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Saturday, September 19, 2026
SOFAZ's $72 billion to deploy as AI rewrites infrastructure market

SOFAZ's $72 billion to deploy as AI rewrites infrastructure market

Amid fluctuating interest rates in global financial markets and rising geoeconomic risks, sovereign wealth funds are taking more aggressive and strategic diversification steps to preserve the profitability of their portfolios. Israfil Mammadov, Executive Director of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), visited Toronto in September as part of the “Canada Investment Summit 2026.” The visit signals a new stage in the management of the Fund’s more than $72 billion in assets, with a particular focus on joint investments with global companies in real assets, alternative energy and digital infrastructure.

Nation
Japan’s rate hike risks unwinding carry trade - What it means for Azerbaijan?

Japan’s rate hike risks unwinding carry trade - What it means for Azerbaijan?

The global economy has entered a new and potentially more complicated phase in monetary policy. The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its federal funds target range by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4.00%, and the Bank of Japan followed with another rate increase, lifting its benchmark rate from 1.00% to 1.25%. The BOJ's latest move takes its policy rate to the highest level in more than three decades.

Oil & Gas
Azeri Light oil price rises to $122.37 per barrel

Azeri Light oil price rises to $122.37 per barrel

The CIF price of Azerbaijan’s Azeri Light crude oil at Italy’s Augusta port increased by $1.29, or 1.06%, from the previous figure to $122.37 per barrel.

Business
ING expects Azerbaijan’s Central Bank to keep key rate at 6.5%

ING expects Azerbaijan’s Central Bank to keep key rate at 6.5%

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) is expected to keep its key interest rate unchanged at 6.5% at its meeting next Wednesday.

Armenian-Azerbaijani Relations
Armenian Minister: Azerbaijani gasoline helped limit fuel price increase

Armenian Minister: Azerbaijani gasoline helped limit fuel price increase

Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan has said that gasoline prices in the country have increased less than on global markets.

World
Chevron executive who backed Delcy Rodríguez now shut out of Venezuela’s oil business

Chevron executive who backed Delcy Rodríguez now shut out of Venezuela’s oil business

Former Chevron executive Ali Moshiri has accused Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA of slowing down his plans to invest in the country’s oil sector, despite having $2 billion ready to deploy.

Analysis

Lifestyle
Baku to host first National Costume Day Festival [PHOTOS]

Baku to host first National Costume Day Festival [PHOTOS]

Baku will host its first National Costume Day festival on September 19 at the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve, offering a full-day programme dedicated to the richness, beauty and distinctive character of Azerbaijan's national costume heritage.

Culture
Azerbaijani pianist's concert in Warsaw mesmerizes Polish audience [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijani pianist's concert in Warsaw mesmerizes Polish audience [PHOTOS]

On September 17, 2026, Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, pianist Nargiz Aliyarova, gave a solo concert at the Auditorium Maximum of the University of Warsaw as part of the Chopin International Music Festival.

Travel
Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport

Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport
Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month

Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month
Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]

Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]
Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture

Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture
Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park

Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park
Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Events
Documentary on Azerbaijani female Everest climber premiered in Baku [PHOTOS]

Documentary on Azerbaijani female Everest climber premiered in Baku [PHOTOS]

A documentary film titled "I Made Zero One", dedicated to Azerbaijani female mountaineer Vafa Musayeva, who climbed Mount Everest, has been presented.

Sports
Azerbaijan Basketball League announces time of new season opener

Azerbaijan Basketball League announces time of new season opener

The 2026/2027 season of the Azerbaijan Basketball League (ABL) will tip off on September 30.

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