Asia / Pacific

After a series of antisemitic attacks on British streets, the British government used powers similar to proscriptions in order to combat state-backed threats. This power would effectively ban support for these groups, and give police and intelligence agencies?new powers to combat any threats related to them. Keir starmer, the Prime Minister of Britain, said that "these 'new powers' will make it easier for anyone to be prosecuted and jailed in Britain who is doing their dirty work." Since its establishment in 1979, the IRGC has been an elite military force loyal the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. The Islamic...

The major Gulf stock markets fell on Monday as hostilities increased in the region. Iran also announced that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz - a strategically important waterway - causing oil prices to rise and rekindling global inflation fears. Central Command reports that U.S. forces launched a second wave of strikes on Iran Sunday. They used precision munitions to target dozens of locations in multiple locations. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed Monday that they had "retaliated" by attacking U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and other countries. U.S. president Donald 'Trump' said on Sunday that commercial traffic was still allowed...

Sinopec, China's largest jet fuel distributor said that it has completed a restructuring of China National Aviation Fuel. Sinopec, China’s largest?refiner by capacity, stated that the restructuring of CNAF will strengthen China's aviation oil supply security as well as support the sector's low-carbon and green transition. The company stated that jet fuel will be a major growth driver for China's refined oil demand. The deal will create a 'integrated aviation fuel business, at a time where China's aviation oil consumption is on the rise, but its gasoline and diesel demands are declining, due to a slowing economy and a growing...

Iraq's Prime Minister will visit Washington, D.C. on Monday to strengthen strategic ties. Oil and gas deals are expected to be signed as part of an broader push towards economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Iraq is trying to maintain a balance between its relations with Iran, its neighbour, and the U.S. Haider al Aboudi, a government spokesperson, said that the agreements will include memorandums?of understanding in the oil and natural gas sector. Iraq is preparing to bring in various U.S. firms to provide a boost to oil production. Al-Aboudi of Iraq's State News Agency said that the planned oil and...

Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani died aged 74. He was a moderniser and a powerful leader who took power in 1995, but broke tradition by handing it over to his son, 18 years later. The Amiri Diwan in Qatar, Qatar's top government body, announced on Sunday that Sheikh Hamad died. The cause of death was not mentioned. It did not mention?the cause of his death. Sheikh Hamad presided in one of the most significant periods of history of the country, driving a fast transformation of the small desert state, which reshaped the economy, global status and political ambition. He was...

The nation's Amiri Diwan (its top government body) announced on Sunday that Qatar's former emir had died at the age of 74. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar's former ruler from 1995 until 2013, abdicated to his son Sheikh Tamim. Sheikh Tamim is now the current leader of this gas-rich Gulf nation. The Amiri Diwan has announced the death of HH Father Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The Diwan stated that Allah would have mercy on him and give him the best reward possible for his achievements for 'his homeland and nation. Sheikh Hamad has raised Qatar's profile...

The semi-official YJC Iranian news agency, citing a local source, reported that a fire which broke out on Friday?at 'the Oxin Palayesh'mini-refinery' in Iran's western Lorestan Province has been put out. YJC quoted the safety manager at Lorestan Industrial Estates Company as saying that the fire was contained to a 'barrel of waste oil' and 'didn’t spread to refinery facilities or storing tanks. Iranian state media reported earlier that a fire had broken out just after 5 pm local time, sending a thick smoke column over Poldokhtar. Firefighters initially struggled to contain the blaze due to its 'intensity' and presence...

The local RFE/RL branch reported that Tajikistan has 60 days worth of fuel reserves. It is also in discussions with nearby countries to secure future supplies. This comes amid acute fuel shortages in Russia, a major trading partner. Radio Ozodi quoted the minister Daler Juma as saying "The export of some types?of petroleum products is still continuing from Russia to Tajikistan." At the same time, some difficulties continue. The broadcaster quoted the minister as saying that Tajikistan worked with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Iran to ensure it had the fuel it needed. Tajikistan is a small country with a population of...

