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According to Jin10 data citing a survey by Venezuela's Industrial Federation released on August 19, manufacturers in the country faced critical power shortages in the second quarter, with enterprises operating an average of 488 work hours while 214 hours lacked electricity supply. The survey reported an average of 57 unplanned outages per company, roughly 5 per week, representing an 18% increase from the previous quarter. Years of insufficient investment and poor maintenance in Venezuela's power

According to Venezuela's Central Bank, oil-related activities grew 9.10% in the second quarter, while the non-oil sector expanded 5.79% during the same period.

According to the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), peak electricity demand is forecast to exceed the current record of 91.089 gigawatts (GW) daily during Aug 20-24 amid a new heat wave. Wind power generation could drop by as much as 5 GW by Friday and remain below normal levels into the following week, adding pressure to the grid's demand management.

According to the US State Department, on March 27-30, 2026, the department issued a $10 million reward through the Rewards for Justice program for information about Iranian hackers tied to groups Handala and Parsian Afzar Rayan Borna, which have links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS). Handala has publicly claimed responsibility for cyber intrusions targeting the FBI as recently as 2026. Tipsters can submit information through an

According to Bank of America strategists Oliver Levingston and Ralf Preusser, the financial market is underpricing risks from the forthcoming El Niño phenomenon on global food supply chains, and the bank recommends buying the New Zealand dollar (NZD) as a hedge. The strategists said the cyclical weather pattern could trigger the most severe seasonal disruptions since 1950, creating "widespread agricultural supply shock risks." Production of wheat in Australia and Argentina, corn and sugar in Bra

According to Yonhapinfomax, December gold futures (GCZ6) fell to $4,419 per troy ounce on August 18 (US Eastern afternoon), down 1.22% or $54.70 from the previous close. Gold retreated from $4,500 resistance after a rapid monthlong rally. Rising global bond yields and a stronger U.S. dollar are pressuring gold prices, as higher rates reduce the appeal of the non-interest-bearing asset to international investors.

According to Venezuela Central Bank, the country's economy posted year-over-year growth of 7.14% in the second quarter of 2026.

According to OpenAI's August 7 announcement, the company delayed Astra's (GPT-6) release due to cybersecurity risks identified in internal evaluations. The company stated it "cannot rule out critical cyber capabilities" that could find and build zero-day exploits without human intervention. Prediction market traders remain bullish on a near-term launch. On Polymarket, traders give a 72% probability of release by September 30 and 59% by September 15. On Myriad, the market favors September 30 as t

According to the UAE Defense Ministry, Iran fired two ballistic missiles at the country on Tuesday, marking the first known attack on the Gulf state since May amid broader Middle East conflict. Both missiles landed in the sea, with one falling in UAE territorial waters and the other outside the nation's maritime boundary.

According to Edaily, Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix are expected to announce new shareholder return policies in Q3 2026, with combined annual returns estimated at 220 trillion won (Samsung 120 trillion, SK Hynix 100 trillion), representing 50% of free cash flow. Securities analysts project Samsung's 2026 FCF could reach 230-270 trillion won, while SK Hynix may accumulate net cash of around 200 trillion won by year-end. The announcement comes as global memory manufacturers Micron and SanDisk co

According to Money Today, South Korea's KOSPI index fell 108.11 points (1.55%) to close at 6869.83 on August 18, snapping a five-day winning streak as foreign investor buying interest weakened. The index rose to 7216.62 intraday before reversing to lower levels. Foreign investors purchased 86 billion Korean won in net inflows, a sharp decline from previous sessions, while institutions sold 784.9 billion Korean won. Geopolitical tensions originating from the Middle East and rising U.S. Treasury y

According to CBS, on August 19, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected ceasefire proposals, stating that Iran will only accept an end to war. "We have told mediators we will not accept a ceasefire; the war must end," Araghchi said. He added that Iran emphasizes the war must conclude in a way that prevents future recurrence.

According to Politico, President Trump is weighing whether to delay tariffs on Canada.

Recently, the Dutch Foreign Minister stated that the Netherlands opposes the recent sanctions imposed by the United States on officials and staff of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

According to CBS and U.S. regional officials, President Trump threatened to bomb Oman on Tuesday after learning of its pending agreement with Iran on managing the Hormuz Strait shipping corridor. Trump opposes arrangements whereby Iran and Oman would jointly manage the strait's exit passage, and disputes the agreement's voluntary fee structure for vessels.

U.S. President Donald Trump is interviewing multiple candidates for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director position this week.

According to Reuters on August 4, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission is drafting restrictions targeting new Chinese optical-transceiver models used in AI data centers, a measure officials hope to publish this year. The reported ban would restrict imports of new Chinese models rather than require removal of existing equipment. However, the FCC has not yet published a final rule, and the proposal could still be modified or abandoned. The regulatory report has already repriced the optical s

According to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a latest statement, the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains a public health emergency of international concern.

According to financial investment industry data on August 18, KOSPI 200 companies' Q2 operating profit surged 286% year-over-year to 245.3 trillion won, marking a record high. Net income attributable to shareholders jumped 430% to 237 trillion won. The earnings season was marked by widespread outperformance, with 57.4% of companies beating expectations—the highest ratio since Q1 2021. Profit improvement extended beyond semiconductors into refining, materials, industrials, healthcare, and financi

According to U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy Hoehstetter, approximately half of Venezuela's current oil production is being exported to the United States.