The International Monetary Fund has flagged concerns the Middle East is sliding into recession, with the Iran conflict causing an economic slump across the region and sending energy costs up. Corporate outlooks have weakened in response to the spike in oil prices.

The IMF also revised Romania's outlook downward, projecting a 0.5% contraction in 2026 with inflation running at 8.2%. In Australia, the downturn is reflected in the property market, where auction clearance rates have dropped under 50% for two weeks running and house prices are softening across the country.