Credit Watch: Fitch affirmed Saudi Arabia’s A+ long-term foreign-currency rating with a stable outlook, pointing to strong fiscal buffers, reserves and resilient non-oil growth, while expecting GDP growth to moderate in 2026 before rebounding as Strait of Hormuz traffic normalizes. Population Pressure: Pakistan’s rapid population growth is being flagged as a looming threat to health, the environment and long-run economic development, with experts warning that unplanned urban sprawl will worsen water, housing and jobs pressures. Aerospace Expansion: Boeing leased 80,000 sq ft in Ladson, South Carolina, to support hiring and office capacity for its $1B 787 expansion aimed at lifting production rates. Hospitality & Tourism Spend: The Lowline’s King Street hotel is hiring senior operators ahead of its July 15 debut, while Charleston Place is unveiling a resort-style $150M makeover with new rooftop and wellness upgrades. Food & Market Integrity: Nepal moved to cancel 44 non-renewed construction licenses, while its central bank ordered banks to reduce dormant accounts by mid-2026; separately, Nepal’s agriculture minister urged hotlines to report black marketing and artificial shortages. Energy Policy Debate: India’s Oil Ministry defended E20 ethanol-blended petrol, saying mileage may dip 3–5% in some vehicles but cleaner combustion and energy security benefits outweigh the trade-off. Digital Economy & Tax: Pakistan’s FBR said digitalisation should boost tax collection in FY26-27 by expanding the formal tax base for online and digital transactions. Local Labor Economics: El Centro’s wage gap is widening, with healthcare support roles driving lower pay and pulling average earnings about 12% below the U.S. average.