Global Markets on Edge as US Prepares New Iran Sanctions
Oil falls 1.5% as markets await US sanctions on Iran. Treasury yields near peaks, Canada trade war looms, and Nvidia results eyed.
Economy
Dutch insurers stall on defence funding as NATO spending target looms
Dutch insurers and the government remain deadlocked over defence investment terms, risking NATO spending goals.
Scottish State Bank Posts £138mn Loss; UK Eyes Ukraine Missile Deal
Scotland's state bank logs fifth straight annual loss; UK PM to back Ukraine missile production; Treasury reviews pub rates.
KOSPI slides 1.3% as Samsung's payout plan underwhelms investors
South Korea's KOSPI fell 1.31% as Samsung Electronics tumbled 6.31% on a smaller-than-expected shareholder return plan, while the won strengthened.
Dollar wavers near multi-month lows as Treasury buyback plan spooks markets
The dollar hovers near multi-month lows as Treasury's long-bond buyback plan fuels debasement worries, with traders eyeing key speeches and sanctions.
Hormuz crude debate masks Asia's real refined fuel shortage
Asia's refined fuel imports are down 21% since February, with poorer nations bearing the brunt, even as the crude transit debate continues.
US Unveils 'Economic D-Day' Sanctions as Iran Vows to Halt Gulf Oil Exports
The US is set to announce sweeping new sanctions against Iran, which has threatened to block all Gulf oil exports in retaliation.
Asian Shares Steady as Investors Await Iran Sanctions and Nvidia Results
Asian shares were flat on Monday as investors awaited U.S. Iran sanctions details, Nvidia earnings, and Fed comments.
Gold Climbs to Three-Month High as Markets Await US Inflation Data
Gold prices hit a three-month high on Monday, driven by a weaker dollar and safe-haven demand ahead of US inflation data and Fed Chair speech.
Chicago Corn Hits Three-Year High on US Crop Worries
Chicago corn futures jumped to a three-year high after a crop tour found US yields below expectations. Wheat rose on Black Sea export risks, while soybeans slipped.
Ampol's Half-Year Profit Jumps Nearly Five-Fold on Record Refining Margins
Ampol's interim profit surged nearly five-fold to a record A$857.2 million, driven by sharply higher refining margins amid Middle East supply disruptions.
UK productivity shows sustained recovery, economists say
UK productivity is showing sustained improvement, with output per hour rising 1.1% annually, easing pressure from an ageing population and defence spending.
China's Property Slump Deepens After Evergrande Founder's Life Sentence
China's property crisis continues to drag on the economy, with prices still far from equilibrium and exports increasingly relied upon for growth.
Carney's Stand Against Trump Tariffs Tests Canada's Economic Sovereignty
Canada retaliates against new US tariffs, testing Carney's warning that middle powers must resist economic coercion.
Singapore PM Vows to Probe Tariff Evasion, Cites Trade Realities
Singapore will investigate tariff evasion and forced-labour imports, PM Lawrence Wong says, while noting limits on tracing all transshipped goods.
Iran announces major gas discovery in southern Fars Province
Iran discovers 7.5 trillion cubic feet of sweet gas in Fars Province, boosting output amid infrastructure repairs and looming US sanctions.
Sinopec H1 profit up 19.3% despite Middle East conflict, weak fuel demand
Sinopec's first-half net profit rose 19.3% year-on-year to 25.63 billion yuan, despite the Middle East conflict and weak domestic fuel demand.
Eni Sees Nuclear Fusion as Its 'Next Refinery'
Eni plans to develop a commercial nuclear fusion plant in Europe by the early 2040s, partnering with US startup Commonwealth Fusion Systems.
India's largest business delegation to Japan: Goyal to lead 200-member team
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will lead India's largest-ever business delegation to Japan from August 24-27, covering Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka.
Sinopec's First-Half Profit Climbs 19.3% on Stronger Margins
Sinopec's H1 2026 net profit rose 19.3% year-on-year, per its stock filing, signaling improved operational performance.