Here are the latest global economic developments on Wednesday around 14:00 GMT, the 33rd day of the conflict in the Middle East:
- Wall Street opens higher, banking on de-escalation in the Middle East
A wave of optimism swept over the stock markets on Thursday, as they embraced the latest remarks from US President Donald Trump considering a US withdrawal from the war in Iran within two to three weeks.
In early trading, the Dow Jones was up 0.69%, the Nasdaq rose by 0.70%, and the S&P 500 gained 0.56%.
Shortly before 12:00 GMT, major European indices all saw increases of over 2%: London (+2.04%), Paris (+2.08%), Frankfurt (+2.82%), and Milan (+3.33%).
- Fuel in France: the government ready to implement energy-saving measures in case of supply issues
The French government is prepared to implement energy-saving measures in case of fuel supply difficulties, as stated by government spokesperson Maud Bregeon on Wednesday, without specifying these measures.
The price of SP95-E10 reached the symbolic 2 euros per liter mark on Wednesday in France, based on data from 7,289 gas stations transmitted to the French government by AFP.
Since February 27, the day before the initial Israeli-American strikes on Iran that led to a surge in oil prices, the price of SP95-E10 has increased by 28 cents per liter in metropolitan France, a leap of 16.26%.
- Fuel prices soar at the pump in the UAE
With gasoline prices rising by over 30% and diesel by 72%, fuel prices at the pump are also soaring in the United Arab Emirates, a major oil producer, one month after the start of the war in the Middle East.
Although still lower compared to the increases experienced by drivers in Europe, these prices are set at 3.39 dirhams (0.92 dollars) per liter for gasoline and 4.69 dirhams (1.28 dollars) per liter for diesel, as decided by the public commission responsible for setting prices monthly.
**Context: This article provides updates on various economic aspects related to the conflict in the Middle East, including stock market reactions, fuel prices in France and the UAE, and forecasts on economic growth in different countries.
**Fact Check: The content includes information on stock market trends, fuel prices, and economic impacts of the conflict in the Middle East.
