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Energy Markets

Crude Oil

Crude Oil

Oil prices continue to rise as US-Iran ceasefire ends

The bond yields rose on Tuesday to their highest level in decades. Oil prices also increased for the third day. Stocks in Asia gave up gains made in early trades as a U.S. - Iran truce ended and Tehran warned of a "fully offensive military posture". The 30-year Treasury bond yield rose 1.1 basis points intraday to 5.321%. This is the highest it has been in nearly 20 years. The 10-year counterpart rose 0.4 basis points to 4.724%. "In the past, when the 10-year Treasury bond rate rose above 4,65 percent, the Trump administration would follow up with some comforting...

Crude Oil

Dollar slips, shares remain steady as markets reduce Fed rate risk

On Monday, global shares rose and the dollar dropped to its lowest level in a year after a series of'soft' U.S. data, which included an unexpected decline?in retail sales, led markets to reduce their bets on an impending rate hike by the Federal Reserve. According to CME Group's FedWatch, a hike in the next month has been priced at 30%. This is down from 50% a few weeks ago. STOXX, a benchmark index of 600 large European companies, rose 0.04% on the back of resource stocks, as gold prices increased. In the US, Nasdaq and S&P futures both gained 0.5%....

Crude Oil

Dollar slips, shares rise as markets reduce Fed rate risk

Markets reduced bets on an imminent rate hike by the Federal Reserve after a series of soft U.S. data, which included an 'unexpected drop in the retail sales. According to CME Group's FedWatch, a hike in the next month has been priced at 30%. This is down from 50% a week ago. The STOXX benchmark, which measures 600 large European companies, rose by 0.21%. This followed earlier gains of MSCI's broadest Asia-Pacific index outside Japan (which rose 0.5%), while Japan's Nikkei rose by 0.3%. The Hang Seng index rose 1.6% and Chinese blue-chips gained 0.8% ahead of the release of...

Crude Oil

Dollar slips on markets that reduce Fed rate risk

Asian shares edged higher on Monday, led largely by Chinese stocks, ahead of important economic data. Investors kept a watchful eye on oil prices, after a large gain last week, amid a deadlock in the Gulf conflict. After a string of weak data, including a surprise drop in retail sales and a lackluster run of economic reports, markets have given up on betting that the Federal Reserve will soon raise interest rates. According to CME Group's FedWatch, a rate hike in the next month has been priced at 30%. This is down from 50% a week ago. The broadest MSCI...

Crude Oil

Asian shares rise as oil prices remain high due to Gulf War

Investors kept an eye on the oil price, which climbed a lot last week. The lack of progress in ending the Iran War kept inflation risks on the rise. The progress towards peace talks, and the oil tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has remained stagnant. Iran called on the U.S. on Saturday to accept defeat while President Donald Trump asked Americans to accept higher gas prices as long as the conflict continues. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that at least 11 people died in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, Saturday. This is among the highest number of deaths...

Crude Oil

Asian stocks to gain weekly on the back of fading US rate hike bets

The Asian stock market rose on Friday as the inflation data lowered expectations for an imminent U.S. interest rate hike. However, the faltering talks to end the Middle East war are likely to keep the risk sentiment in check. Brent?futures remained steady at $87.03 a barrel, following a decline on Thursday, but were on track for a weekly gain of 4%, ending a two-week loss streak. This was after the U.S. warned to increase economic pressure against Iran, including by extending a navy blockade. The markets have largely ignored the lack of progress made in the Iran War, focusing instead...

Crude Oil

Oil stocks rise globally, but US CPI remains stable

Oil prices fell on Wednesday as traders awaited the outcome of talks to end Iran's war. U.S. inflation data showed only a small increase, which dampened some expectations about a Federal Reserve rate hike. The U.S.-Iran talks were at a standstill. Both the United States and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have reported separate attacks on ships. Oil prices fell as investors took into account lower demand expectations. Data released on Wednesday showed that U.S. consumer price index increased by 0.1% in July. This was in line with the expectations. This small increase may weaken the case for a Federal Reserve interest...

