Oil-Price Shock Meets Local Inflation: In the Philippines’ Cordillera, the Iran war’s fuel and commodity disruptions are feeding through fast—April inflation jumped to 7.6% after 4.5% in March, with diesel inflation hitting 101.4% and gasoline soaring 54% as transport costs bite. Middle East Cost War of Words: Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi mocked the US over rising Treasury yields, fuel prices, and household strain, warning the “real pain” will show up in debt and mortgage rates. US–China Confidence, Trade Still in Focus: US business leaders in China pointed to innovation as the engine of growth, while China and the US keep signaling “positive outcomes” from economic consultations. Digital Economy Under Pressure: Canada’s Bill C-22 is drawing alarms from tech and cybersecurity groups, who warn it could damage AI/cloud competitiveness by pushing companies toward surveillance-style mechanisms. Nigeria Inflation Pressure: Nigeria’s Lagos Chamber of Commerce urged faster macro reforms as April inflation rose to 15.69%, stressing FX stability and cost relief for firms and households. Regional Politics, Real Growth Risks: Somalia’s talks stalled after Puntland left Mogadishu, while Iraq’s new PM pledged anti-corruption and economic reform.