International News 20 May 2026
-
Asian Currencies on Tuesday Morning (19/5): Rupiah Hits a New Record Low at IDR 17,700 per US Dollar
The Indonesian rupiah weakened to a new all-time low against the US dollar during trading on Tuesday (19 May 2026), amid broader pressure across most Asian currencies. Based on Bloomberg data as of 09:39 WIB, the spot exchange rate fell to IDR 17,712 per US dollar, representing a 0.24% decline from the previous level of IDR 17,668 per US dollar. This marks the fourth consecutive day of depreciation for the rupiah. The rupiah has also recorded the steepest decline among Asian currencies on a year-to-date basis in 2026. Since the end of 2025, Indonesia’s currency has depreciated by approximately 5.82% against the US dollar, reflecting continued pressure on the domestic foreign exchange market.
Berkshire Hathaway Increases Stake in Delta, Trims Holdings in Amazon and Visa
Warren Buffett’s investment company, Berkshire Hathaway, disclosed a major portfolio reshuffle during the first quarter. The changes included new investments in the aviation sector while reducing exposure to several major holdings across the technology and healthcare industries. According to a regulatory filing released on Friday, Berkshire initiated a new investment worth US$2.65 billion in Delta Air Lines and also took a smaller position in Macy's. At the same time, the company reduced a significant portion of its holdings in several firms, including Amazon, UnitedHealth Group, as well as payment networks Visa and Mastercard.
Russia Launches Large-Scale Nuclear Drills Involving Ballistic Missiles and Submarines
Amid escalating global geopolitical tensions, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the launch of a three-day, nuclear-focused military exercise beginning this Tuesday. The strategic drills are designed to showcase the nation's combat readiness and will feature the live firing of both ballistic and cruise missiles. The large-scale operation boasts a massive deployment, involving roughly 64,000 military personnel and 7,800 pieces of combat weaponry. The extensive array of military hardware utilized in these exercises includes mobile missile launchers, fighter jets, surface warships, and strategic submarines.