China's GDP growth picks up to 4.5% in third quarter
Growth exceeded the 4.4% forecast, while authorities have expanded housing and credit support without introducing large-scale stimulus.
Trump waives Russia sanctions as US and India pursue trade deal
Indian goods had faced potential tariffs of up to 100%. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said trade negotiations influenced the waiver decision.
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order waiving key Russia-related sanctions and tariffs under the Graham Act, removing a threat of duties of up to 100% on Indian goods. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said negotiations over a US-India trade agreement were a factor in the decision.
The waiver covers duties on Russian goods and penalties tied to purchases of Russian oil and gas. Trump said the decision served the US national interest. India, among the five biggest buyers of Russian oil, had warned that the planned tariff measures could damage relations with Washington.
Rubio said the two countries were close to completing a trade agreement. His planned two-day trip to India includes talks with Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar covering energy, trade, investment and defense.
India ranks third globally in oil imports and consumption. Russia supplied nearly half of its oil imports earlier in the year, though purchases dropped in August and have continued to fall. Rubio said some countries face difficulties finding alternative energy supplies.
The tariff threat had contributed to stalled trade negotiations. Another obstacle is an unfinished US Section 301 investigation into alleged excess manufacturing capacity in several countries, including India. New Delhi has joined a US-led effort to address structural overcapacity.
Michael Kugelman, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council in Washington, said the sanctions pause could help build confidence and give negotiators room to resolve remaining issues.