Trade : China waives S&DT rights in WTO talks, reaffirms developing status (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
China on 24 September announced that it will not avail itself of special and differential treatment (S&DT) based on the self-designation criterion in current and future trade negotiations at the World Trade Organization (WTO), while insisting that it will retain its developing country status.

Trade : WTO Secretariat compromising its "neutrality" in reform push? (PRIV)
(D. Ravi Kanth, Geneva)
Several countries on 24 September expressed sharp concern over the alleged attempt by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Secretariat to devalue its "neutrality" role by increasingly embarking on activities without the prior consent of members, and aligning with initiatives proposed by some powerful members, according to people familiar with the development.

Finance : Markets stay buoyant despite trade tensions, policy uncertainty (PRIV)
(Kanaga Raja, Penang)
The global financial markets maintained a risk-on tone during the review period from 1 June to 4 September, shrugging off concerns over mounting tariff and policy uncertainty, according to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).