IMF WARNS ELEVATED GLOBAL FINANCIAL STABILITY RISKS The IMF says global financial stability risks are “elevated” amid the Middle East war, warning that bond market volatility could tighten funding conditions. It highlights rising debt levels, leverage-driven investors, and nonbank intermediaries as key sources of fragility that could trigger forced selling and amplify stress. The Fund also warns of potential spillovers into corporate credit and private debt defaults, urging policymakers to ensure liquidity support is ready. Persistent conflict could further slow investment in sectors like artificial intelligence.(*Walter Bloomberg)