Commodities
France’s 2026 soft wheat harvest protein levels exceed five-year average
FranceAgriMer reports 89% of soft wheat samples contain at least 11% protein, above the five-year average, while 61% meet the 11.5% threshold used by some buyers.
TotalEnergies CEO flags crude bearishness, product market strength
Patrick Pouyanne warns of a divergent oil market as benchmark crude trades near $90/bbl while refined products command elevated premiums. U.S. gasoline seen holding above $4 under Trump policy.
Gold tests double top as bearish momentum builds amid U.S. Treasury actions
Futures briefly topped $4,738 an ounce before pulling back as sanctions announcement looms; technical resistance and Treasury bond-buying program weigh on outlook.
Europe’s EV sales surge to 20.7% market share on high fuel costs, incentives
Battery-electric car registrations in Europe rose 40.4% in H1 and reached 20.7% of all new sales, driven by record fuel prices, state subsidies and cheaper models. France and Germany posted shares above 30% and 29% respectively.
Solstice Gold expands Strathy project with Leckie Zone acquisition
The deal adds 24 hectares of patented claims and 9.4 km² of non-patented claims to the Strathy Gold Project, bringing total holdings to 57 km². Consideration includes $600,000 cash and 2 million shares.
Exxon to automate half of Permian drilling fleet by 2028 in output push
Oil major targets 2.5 million boepd in Permian by 2030 as robotic rigs cut costs and injuries. Automated fleet expansion follows early success with two robotic rigs.
Ray Dalio urges 15% gold allocation as US debt policy sparks dollar, yield fears
Gold hits three-month high above $4,640/oz as Treasury yields fall and dollar weakens on surprise U.S. debt-buyback expansion. Dalio flags debt crisis hedge.
Industrial metals outlook: Copper, aluminum and steel forecasts through 2026
J.P. Morgan projects copper at $14,800/mt by Q4 2025, while aluminum targets $3,800/mt in Q3 2026 amid Middle East supply risks. Steel prices diverge by region due to tariffs and China’s property slump.
Six EU countries push for September talks on taxing oil firms' windfall profits
Germany, Spain, Italy and three others urge EU finance ministers to address surging energy costs with a targeted windfall tax framework ahead of September meeting in Dublin.
Rockhopper to raise capital for second Sea Lion FPSO amid project expansion
Rockhopper Exploration plans a capital raise to fund its 35% share of a second FPSO for the Sea Lion oil project, with Navitas Petroleum exercising an option to acquire the vessel. First oil from the Northern Development Area remains on track for early 2028.
Swiss market opens lower as pharma stocks weigh; gold hits 3-month high
SMI falls 0.22% in pre-market as Roche and Novartis drag; DAX seen little changed. Brent oil dips 1.5% to $92.94/barrel; WTI at $85.61. Gold climbs 0.75% to $4,637/oz.
Iran discovers major natural gas field with 212 bcm reserves
New field in southern Fars province holds 212 billion cubic meters of gas, with 161 bcm recoverable. State media cites lower costs due to sweet gas composition amid production declines from war-related damage.
Stanmore reports 18% EBITDA rise in H1 2026 on higher coal prices
Underlying earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation climbed to $174 million as strong coking coal prices offset cost pressures. Full-year guidance maintained.
U.S. Treasury announces sweeping sanctions against Iran amid oil export threat
Washington prepares 'economic D-Day' targeting Tehran's financial networks, as Iran vows to halt all oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran claims discovery of 7.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas
New field in Fars province holds over 212 billion cubic meters of gas, with 5.7 trillion cubic feet deemed recoverable. Oil minister cites 'sweet' gas quality to reduce costs.
Canada supplies 68% of U.S. aluminum imports in first half of 2026
Canadian exports met 68% of U.S. aluminum import demand in the first half of 2026, while total domestic production covered 95% of import needs. Washington weighs tariff reductions on Canadian metal.
Canada cannot fully replace U.S. aluminium imports, Morgan Stanley says
Even redirecting all Canadian production to the U.S. would leave a shortfall, as America relies on imports for 80% of its aluminium needs. A potential tariff cut may ease but not eliminate supply gaps.
Jefferies flags metals breakout risk on currency debasement concerns
Analysts initiate buy ratings on Canadian miners as fiscal deficits and currency risks drive early moves in gold and crypto. Copper and industrial metals seen as next in line.
London Gas Oil holds near $1,241 as traders eye $1,328 resistance
London Gas Oil futures consolidate in a tight range ahead of a potential breakout above $1,260. Technical indicators suggest limited near-term momentum.
Global markets digest August 2026: equities rise, bonds wobble, Bitcoin surges
U.S. stocks extend gains on CTA normalization, while 30-year Treasury yields hit 19-year highs before easing. Bitcoin breaks above $79,000 amid ETF inflows and Treasury buyback expansion.
Swiss housing prices set to rise further; buyers face affordability squeeze
Rising real estate values and low mortgage costs are supporting Swiss home prices, but structural supply constraints and tax changes are reshaping affordability and investment decisions.
Greenland approves rare earths license transfer to Greenland Mines
Government of Greenland grants approval for transfer of mineral exploration license for the Sarfartoq neodymium-praseodymium project, a key step in Greenland Mines' acquisition.
Roche issues CHF 410 million bond due 2036 with 1.095% coupon
The Swiss healthcare giant places a new 10-year Swiss franc bond at par, offering an annual yield of 1.095%. The issue is rated Aa2 by Moody's and trades from a minimum of 1,000 nominal units.
Metals Royalty secures $165m financing for iron ore royalty acquisition
The Metals Royalty Company will use proceeds from a $165m package to fund a Mesabi Metallics iron ore royalty acquisition and refinance debt. The financing includes $140m in convertible notes and a $25m term loan.