China said on Friday that it would increase cooperation with Namibia, particularly in the energy, agriculture, infrastructure and minerals sectors. This was during talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Namibian president Netumbo Nandi Ndaitwah, which took place?in Beijing. Nandi-Ndaitwah is on a 7-day trip to China, since Sunday. He's seeking investment from China, the second-largest country in the world and the top lender. The goal of the trip is to implement the election promises to create jobs and diversify Namibia's economy. "In Namibia we affirm an unwavering commitment (to) this longstanding friendship" between Namibia and China, said Nandi Ndaitwah....

The International Energy Agency (IEA) lowered its estimate on Friday to reflect the fact that Russian oil production will decline by 3% this year to 8.9m barrels per day due to Ukrainian drone attacks against 'energy infrastructure. Ukraine has intensified drone attacks on Russian energy installations, including oil refineries. The aim is to stop Moscow's war effort. The Paris-based agency stated in its monthly outlook that "continued strikes against refineries, storage and transport facilities have weakened the production outlook. We have therefore cut our Russian Supply Outlook for this year and next by 85,000 barrels a day and 150,000 bpd,...

Bloomberg News reported that SoftBank 'Corp and mobile payment operator PayPay were?in discussions to invest in retail juggernaut Seven & i Holdings. Bloomberg reported that the investment is likely to 'total several hundred billion yen.' Sumitomo Mitsui Card - a division of Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group - may also be a shareholder. Could not verify the report immediately. SoftBank, Seven & i PayPay, SMFG and SMFG declined comment. Seven & i operates 7-11 stores around the world, with Japan and America as its two largest markets. The investment would be a great boost to the embattled 'Seven & i', who...

India's Oil?and?Natural?Gas Corp. will build a 1,75 million metric tons (about 13,000,000 barrels) strategic petroleum reserve at Mangalore, in southern India. The company announced this in a late-night stock exchange filing on Thursday. India, which is the third largest oil consumer and importer in the world, was severely affected by the blockade imposed on the Strait of Hormuz - during the Iran War. Around a fifth (25%) of all energy in the world passes through this?waterway. India has increased its energy cooperation, with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Japan and others, in order to strengthen its emergency stockpile....

Gold prices dropped nearly 3% Monday after U.S. president Donald 'Trump' said he would reinstate a naval blockade against Iran. This would boost oil markets and reignite inflation fears, as well as raise the prospect of longer-term higher U.S. rates. By 10:38 am EDT (1438 GMT), spot gold had fallen 2.8%, to $4.005.59 an ounce. This was the lowest price since July 1. Prices fell for a second consecutive session. U.S. Gold Futures fell 2.4% to $4013.40. The Middle East conflict is causing oil prices to rise, and the Federal Reserve could tighten policy. This is bad for gold and...

Gold prices dropped more than 1% on Sunday as fresh strikes in the Middle East sparked inflation fears, raising the prospect of longer-term interest rates in the United States. By 9:08 am EDT (1304 GMT), spot gold had fallen 1.4%, to $4.064.02 an ounce. Prices fell for a second consecutive session. U.S. Gold Futures fell 1% to $4 071,80. "I'm not bullish on gold for the short term." The Middle East conflict is causing oil prices to rise, and the Federal Reserve could tighten policy. This is bad for assets that yield nothing, like gold", said?Fawad Rasaqzada at Forex.com. He...

India's trade minister said that the talks between India and America are "progressing well" and New Delhi does not see any obstacles to a successful conclusion of a deal. The framework agreement is complete. The framework deal will be signed when the time is right, said Rajesh Agrawal, trade secretary, at a June press conference, as he presented monthly data on exports and imports. In February, both sides agreed on a?18% tariff on Indian goods as a trade-off for New Delhi to lower its trade barriers and buy more American goods. The U.S. Supreme Court's ruling invalidating President Donald Trump’s...

The dollar was weaker on Monday, but gains were limited as tensions between the U.S.A. and Iran escalated and oil prices increased, further causing inflationary fears. The benchmark copper price on the London Metal Exchange was 0.1% higher, at $13,501 per metric ton of official rings. The lower dollar makes metals priced in dollars cheaper for holders of currencies other than the U.S. dollar, which could increase demand. After renewed military strikes by the United States and Iran, concerns about energy shipments via the Strait of Hormuz were reignited. The focus was also on falling copper inventories. The copper stocks...

