Geopolitics

European gas prices hit highest since March as geopolitical risks rise
TTF front-month contract surges to €64.60/MWh amid escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf and declining European storage levels. Storage fills lag 12.63 percentage points below last year's levels.

European gas prices retreat from five-month highs as geopolitical risks ease
Wholesale European gas contracts slipped on Wednesday after a five-day rally paused, with Dutch TTF futures down 0.45% from intraday peaks tied to Middle East tensions. Storage levels remain below 63% ahead of winter.

UK faces Russian threats after reports of British drones used in attacks
Moscow warns London of 'consequences' after Kyiv allegedly employs UK-made drones in strikes deep inside Russia, escalating tensions between the two nations.

Swiss stocks slip as U.S. futures fall; Roche, Novartis rise; ABB leads declines
Swiss Market Index dips 0.13% as global equities drift lower on rising yields and Middle East tensions. Roche and Novartis gain, while cyclical stocks like ABB and construction firms retreat.

NexGen Energy Discusses Saskatchewan Uranium Project with BHP
NexGen Energy has entered into discussions with mining giant BHP regarding a potential development of its Saskatchewan uranium project.

Switzerland Updates Sanctions Ordinances Concerning Moldova
The Swiss Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research has published an amendment to sanctions regarding Moldova.

Nestlé faces potential loss of control over Russian operations
Russian logistics firm KS Logistika seeks to take over Nestlé’s local business amid legal and regulatory pressures. Swiss conglomerate confirms talks but denies outright expropriation.

Dax inches closer to record as Iran war concerns weigh
German blue-chip index ends near all-time high but lacks momentum amid geopolitical risks and weaker U.S. equities. Investors remain cautious ahead of key data releases.

DAX ends weak start to week as Iran tensions weigh
German blue-chip index slips from record high amid geopolitical uncertainty and softer U.S. equities. Frankfurt trading volume falls below recent averages.

ECB's Lane Discusses Defence Spending and Euro Area Economy
European Central Bank official Philip R. Lane addresses the economic implications of rising defence spending in the euro area.

Deep-sea mining emerges as key source for critical minerals
Industry and policymakers eye underwater reserves to meet surging demand for rare earths and battery metals amid supply chain constraints.

US, Canada near tariff deadline amid unresolved trade disputes
Negotiations stall ahead of a May 1 deadline for 50% tariffs on select Canadian goods, with key sticking points persisting in bilateral trade talks.

U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington deployed to Middle East
Deployed following the longest continuous deployment of USS Abraham Lincoln at 265 days, marking a shift in regional naval operations.

German firms' U.S. investment falls to three-year low
Outbound direct investment from Germany to the U.S. declined sharply in Q2, driven by economic uncertainty and higher financing costs.

Bangladesh signs U.S. LNG supply deal amid global gas shortages
Dhaka secures long-term liquefied natural gas imports from U.S. suppliers as energy markets tighten worldwide.

German EV sales rise as fuel prices jump amid Iran tensions
Electric vehicle registrations in Germany increased 20% in May as gasoline and diesel costs hit record highs, driven by Middle East supply concerns.

Russia's trade surplus falls to $12.46 billion in June
Monthly surplus declines from May as exports and imports adjust under sanctions and global market shifts.

U.S. Expands Iran Crypto Sanctions, Targeting Two Exchanges
The Treasury Department's OFAC has targeted Shelbit and Aban Tether in an ongoing effort to restrict Tehran's access to cryptocurrency and foreign currency.

Switzerland updates sanctions annexes on Iran
The Swiss Federal Department for Economic Affairs, Education and Research has amended annexes 12 and 14 of the 2025 ordinance governing measures against the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Switzerland updates Taliban sanctions list under SR 946.231.07
The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) issued an amendment to Switzerland’s sanctions list of individuals, companies and organisations linked to the Taliban, as required by the March 21 2025 regulation.

