Fresh data from the International Monetary Fund reveals a subtle but notable shift in global currency reserves, with the Chinese yuan and Australian dollar gaining ground while the U.S. dollar's share slipped to its lowest level in over three decades. The dollar accounted for 56.32% of global foreign exchange reserves at the end of the second quarter, marking its smallest slice since the early 1990s. Meanwhile, both the yuan and Aussie dollar increased their holdings by 0.03 percentage points quarter-on-quarter, though each still represents just over 2% of the near $13 trillion reserve pile.

The IMF's adjusted data, published to account for dramatic currency swings, shows that the dollar lost 0.12 percentage points of market share when adjusted for exchange rate fluctuations. The euro, the world's second-largest reserve currency, also saw its position weaken, standing at 21.13% of overall reserves. The data was compiled from reserve managers across 149 economies, with total foreign exchange reserves climbing to $12.945 trillion from $12.540 trillion in the first quarter.

Currency movements played a dominant role in the shifting reserve landscape. The IMF noted that exchange rate effects explained 92% of the reduction in the dollar's share during the three months through June. The dollar index, which measures its performance against a basket of major currencies, fell more than 10% in the first half of the year—its largest drop since 1973—with the dollar weakening 8% in the second quarter alone. These swings were largely driven by market turbulence following Donald Trump's return to the White House and shifts in U.S. trade and economic policies.

Despite the dollar's declining share, analysts emphasize that the changes represent a gradual evolution rather than a rapid dedollarization. The fact that nearly all of the dollar's reserve share decline stems from currency movements—rather than a mass exit by central banks—reinforces its status as the primary safe-haven asset during turbulent times. The overall growth in global reserve assets, which increased by nearly $400 billion this quarter, indicates continued strong demand for reserve currencies amid ongoing market volatility.

A man in his 50s remains in life-threatening condition after sustaining a serious head injury during an altercation with door staff outside licensed premises in Lurgan, County Armagh. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning around 12:55am in the William Street area of the town, according to police statements from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI).

Detective Inspector Handley confirmed that the man had been attempting to re-enter the licensed premises when he became aggressive toward two members of the door staff. Police reports indicate that the door staff pushed the man backward, causing him to fall and strike his head on the ground, resulting in the serious head injury that now threatens his life.

The door staff provided immediate medical treatment to the injured man before he was transported to hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Police have not released additional details about the man's identity or current medical status, focusing instead on their ongoing investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

PSNI detectives are continuing their enquiries and have appealed for witnesses or anyone with information, CCTV footage, or mobile phone recordings of the incident to come forward. The police reference number for the investigation is 75 of 19/10/25, and information can be provided through multiple channels including the PSNI website or anonymously via Crimestoppers.