- The US Federal Reserve began its two-day policy meeting on September 15, with markets pricing in a near-certain 25-basis-point interest rate hike to combat inflation running at 3.4% annually.
- Oil prices jumped and US bond yields hit 5.04% as investors braced for the Fed move, while equities retreated on Wall Street ahead of the decision.
- In the Middle East, Israeli forces killed a Hamas battalion commander in northern Gaza in a strike on September 15, escalating ground operations.
- Iran’s air defences reportedly shot down a third US drone over the Strait of Hormuz, heightening tensions in the vital shipping corridor.
- Houthi forces in Yemen advanced toward strategic islands near Bab al-Mandeb, threatening one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
- Saudi Arabia launched dozens of air strikes against Houthi positions as Yemen’s internationally recognised government accused the group of civilian killings.
- US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said oil flows through Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline would resume within days after last week’s attack.
- Israel’s far-right minister threatened to revoke the citizenship of filmmakers behind a Gaza documentary accusing the army of mass civilian killings.
- Canada and the European Union moved to forge a “unique alliance” to counterbalance US-China dominance, with Prime Minister Mark Carney signalling deeper trade and defence ties.
- EU leaders prepared a major policy speech on September 15 outlining priorities on AI regulation, climate recovery after summer wildfires, and online child safety.
- Russia’s “recklessness” was highlighted by Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy, who stressed that Russia is at war with Ukraine and potentially with wider Europe.
- The World Circular Economy Forum opened in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, on September 15, with over 2,000 stakeholders from 65 countries discussing sustainable growth.
- Gold prices in India climbed ahead of Ganesh Chaturthi, with 24K gold at ₹15,458 per gram on September 13, reflecting festive demand.
- Piramal Pharma’s UK facility received seven USFDA observations after an inspection between September 3–11, raising compliance questions for Indian pharma exports.
- The Gates Foundation warned that AI could widen global inequality and pledged $1 billion to improve access in low-income nations.
- Global markets remained volatile as Brent crude hovered near $107 a barrel following Houthi attacks on Saudi infrastructure and naval clashes involving US and Iranian-linked vessels.
- India’s wholesale inflation rose to 9.92% in August 2026, driven by food and fuel prices, complicating the RBI’s policy outlook.
- Retail inflation in India stood at 4.82% in August, with food prices pushing the index higher despite some base effects.
- The Indian rupee fell 33 paise to 94.82 against the dollar, pressured by aggressive dollar buying and elevated oil import costs.
- Sensex closed down 777 points at 74,668 and Nifty slipped to 23,118 as crude fears and Fed jitters dragged Indian markets into the red.
