economic impacts of a stifling Saudi-led blockade, maintaining healthy growth, but some sectors continue to pay the price a year after the crisis erupted.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in the Argentine capital Friday to protest talks between the government and the IMF amid fresh public anger over a hike in utility prices.

The International Monetary Fund announced the release of the latest instalment of Sri Lanka's $1.5 billion bailout on Saturday, but warned that restructuring the loss-making national airline was essential to sustain economic recovery.

US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross arrived in Beijing Saturday for talks aiming to ease tensions over tariffs that have heightened fears of a trade war between the world's two biggest economies, Chinese state media said.

Emmanuel Macron told Donald Trump late Thursday that tariffs on steel and aluminium imports from the European Union were "illegal" and that the EU would respond in a "firm and proportionate manner", the Elysee Palace said.
The phone call between the French president and his US counterpart came after the US announced the steep metals tariffs would be imposed on the European Union, Canada and Mexico as of midnight (0400 GMT Friday).

Canada hit back at steep US tariffs on aluminum and steel on Thursday, announcing retaliatory duties on up to Can$16.6 billion (US$12.8 billion) in American imports.

Moody's on Wednesday placed a dozen Italian banks and several major companies on negative ratings watch, as the country's political problems drag on.
