Commodities
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.
Kimbell Royalty closes $221.2 million acquisition of mineral interests
Transaction includes $74.9 million in cash and 9.5 million common units valued at $15.40 each. Effective date set for June 1, 2026.
Sigma Lithium resumes operations in Brazil after environmental settlement
Company secures agreement with Minas Gerais to resolve outstanding fines and resume full lithium production, targeting 330,000 tonnes annually by fiscal 2027.
Iran permits Iraqi oil tankers to transit Strait of Hormuz
Iraqi vessels carrying oil cleared for passage after Baghdad secured permission from Tehran. Exports via Turkey, Syria and Jordan also under discussion.
Live cattle futures dip on tariff plan and weak cash market
CME live cattle futures fell 0.075 cents to 217.925 cents per pound Friday, weighed by tariff relief plans and softer boxed beef prices. September feeder cattle futures rose 0.10 cent to 329.025 cents.
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.
SpaceX seeks natural gas trader for Cape Canaveral role amid energy expansion
The aerospace company is building a new team to manage natural gas trading as it expands fuel and power infrastructure, including gas-fired plants for a Texas facility.
Gold rallies to 3-month high on fiscal risks, ETF inflows
The metal has climbed from July lows near $4,000/oz to around $4,600/oz, supported by U.S. Treasury buyback expansion and renewed ETF demand. Persistent inflation and potential Fed tightening remain key risks.
Euronext wheat falls 1.1% after four-week high on profit-taking
December Euronext wheat futures dropped as traders booked gains following a four-week peak. Chicago wheat also declined after hitting a similar high.
Northwest Europe gasoline refining margins rise on demand strength
Gasoline refining margins in Northwest Europe climbed to $40.04 per barrel as robust demand tightened supply, while ARA inventories rose modestly. Trading activity in E5 and E10 barge markets also increased.
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.
India approves $731 million LPG pipeline expansion led by GAIL
Regulator clears 1,800 km network across six states to boost LPG supply security and cut logistics costs. India's pipeline network to expand by over 23%.
Nationwide issues €40m covered bonds maturing in 2051
UK mutual lender lists 3.81% covered bonds on the London Stock Exchange under its €45bn global programme.
Sugar futures fall after India approves duty-free imports
Raw sugar prices slipped 0.8% as India’s move to waive import duties on 1 million metric tons eased supply concerns. White sugar also declined after recent highs.
Gold rally hinges on Treasury yield spread dynamics after intervention
Treasury’s long-end liquidity support has altered yield dynamics but not the underlying trend for gold, which remains above key moving averages. Analysts warn the signal’s validity depends on the driver of any spread shift.
European diesel margins rise to $76.52/barrel as refinery output climbs
Low-sulphur gasoil premium over Brent widens by $1.44 as refiners shift output to meet diesel demand. Chinese exports more than double, while Indian crude processing jumps 6.8%.
El Niño threatens cocoa, coffee and sugar crops, lifting prices
Strong El Niño conditions forecast for late 2024 could disrupt global harvests of cocoa, coffee and sugar, with West Africa and Southeast Asia most at risk. Prices already elevated.
Poland’s central bank buys 7.8 tons of gold in July, holdings hit 640.2 tons
Poland’s central bank added 7.8 metric tons of gold to its reserves last month, bringing total holdings to 640.2 tons. The acquisition marks the slowest monthly pace since December, according to World Gold Council data.
U.S. to temporarily ease ground beef import quotas to lower prices
Trump administration allows up to 300,000 metric tons of ground beef imports duty-free for 90 days, aiming to cut retail prices by 25% amid tight domestic cattle supply.
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.
Morgan Stanley lifts India steel stocks outlook on price strength
Indian steel equities seen extending gains as hot-rolled coil prices rise 27% from December lows, while Morgan Stanley flags near-term monsoon risks.
European gas storage remains below seasonal norms, UBS warns
EU gas inventories at 62% capacity as injections lag behind historical averages, leaving winter targets at risk. Asian LNG demand weakens while U.S. exports to Europe rise.
Global shipping faces 2026 demand slump, elevated rates amid chokepoint risks
US container volumes forecast to drop 4.2% YoY as tariff shifts reshape trade flows, while Red Sea and Panama Canal disruptions sustain freight rate premiums.
Trump approves 90-day easing of U.S. ground beef import quotas
U.S. allows up to 300,000 metric tons of beef imports at a 25% discount to market prices to curb grocery inflation. Action targets consumer affordability amid rising food costs.