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Beyond Headlines brings together the five biggest business stories of the day in one concise news digest to keep readers informed about the developments that matter. Here’s the news digest for 17th October 2026.
Brent crude touched $110 a barrel on Friday for the first time since May amid growing supply concerns across the Middle East and Russia. Brent settled $3.94 or 3.7 per cent higher at $109.86, while United States West Texas Intermediate crude reached $101.41.
A Saudi-led coalition said it intercepted a ballistic missile launched towards the Red Sea city of Yanbu, while Kpler analysts said intensified Iranian attacks reduced Gulf crude flows. Meanwhile, industry sources said Russia's Ryazan refinery suspended operations at a key crude distillation unit after a drone strike in the region.
Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial, said recurring conflicts in the Middle East and uncertainty over Russia’s diesel export capacity continued to keep traders actively buying in global energy markets.
In an effort to ease the supply pressures, the International Energy Agency agreed to release over 20 million barrels of fuel to global markets. The United States Department of Energy also offered an exchange of up to 17 million barrels of crude from its emergency reserve.
Source: Reuters
The government has unveiled plans for comprehensive policy, financial and technological reforms, along with efforts to diversify exports, to revive Bangladesh's struggling tea industry.
The initiative came at a meeting of the Monitoring and Advisory Committee on Tea Industry Development, chaired by the commerce minister.
Committee data showed that many of the country's 172 tea gardens are struggling with ageing plantations, rising costs and lower yields than regional competitors.
Bangladesh Bank data revealed outstanding sectoral debt of Tk 1,826.09 crore, with classified loans accounting for Tk 1,516.91 crore.
Commerce Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the government will implement measures to restore the tea industry's economic health and lessen its reliance on borrowing.
Bangladesh Tea Board Chairman Major General Md Mesbah Uddin Ahmed said the focus is first on meeting domestic demand before expanding exports.
The proposed reforms include loan rescheduling, a low-interest revolving fund and commercial solar projects on idle land unsuitable for tea cultivation.
Meanwhile, producers are expanding into higher-value segments such as green, orthodox and white teas and seeking international certifications to boost their presence in premium export markets.
Source: BSS
A total of 49 listed companies have slipped into the Z category, putting nearly Tk 4,000 crore of investor funds at risk. Of them, 21 companies have completely ceased operations after raising Tk 1,977 crore from the capital market, according to data from the Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE).
The remaining 28 underperforming firms collectively raised about Tk 2,000 crore from the capital market.
DSE data showed that around 130 non-financial companies were listed during the 15-year administration, while production is currently suspended at 37 listed companies, including 10 textile manufacturers.
DSE Chairman Mominul Islam said the bourse was reluctant to list unhealthy firms, but the Bangladesh Securities and Exchange Commission approved their offerings.
Professor Abu Ahmed, chairman of the Investment Corporation of Bangladesh, said approving weak companies contributed to current market turmoil.
Saiful Islam, president of DSE Brokers Association of Bangladesh, said regulatory authorities are working to strengthen governance and address administrative weaknesses to restore investor confidence.
He said establishing strict corporate oversight remains essential to place the capital market on a sustainable path.
Source: New Age
Tesla unveiled a flying version of its long-delayed Roadster in Texas on Thursday, utilising propulsion technology adapted from SpaceX rocket systems. The electric sports vehicle can take off, execute aerial manoeuvres and land before transitioning to conventional driving on tarmac.
The enterprise plans to initiate commercial manufacturing in 2028, offering the car exclusively through an invite-only sales process with undisclosed pricing. However, Tesla's product page states the model is not approved for public road use, suggesting private circuits may be its primary domain.
Addressing inquiries regarding street legality at the launch, Chief Executive Elon Musk said the model would be a 'viable car' depending on specific roads, while saying he remains uncertain whether it is legally permitted across all jurisdictions.
Aviation regulators, including the United States Federal Aviation Administration and the British Civil Aviation Authority currently lack statutory frameworks for road-capable aircraft. Tesla has a record of ambitious vehicles struggling to reach consumers, as the Cybertruck remains unavailable in most countries due to safety concerns.
Source: bdnews24.com
US President Donald Trump on Friday issued an executive order waiving key sanctions and tariffs on Russia under a new law. The decision halts pending trade duties on Russian goods and penalties on crude purchases days before their scheduled enforcement.
Under the Graham Act enacted in September, the United States planned tariffs of up to 100 per cent on goods brought into the country from the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas. The impending measures targeted top buyers including China and India to increase economic pressure.
United States Representative Don Beyer said the decision represented a surrender to Russian President Vladimir Putin that betrayed Ukrainian partners and defied congressional intent (Trump waives key Russia-related sanctions, tariffs before they take effect under new law _ Reuters.pdf). Meanwhile, Russian investment envoy Kirill Dmitriev said the waiver marked 'a truly historic moment'.
Analysts said enforcing the punitive duties risked raising domestic fuel prices before upcoming congressional elections amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. The executive order said the waiver will remain in effect until Trump or his top officials determine that further action is appropriate.
Source: Reuters
That concludes today’s briefing. Stay with Beyond Headlines for in-depth news and analysis, explainers, opinion pieces, long reads, and more.
Beyond Headlines brings together the five biggest business stories of the day in one concise news digest to keep readers informed about the developments that matter. Here’s the news digest for 15th October 2026.
- Digest
Beyond Headlines brings together the five biggest business stories of the day in one concise news digest to keep readers informed about the developments that matter. Here’s the news digest for 14th October 2026.
- Digest
