Brazil's stock index fell nearly 15% and the real dropped sharply after Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a fourth term, while Flávio Bolsonaro refused to concede. Saudi, Turkish and Pakistani officials met Iran's leaders in Tehran to try to keep the Iran war from restarting. Anthropic filed for what could be the largest stock listing ever. In Serbia, a student-led list ended 14 years of rule by Aleksandar Vučić's party.
World mood: Uneasy · 86 stories from 913 headlines
Lula won Brazil's runoff with about 51.8% of the vote. Flávio Bolsonaro said he does not accept the result and will seek its annulment.
The margin was about 4.4 million votes. The electoral court president, a Bolsonaro appointee, rejected the annulment case. Leaders across the region congratulated Lula, though Argentina's Milei had not.
Why it matters: Brazil is Latin America's largest economy, and the result affects regional politics, trade and Amazon policy.
Lula is a left-wing former union leader who was president from 2003 to 2010. He lost the first round to Bolsonaro, son of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro, then won the runoff.
Brazil's main stock index fell as much as 17% and trading halted. The real lost more than 8% against the dollar.
Investors cited worries about government spending and debt.
Why it matters: A sharp fall in Brazil's currency and stocks raises import costs and unsettles other emerging markets.
Lula has promised more spending on household relief. Brazil already carries high debt and borrowing costs.
Serbia's Student List won the parliamentary election with about 53% of the vote. Aleksandar Vučić conceded defeat.
The movement grew from protests after the 2024 Novi Sad station canopy collapse. It is now preparing talks on forming a government.
Why it matters: The result ends 14 years of one-party dominance in a Balkan state seeking closer EU ties.
Vučić's Progressive Party had ruled since 2012. Students led nearly two years of anti-corruption protests.
Israelis vote on Oct. 27 in the first election since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks. Polls showed Netanyahu and ex-army chief Gadi Eisenkot close.
Netanyahu denied reports he is escalating tension with Iran before the vote.
Why it matters: The outcome will shape Israel's approach to Iran, Gaza and the West Bank.
Netanyahu is Israel's longest-serving prime minister. Eisenkot leads a centrist challenge.
Delegations from the Mecca pact countries met Iran's leaders to stop war restarting. They agreed to continue talks.
Iran's president urged focus on shared interests.
Why it matters: Diplomacy by Gulf and regional states could prevent renewed fighting that disrupts oil supplies.
The eight-month war between Iran and the US-Israel side began Feb. 28. Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan have a defense pact.
Trump said he will soon decide whether to make a deal or finish Iran off. Iran said indirect talks continue but it will not yield to demands.
Guterres warned of unimaginable consequences of escalation.
Why it matters: A renewed war would threaten Gulf oil supply and global energy prices.
The US and Israel have fought Iran since February.
Anthropic filed for a public listing, reporting H1 revenue of $16.3 billion. Net loss was $80.7 billion, largely accounting charges.
It warned of catastrophic AI risks.
María Corina Machado returned to Venezuela after about ten months abroad. Acting president Delcy Rodríguez said she hopes talks will include all voices.
The EU welcomed Machado and called for free elections.
Why it matters: Her return opens a possible negotiation over Venezuela's political future.
Machado is a Nobel Peace Prize winner who left Venezuela in December 2025. Rodríguez has stayed acting president since Maduro was removed.
The UN human rights chief raised concerns of ethnic cleansing over Israel's operation in Hebron. More than 3,000 Palestinians have been forced from homes.
Israel launched it after two soldiers were killed in an attack.
Why it matters: Mass displacement in the West Bank draws international criticism days before Israel's vote.
Hebron is the West Bank's largest city, with a tense Israeli settler presence.
A UN commission said Israel continued genocidal acts in Gaza after last October's ceasefire. A separate report cited crimes against humanity in the West Bank.
Israel has rejected such accusations in the past.
Why it matters: The findings could be used by prosecutors at international courts.
The commission was set up by the UN Human Rights Council to investigate the occupied territories.
Egypt's parliament authorized military support for Saudi Arabia. The Houthis claimed attacks on East-West pipeline pumping stations, which were unconfirmed.
Saudi-led forces intercepted drones over Riyadh.
Why it matters: Attacks on Saudi energy sites raise oil supply risks.
The Houthis are an Iran-aligned group controlling much of Yemen.
Russian strikes on Kharkiv killed two people. A Ukrainian drone attack in Voronezh killed two.
A US-brokered local ceasefire for Oleshky begins Oct. 27.
Why it matters: Local truces may offer relief to besieged civilians.
Macron promised concrete measures after weeks of student-led protests. Over 1,300 have been arrested.
Unions called rallies Oct. 31 and a strike Nov. 5.
Why it matters: Unrest threatens France's economy and budget.
Protests began over school conditions and cost of living.
An Israeli airstrike on the Islamic University of Gaza killed three staff members and wounded eight students. Other strikes killed four more people.
The university suspended in-person classes.
Why it matters: Civilians continue to be killed in Gaza despite years of war and calls for relief.
Gaza has faced war since October 2023. The UN food agency has warned of cuts to deliveries.
US Central Command says over 3,000 commercial vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz with its support. It helped Gulf states export 1.5 billion barrels of oil.
Why it matters: Shipping through the strait affects oil supply and prices worldwide.
The strait carries a large share of the world's oil. Shipping has been disrupted by the Iran war.
South Korea's second-quarter current account surplus reached $116.63 billion, behind only China. Thailand's exports rose 24% in September, beating forecasts.
Why it matters: Demand for AI hardware is boosting Asian export earners.
Korean chipmakers supply memory chips used in AI data centers.
Scientists found how pancreatic cancer cells reshape their DNA to resist treatment. Another study linked low-dose aspirin to 70% lower dementia risk in people with a specific genetic profile.
Why it matters: The findings could inform future cancer treatment and dementia prevention.
Gabon restored social media access after a ban imposed in February. Authorities cited online content fueling conflict; the opposition called it an abuse of power.
Why it matters: Citizens regain access to online news and platforms.
Gabon is led by a government that took over after a 2023 coup.
Premium Times reported the CCB is investigating Peter Obi, Bukola Saraki, David Mark and four others over offshore assets. Separately, Tinubu launched his reelection bid.
Why it matters: It affects opposition figures ahead of the next election.
North Korea told the UN Security Council that last month's land mine blasts in the DMZ were fabricated. A North Korean howitzer was seen near the border.
Why it matters: Tension persists on the Korean peninsula.
The DMZ is a heavily mined buffer between the Koreas.
Monzo said 55% of its cardholders' British Museum ticket payments in the first hour of sales came from people under 35. The tapestry is about 1,000 years old.
Brazil's surprise election result drove the day's biggest market move. The Bovespa fell 14.71% and the real moved 9.08% against the dollar. Elsewhere stocks rose, with the S&P 500 up 0.68% as AI listings lifted tech. Brent crude held near $111 on Iran war worries.
Brazil sell-off
Investors feared more spending after Lula won. Stocks and the real fell sharply, raising import costs.
AI financing wave
Anthropic, Meta and SpaceX raised or sought huge sums. US stocks rose.
Energy stays costly
Iran tensions keep oil above $100 and gas at a four-year high in Europe.
Europe budgets and protests
French unrest and the UK Budget put public finances in focus as European stocks edged up.
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