Commodities
Oil prices slip as U.S. readies new Iran sanctions
Brent crude and WTI retreated from multi-week highs after Washington announced fresh measures targeting Tehran. Strait of Hormuz flows remain disrupted amid escalating regional tensions.
Ampol posts A$1.36 bln H1 profit as Iran conflict lifts refining margins
Australian refiner returns to profitability with 152% EBITDA surge, driven by soaring refining margins amid Middle East supply disruptions. Interim dividend more than quadruples to 185 cents per share.
Ampol posts A$1.36 bln interim profit as refining margins surge on geopolitical risks
Australian refiner Ampol more than reverses a year-earlier loss with a 152% EBITDA jump, citing strong refining margins amid Middle East conflict and supply disruptions.
Italy extends diesel tax cut as fuel prices rise
Government prolongs €0.17/liter reduction amid elevated diesel and gasoline costs; highways see €2.203/liter diesel price.
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.
Australia confirms first H5N1 avian flu case in native mammal
Dead long-nosed fur seal in South Australia tests positive for H5N1, marking the country's first confirmed infection in a local mammal. No poultry cases detected.
Oman’s oil revenue rises 10% in Q2 2026, state agency reports
Public revenues up 13% to $17.14 billion as net oil earnings climb to 3.33 billion Omani rials, driven by higher crude prices. Government spending also rises 9%.
Graphen soll nachhaltige Papierverpackungen leistungsfähiger machen
Sparc Technologies und Detmold Packaging entwickeln graphenverstärkte Barriereschichten für Papier, um Kunststoff und Aluminium in Verpackungen zu ersetzen. Der globale Markt für nachhaltige Verpackungen wird auf 272 Mrd. US-Dollar geschätzt.
Iran dismisses U.S. threat of new sanctions as ‘desperate’ move
Tehran warns Washington that proposed penalties will fail as it maintains defiance over Strait of Hormuz blockade and oil exports to China. U.S. Treasury chief vows ‘harshest sanctions in history’ in response.
Brazil’s ONS restricts distributed generation as demand dips on Sunday
National grid operator curbs output from distributed sources to prevent system imbalances during low weekend demand. Abradee warns of legal risks without clearer cut-off rules.
Gulf stocks rise on oil gains as Iran sanctions fears lift crude
Saudi and Qatari benchmarks advanced after Brent crude topped $94 a barrel on Sunday, with Saudi mining and shipping shares leading gains. Egypt's EGX 30 extended gains for a second session.
Gulf stocks rise as oil nears $95 on Iran sanction jitters
Saudi benchmark climbs 1.1% as Brent crude tops $94 on U.S. threats to impose fresh sanctions on Iran. Regional bourses diverge with Qatar and Egypt gains offsetting Kuwait and Oman losses.
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.
Ukraine-Krieg blockiert 97% der Schwarzmeer-Getreideexporte
Russland und Ukraine halten 97% ihrer Schwarzmeer-Exportkapazitäten still. Weizenpreise steigen um 6,5% im Monat und 30% im Jahresvergleich. Importländer weichen auf teurere Anbieter aus.
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.
Iran conflict keeps oil prices elevated as geopolitical risks persist
Brent crude nears $94/barrel as Strait of Hormuz disruptions and U.S.-Iran tensions outweigh market buffers like strategic reserves and alternative supply routes.
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.
European gas hits seven-month high on Hormuz supply risks
Dutch TTF front-month futures rose to their highest since March as Middle East transit disruptions and low storage levels tighten European gas markets.
Copper holds near $6.70 as traders eye $6.86 resistance
Technical levels show copper consolidating between $6.51 and $6.62, with traders awaiting a breakout above key resistance at $6.86 amid mixed momentum signals.
Silver holds near $65.34 as momentum wanes, Fibonacci levels in focus
Technical indicators show silver trading below key moving averages with RSI easing from overbought territory. Support seen at $64-$65, resistance at $67.10.
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.
Gold advances 5.6% weekly as dollar weakens, Treasury yields surge
Spot gold hits $4,617/oz as U.S. dollar slides and 30-year Treasury yield reaches 19-year high, while Treasury ramps up long-dated debt buybacks.
Panamanian-flagged cargo ship sinks off India’s east coast; 2 rescued
The *Ocean Winner* was carrying iron ore when it sank, with 22 crew members still missing. India’s Coast Guard has recovered two survivors so far.
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.