(March 30): The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that the US-Israeli war against Iran threatens a “global, yet asymmetric” shock, dimming the outlook for economies that were just recovering from previous crises. “All roads lead to higher prices and slower growth,” the IMF said. Beyond the energy disruption, higher food and fertiliser prices are affecting some countries from the Middle East to Latin America, with low-income economies at risk of food insecurity, the IMF warned. The interruption of crop-nutrient supplies from the Gulf comes just as planting season begins in the northern hemisphere, threatening harvests through the year. “That makes any spike in fertiliser and food prices not just an economic problem but a socio-political one, especially where fiscal resources to cushion the blow are limited,” it said.

Source: The Edge Markets March 30, 2026 15:38 UTC