Global Market Turmoil, Middle East Oil Risks, and Lebanon's IMF Talks

This episode of Horizons Middle East and Africa covers the deepening global equity selloff driven by hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation data, explores the impact of Houthi attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure and shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and features an exclusive interview with Lebanon's central bank governor on IMF negotiations. Additional segments include NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang on AI safety, and updates on Ukraine, Anthropic, and South Africa's energy market.

■ Market Selloff and Inflation
- Asia-Pacific stocks plunge, Kospi trading halted; chip stocks hit hard
- U.S. CPI rises fastest in five months, fueling rate hike expectations
- Treasury yields drop as investors seek safe havens

■ Oil and Middle East Tensions
- Oil prices lower despite Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia; supply disruptions limited
- Strait of Hormuz shipping reduced, container ship sinks; insurance and shipping costs rise
- Analyst discussion on risks to oil production and infrastructure

■ Lebanon IMF Talks
- Exclusive interview with central bank governor on progress toward IMF agreement
- Banking sector restructuring, financial consolidation plans, and timeline
- Impact of conflict and displacement on economy

■ AI and Technology
- NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang discusses AI safety, containment, and responsible development
- Anthropic revenue reaches $16.8 billion, profitability, and planned IPO
- OpenAI employee espionage case

■ Other News
- Ukraine accuses Trump and Musk of restricting Starlink access
- South Africa's Eskom seeks new revenue streams amid energy market liberalization
- Voltera Platinum (world's largest platinum producer) strategy and demand outlook

This episode is aimed at investors, economic analysts, and those monitoring Middle East geopolitics and energy markets. Viewers gain updates on key financial and political developments, along with expert perspectives on market drivers and regional risks.