Gold prices fell for a second session in a row on Monday, as renewed?hostilities? in the Middle East fueled inflationary fears and raised expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve would keep interest rates high for longer. By 1100 GMT, spot gold had fallen 1.4%, to $4.061.64, while U.S. Gold Futures for August Delivery were down by 1.1%, to $4.069.60. U.S. forces and Iranian drones have exchanged heavy attacks, including missiles and drones. Tehran has also hinted at the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. On hearing the news, oil prices rose by over 3%. "Renewed hostilities (in the Gulf) rekindle...

Gold prices fell for a second session in a row on Monday, as renewed 'hostilities' in the Middle East fueled inflationary fears and raised expectations that the U.S. Federal Reserve would keep interest rates high for longer. Spot gold fell 1.2% at $4,072.49 an ounce as of 0847 GMT. U.S. Gold futures for August were down 0.8% at $4,081.30. U.S. forces and 'Iranian forces have exchanged heavy drone and missile assaults. Tehran has targeted U.S. facilities in states on the other side of the 'Gulf, and hinted at the closing of the Strait of Hormuz. On hearing the news, oil...

Prices of copper fell on Monday, as the fighting between the U.S. Benchmark three-month Copper?on the?London Metal Exchange fell 0.64% to $13,398.5 per metric ton at 0701 GMT. The Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded copper contract fell 0.68%, to 103100 yuan (15,199.54 USD) per ton. U.S. forces and Iranian forces traded heavy drone and missile assaults at the weekend. This dampened risk appetite, and reignited fears that rising energy prices and inflation could lead policymakers to raise interest rates for longer. The pressure on industrial metals is increased by higher interest rates. Gold and silver that do not yield any...

These are the most popular?stories from the Wall Street Journal. These?stories have not been verified and we cannot vouch for their accuracy. Regis Resources has said that it will not match Genesis Minerals' bid of US$3.9 billion for Vault Minerals, because a planned merger between the two gold-mining firms would no longer meet their thresholds in terms of value and return. Shein, the fast-fashion retailer, has cleared a major hurdle in its long-awaited Hong Kong initial public offer. The listing could be valued at over $40 billion according to people who are familiar with this matter. According to sources familiar...

The price of copper fell on Monday as the fighting between the U.S., Iran and other countries intensified.?Tehran announced that it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy corridor. Benchmark three-month Copper on the?London Metal Exchange fell 0.72% to $13,387 per metric tonne by 0300 GMT. Shanghai Futures Exchange's most traded copper contract lost 0.75% to 103,030 Yuan per metric ton. The U.S. forces and Iranian forces traded heavy drone and missile assaults at the weekend. This 'diminished risk appetite' and reignited fears that higher inflation and energy prices could prompt policymakers to raise interest rates...

Gold prices eased Friday, and were on track for a weekly decline. Higher oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict fueled inflation fears and raised expectations of tighter U.S. policy. By 2:10 pm EDT (1810 GMT), spot gold was down 0.4% at $4,103.23 an ounce. It had fallen 1.7% in the past week. U.S. Gold Futures for August were around 0.7% lower, at $4.113.70 an ounce. Bart Melek is global head of commodity strategies at TD Securities. He said that the major 'factor' here was the resumption of tensions between Iran and the U.S. Investors are not keen to...

Gold was down on Friday and set to lose a 'weekly loss' as concerns about the Federal Reserve tightening monetary policy were fueled by rising crude oil prices and tensions between Iran and the United States. By 1106 GMT, spot gold had fallen 0.4% to $4105.97 an ounce, a decline of about 1.6% over the past week. U.S. Gold Futures for August Delivery fell 0.6% to $4114.80 an ounce. Han Tan, Bybit's chief market analyst, said that spot prices "may again test $4,000 per ounce as a psychological support level should tensions escalate and oil prices extend their recovery." The...

Emirates Global Aluminium announced on Friday that its Al Taweelah refinery in Abu Dhabi had restarted the production of feedstock for aluminum smelting. The restart has raised expectations of a faster than expected recovery in aluminium production, after disruptions caused by war with Iran. It also added pressure on benchmark prices for aluminum at the London Metal Exchange. The contract was last down 1.5%, at $3.152 per metric ton. In early July, EGA announced that it would restore production at the Al Taweelah Complex earlier than expected, although hot metal production could take up to one year to return to...