Egypt Tax Delay Means Rich Pay Less to Cut Deficit: IMF

The International Monetary Fund criticized Egypt’s decision to delay imposing capital gains tax on stocks because it means that the cost of shoring up public finances will be borne by “people who are less able to afford it.”

Ukraine crisis sends wheat and corn prices soaring

Wheat and corn prices have risen sharply in response to the crisis in Ukraine, which is one of the world's biggest exporters of both crops.

Iran's most sensitive uranium stockpile falls after nuclear deal

(Reuters) - The size of Iran's most contested uranium stockpile has declined significantly for the first time in four years following a landmark nuclear deal with world powers in November, the U.N. atomic watchdog reported on Thursday.

Forget Nobel Peace Prize, EU launches summit warfare

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union may have won the Nobel Peace Prize this year, but to many EU leaders, officials, diplomats and even journalists, it can feel more like a torture chamber.

Middle East MICE industry is upbeat

The overall outlook for the Middle East Meetings Incentives Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry is upbeat, despite recent regional political upheaval. This is according to delegates polled at the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) which is being held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre this week.

At a panel discussion entitled ‘What is happening in the World of Meetings?’ hosted by Sally Greenhill, from The Right Solution, delegates were asked how the current political unrest had affected their business.

Korean Won Drops on Concern Mideast Tensions Will Derail Global Recovery

South Korea’s won fell to its lowest in more than a week on concern rising fuel prices caused by escalating tensions in the Middle East will derail the global economic recovery, hurting exports. Government bonds advanced.

Foreign investors sold more Korean stocks than they bought for the first time in four days as security forces in Libya, holder of Africa’s largest oil reserves, attacked anti- government protesters following ousters of leaders in Tunisia and Egypt. The Kospi index of shares sank to a two-month low as crude oil climbed to the highest level since September 2008. Stock prices of builders slumped the most since 2009, led by Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., on concern orders will fall as Korean construction sites were attacked in Libya.