IMF & AI Policy: An IMF note says AI could lift Europe’s productivity by ~1% over five years, but risks widening inequality, straining power grids and boosting reliance on foreign tech—urging deeper EU integration to spread benefits. US–China Trade Shock: Trump’s summit talks with Xi are set to focus on tariffs, AI controls and rare-earth supply curbs, with leverage tactics raising uncertainty for global supply chains. Fed & US Growth Doubt: A pushback against “steady growth” forecasts highlights a squeeze from slowing consumer spending and renewed rate pressure, keeping markets jittery. Pakistan Protests Risk: Pakistan’s finance minister warns long marches, sit-ins and strikes could cost the economy about Rs120bn a day, hitting services, industry and revenues. Sudan Currency Crisis: Sudan’s pound has swung wildly as the war deepens FX shortages, widening the gap between official and parallel rates. Gulf Market Hit: Saudi and Qatar stocks fell after Houthi claims of attacks on Riyadh, adding risk premium to the region. Trade & Industry Moves: Qatar launched an e-commerce licence for approved activities via company websites; China unveiled a 2026-30 plan to scale electronic information manufacturing for AI. Energy Finance: IFC is considering up to $200m for a 700MW gas plant in Jordan’s Mafraq, aiming to strengthen grid reliability.