Private equity firms are finding exits harder amid volatile markets but can still raise cash by increasing leverage at portfolio companies. Moody's estimates PE-owned firms in Europe, the Middle East and Africa have about €41bn (roughly $46bn) of additional borrowing capacity before leverage would likely trigger ratings downgrades. Moody's says that headroom should keep debt-financed dividend activity elevated until M&A deal flow recovers. Rising rates, geopolitical tensions and buyer-seller val

Ukraine's President ZELENSKIY said the United States must ensure Russia respects the energy ceasefire agreement.

China's Li on Oct. 12 held a phone call with New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon. Li said bilateral ties remain steady and urged expansion and quality improvement of bilateral goods trade, tapping services-trade potential and deepening cooperation in new-energy vehicles, solar PV and wind power. He called for an acceleration of negotiations on a services negative list under the China–New Zealand FTA to secure substantive results soon, and urged measures to ease personnel flows and deepen exchanges in culture, tourism and education. Li also said China is willing to strengthen cooperation with New Zealand in APEC and advance Asia‑Pacific community-building.