Category: Business

Gold fell about 15% after an early-March spike tied to US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with a hawkish Federal Reserve stance and a stronger dollar outweighing geopolitical safe-haven demand.

Investors are shifting capital into China as geopolitical tensions around Iran prompt a flight to perceived stability, with Chinese officials at the China Development Forum emphasizing continued openness to foreign investment.

Hong Kong retailers and eateries are returning to street‑level premises and trying short‑term pop‑up leases as rents fall and retail demand stays weak, reversing the old ‘upstairs’ strategy.

HSBC CEO Georges Elhedery pledged continued investment in China at the China Development Forum 2026, calling the country a “new phase of development” as Chinese companies expand overseas amid shifting trade dynamics.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan says the city will bolster its global standing and strengthen ties between mainland China and the West to serve as a “superconnector” amid geopolitical shifts.

Panama’s banking sector reported about $125 million in attempted electronic frauds in 2025, with $20 million realized. Banks have stepped up monitoring and launched a national campaign to change user behavior.

BingX announced the launch of BingX AI Claw, described as the world’s first AI-powered multi-asset trading analyst, in a press release datelined Panama City. The move could prompt interest from Panama’s fintech and financial communities as details about availability and regulation emerge.

A March 22, 2026 EIN Presswire report says the Middle East crisis is expected to increase fuel tanker transits through the Panama Canal, with potential operational, economic and safety implications for Panama.

Rising transportation costs are driving up vegetable prices, including tomatoes, at Panama markets, worrying merchants and putting pressure on Panamanian household budgets.

The Panama Canal Authority is creating 3,000 new jobs and is asking applicants to register and apply directly via its official job portal, the ACP.

At the China Development Forum, Premier Li Qiang urged global commitment to openness and tech-driven “blue ocean” markets while warning that protectionism and “power politics” threaten global growth.

Chinese new‑style tea brands are expanding into South Korea as consumers seek healthier drinks. Chagee will open three Seoul stores in Q2 and operated 7,338 teahouses as of the end of September.

Vendors at Mercado San Felipe Neri have raised prices for lettuce, tomato and celery, blaming higher fuel costs in Panama and asking the government for a subsidy to ease transport expenses.

HSBC has asked a Hong Kong mother to repay HK$126,580 in fraudulent charges after her credit card was stolen, while she says a friend who reported a similar theft had charges waived.

Vegetable prices for lettuce, celery and tomatoes have risen in Panama markets as vendors link the increases to higher transport costs driven by recent fuel price rises; sellers propose fuel subsidies to ease the impact.

The Panama Canal Authority is recruiting through empleos.pancanal.com as it plans to create around 3,000 new jobs; applicants must apply via the official portal, with most roles requiring Spanish.

The Panamanian government reported a B/.300 million rise in public debt in 2026 while securing B/.200 million in savings on global bonds, a mixed signal for fiscal management.

Weeks of drone and missile attacks linked to Iran have disrupted major sporting events across the Gulf, exposing vulnerabilities in a long-term strategy that uses global sports to diversify oil-dependent economies and enhance national image.

A study finds global debt reached a record US$348 trillion in 2025, with the US the largest debtor in absolute terms; experts warn U.S. debt dysfunction could spark global market turmoil.

Merchants in Colón warn that rising fuel costs could push up food and product prices or force smaller portions. They urge authorities to adopt mitigation measures to protect consumers.