Commodities
Diesel prices surge to $170/bbl as refining bottlenecks expose hidden energy shock
Analysts warn Brent’s $91/bbl price masks severe diesel shortages, with European diesel trading near record spreads and refinery constraints distorting energy markets.
Bond markets stabilize as yields retreat from multi-year peaks
Ten-year German Bund yield dips after 15-year high; French 30-year yield hits 2008 levels amid fiscal concerns. Analysts cite rising government and hyperscaler debt as key drivers.
Hormuz shipping slows as Iran war uncertainty weighs on oil flows
Commodity vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz fell to six on Tuesday, below the 10-day average of 11, as Iran’s renewed threats to close the waterway amid stalled ceasefire talks lifted crude prices.
Platinum surges 2.9% as Fed rate-cut bets rise, supply tightens
Precious metal jumps to $1,766.80 per ounce on weaker dollar and cooling U.S. inflation expectations. Fourth consecutive annual supply deficit forecast for 2026.
Oil prices climb on rising Middle East tensions
Brent crude rises above $85 a barrel as geopolitical risks in the Gulf escalate following U.S.-Iran tensions. Analysts warn of further upside if conflict intensifies.
China semiconductor equipment imports rise 9% in July, led by Shanghai
July marked the first year-over-year increase in 2026 as logic chip demand drove a 9% rise in imports, with lithography and assembly equipment leading gains. Barclays forecasts further acceleration in H2.
Trump’s Iran sanctions add geopolitical premium to oil amid strong U.S. output
U.S. crude production hits 13.83 million bpd while Trump threatens unprecedented economic measures against Iran. Ukraine strikes deepen supply risks as Gulf shipping corridor eases Strait of Hormuz flows.
Tactical Resources debuts on Nasdaq with U.S. rare earths push
Vancouver-based miner lists via SPAC merger as CEO highlights domestic supply chain goals amid China's export curbs. Shares fall in early trading.
U.S. natural gas storage rises 16 bcf, slightly above forecast
Inventories increased by 16 billion cubic feet last week, modestly exceeding the 15 bcf forecast, while the prior week's build of 36 bcf suggests decelerating storage gains.
AIR Global posts $206.9M revenue in H1 2026 as supply chain costs weigh
Nasdaq-listed shisha molasses maker AIR Global reported a 3.7% revenue rise in the first half of 2026, offset by $96M in IPO-related costs and regional supply chain disruptions.
US corn, soybean export sales rise on strong new-crop demand
Corn commitments up 1.05 million tons; soybeans rise 1.81 million tons in week to Aug. 13. Data reflects robust demand ahead of USDA's revised crop forecasts.
Sugar futures surge to over one-year highs on supply tightness
Raw sugar prices hit 17.99 cents per pound, while white sugar reached $564.40 per ton amid concerns over El Nino and India’s potential import shift. Brazil’s output forecast also weighs on market.
Mauritius secures long-term oil supply deals with India
India’s Oil Minister Hardeep Puri and Mauritius finalize government and corporate agreements for petrol, diesel and aviation fuel. Terms and volumes remain undisclosed.
Citi warns global oil stockpiles could drop to 70-day cover by 2029
Analysts project OECD inventories to fall to critical levels within five years amid persistent demand and supply constraints, with Brent crude seen returning to the $60s by 2027.
Silver recovers toward $67 as yields ease, technicals turn bullish
Precious metal rebounds after retaking $66 level, with U.S. Treasury purchases pushing yields lower and CME data showing rising local futures interest.
Oil nears $90 as tight refining capacity fuels diesel price risks
Global refining capacity constraints risk pushing diesel prices higher as crude prices rebound near three-month highs. Analysts warn of sustained pressure on fuel markets.
Nordic Mining shares drop 1.4% as Q2 loss widens on production dispute
The miner reported no revenue despite 11,389 metric tons of output, citing a dispute with Barton over garnet quality. Cash fell to NOK 150 million, while a permit ruling adds regulatory pressure.
WhiteHawk Minerals touts royalty model at EnerCom Denver
U.S. natural gas royalty firm details $111.8M in acquisitions, $65.35M LTM EBITDA, and $2.60 per share cash distribution. Portfolio spans Marcellus, Haynesville, and MidCon regions.
China accounts for 90% of global electric truck, bus sales in 2025
Global electric medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sales surpassed 500,000 units last year, with China driving 86% growth. Battery-electric buses led zero-emission segments outside China.
Swiss industrial production rises sharply in Q2 2026
Secondary sector output up 5.1% year-on-year as pharma surges 15.5%, while vehicle manufacturing declines 15.8%. Construction also posts gains.
SQM posts record Q2 results as lithium sales volumes, prices surge
Chilean miner's lithium revenue jumped 137% YoY as volumes hit 84,100 metric tons and prices more than doubled. Net income surged 646% to $660 million.
Tanker traffic in Strait of Hormuz disrupted by Iran's actions and regional strikes
Vessels are reversing course or halting transit in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions, while an incident involving an unknown projectile struck a cargo ship early Tuesday, causing damage and a crew injury.
Jeff Currie warns diesel spike, not Brent, signals energy crisis
Commodities analyst Jeff Currie argues crude’s $91 level masks a far sharper spike in European diesel, where prices near $170 per barrel reflect deeper supply strains. China’s refinery cuts and Hormuz crude congestion have shifted shortages downstream.
Gold holds at $4,411 as technical levels define near-term outlook
Analysis flags $4,482–$4,542 as bullish targets if resistance cluster is reclaimed, while a break below $4,365 risks a move to $4,322. Cycle windows in late August and early September may influence direction.