On 18 September 2026, global economic news included gains in gold-related stocks and a rebound in gold prices, an extension of South Korea's fuel tax relief, China's call for stable coal supplies, a Bank of Japan rate hike, and several developments involving the economies of Japan, China and South Korea.
Asian gold-mining stocks rose across the board in trading on 18 September, while gold prices continued to recover from a six-week low amid lower crude oil prices and a weaker US dollar. It has been suggested that the outlook for further Federal Reserve rate hikes eased psychological pressure.
South Korea's Ministry of Economy and Finance announced that fuel tax relief measures would be extended for another two months through the end of November 2026, against the backdrop of heightened tensions in the Middle East. The ministry said the move was intended to ease the burden of fuel costs on the public.
With spot prices for coal, a key fuel for thermal power generation, remaining elevated, the Chinese government issued a joint notice with the relevant departments strongly urging coal-mining companies to maintain stable production and secure supplies.
As debate over whether to restrain the pace of AI development resurfaces, some have proposed making emergency shutdown switches mandatory, while others have pointed to the practical risks.
At its September monetary policy meeting, the Bank of Japan raised its policy rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1.25% to address surging energy prices and curb the yen's depreciation. The decision was in line with market expectations.