Economic Conditions and Trends

• Trump Is Making a Power Play in Latin America. China Is Already There. - China built a dominant strategic position in the region as the leading lender and trading partner. It is watching President Trump’s next moves closely.
• What to Know About the Protests in Iran - Galloping inflation, a currency crisis and anger at the regime have fueled demonstrations across the country.
• China Touts Hainan, Its Duty-Free Island, Amid $1 Trillion Trade Surplus - Policies meant to lure importers to Hainan, a resort island off China’s coast, signal an opening up, Beijing says. One expert calls it a “bait and switch.”
• After Trump’s Military Victory in Venezuela, Cuba’s Economy Is in ‘Freefall’ - With widespread power outages, medicine shortages and rising food prices, experts say Cuba’s economy has never been worse, with the crisis coming just as the supply of Venezuelan oil is threatened.
• Iran Offering Monthly Payments to Citizens to Cool Protests - The plan to give Iranians roughly $7 a month is the latest in a string of steps aimed at alleviating economic pressures. Critics say the payments cannot reverse the severity of the crisis.
• How Chevron Aims to Tap More Oil Below Kazakhstan’s Grassy Plains - After spending nearly $50 billion to expand the country’s Tengiz oil field, the American oil giant and its partners encounter more uncertainty.
• Iran Faces Economic Challenges and Military Threats - Officials said that leaders were in survival mode amid anti-government protests and the prospect of again coming into the cross hairs of Israel and the United States.
• Trump Says U.S. Is ‘Locked and Loaded’ if Iran Kills Protesters - Mr. Trump’s remarks are a sharp escalation as protests over economic hardship turned deadly.
• Cheap Solar Is Transforming Lives and Economies Across Africa - Chinese panels are now so affordable that businesses and families are snapping them up, slashing their bills and challenging utilities.
• Protests Over Iran’s Currency Crash and Inflation Spread to Universities - Iranian leaders face pressure over a currency collapse and threats of possible military strikes from Israel and the United States over Tehran’s nuclear activities.