Saudi Defense Minister Set for Tehran Talks, Trump Weighs Iran Deal or New Strikes

Saudi Arabia’s defence minister is expected in Tehran for regional security talks with Pakistani and Turkish officials. Trump weighs a deal with Iran against renewed attacks, while oil retreats from a six-month high as Hormuz risks persist. Lula wins a record fourth presidential term in Brazil, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro by 4.4 million votes. Bolsonaro challenges the result, while markets brace for further losses. Markets face a packed week of central-bank decisions and earnings. The Fed is expected to hold rates, while Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, Samsung and SK hynix report amid scrutiny of AI spending. Japan’s Topix edges higher as oil supports commodity shares. SK hynix resists the AI selloff, while Chinese AI stocks fall. Goldman Sachs cuts its Kospi target but sees significant upside and identifies the yen as a potential hedge against AI-driven volatility. Commercial Bank of Dubai Chief Economist Deepak Mehra expects inflation to return to target by end-2027, warning wider credit spreads could slow AI expansion. ING Belgium’s Vincent Juvyns says AI concerns persist but favours technology and emerging markets. Musk says SpaceX secured $40 billion in debt financing for AI chips. Volkswagen plans an Audi factory in Georgia, while Brookfield prepares to open a Doha office. Israel votes October 27, with Gadi Eisenkot challenging Netanyahu, who has Trump’s endorsement. The war dominates campaigning, while former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert criticises the government and economist Zvi Eckstein says the economy remains resilient. The UAE closes more beaches following a Gulf oil spill. Lana Nusseibeh pledges independence if selected as UN secretary-general. Senegal’s budget dispute escalates as the ruling Pastef party opposes spending cuts. A proposed $2.2 billion IMF programme faces uncertainty, while Algeria prepares a deployment to Niger focused on security. France sees bond futures rise after Moody’s review, while European defence powers prepare to identify Russia as their main security threat. Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić concedes defeat in a snap election. Elsewhere, Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado returns from exile, while North Korea’s Kim Jong Un…