Crude Oil

Oil stocks rise globally, but US CPI remains stable

Oil prices and global equity markets increased after the talks to end Iran's war reached an impasse. The markets then turned to the U.S. inflation data later that day. The?U.S. Consumer prices data will provide signals about the timing of a Federal Reserve rate increase. The data may not reflect the latest rise in oil price, but it can still be used to set expectations for next month's Fed meeting when the money markets predict a roughly 50/50 chance of an increase. According to a survey, consumer prices are predicted to rise by 0.1% in the month of July after...

Crude Oil

Stocks rise as oil prices continue to rise in anticipation of a possible US-Iran agreement

The oil prices rose and global stocks were up on Tuesday as traders focused on the negotiations between the United States and Iran on a peace agreement and the reopening of Strait of Hormuz. Gains were tempered by uncertainty over the?global inflation forecast. In an interview with Bloomberg News, Pakistan's defence minister stated that the U.S. is close to a "sort of arrangement" between Iran and Pakistan. The MSCI index of world stocks rose 0.10% to 1,154.40. The escalating tensions between the two countries have been a focus of attention. Oil prices jumped 5% Monday as a result. Donald Trump,...

Crude Oil

Asia stocks hold firm as oil prices edge up in the Gulf crisis

Asian share markets followed Wall Street's lead on Monday, after a weak U.S. employment report reduced the risk of an increase in borrowing costs near-term. However, a lackluster progress in Gulf peace negotiations saw oil prices rise. Iran said?on Sunday? that an agreement with Oman to define new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz is in its final stages. However, it reiterated that this waterway will only be reopened once the United States meets other conditions. Brent crude increased 0.6% to $84.04 per barrel, as the shipping volume through this vital waterway was minimal. U.S. crude climbed 0.5% to...

Crude Oil

Oil prices rise in the Gulf amid confusion and Asian stock markets edge higher

The Asian share market matched Wall Street's gains on Monday, after a weak U.S. employment report reduced the risk of an increase in borrowing costs near-term. However, a lack progress?in Gulf Peace talks led to oil prices?creeping?higher. Iran announced on Sunday that it was nearing the final stages of a deal that would define new shipping lanes for the Strait of Hormuz. However, the Iranian government reiterated that this waterway will only be reopened once the United States meets other conditions. Brent crude increased by 0.9% to $84.32 per barrel, as the shipping volume through this vital waterway was minimal....

Crude Oil

US stocks and bonds rise after soft jobs report, yen recovers

The global stock market is on track for its biggest weekly gain since the beginning of May, after a weaker than expected U.S. job report eased concerns about an imminent Federal Reserve interest rate hike. Meanwhile, strong earnings and AI enthusiasm overshadowed concerns about the Iran War. U.S. stock prices opened higher on the Friday, and Treasury yields dropped. This reflects a waning expectation that the Fed would raise rates next month. The Nasdaq gained 0.7% during early trading, while the dollar dropped. This gave the Japanese yen some relief. The yen rose to 157.20 against the dollar, after previously...

Environment

Environment

AGL Australia forecasts higher earnings in 2027 on the back of battery growth and lower costs

Australian power producer ?AGL Energy forecast stronger-than-expected 2027 earnings ?on Wednesday, ?betting lower operating costs and contributions from its expanding battery portfolio would offset softer wholesale electricity prices. The Melbourne-based firm forecasts underlying net profit for 2027 between A$470 ($332.01 millions) and A$670,000,000, with the middle point above Visible Alpha's estimate of A$550.8million, despite reporting a slight drop in profit in 2025. AGL stated that earnings would be supported by stable retail energy margins, and the contribution of a Liddell?Battery recently installed in New South Wales. This battery is a grid-scale 500 MW battery. According to the power producer, '2027...

Environment

Australia and Vietnam strengthen strategic partnership

Australia and Vietnam signed cooperation agreements on Tuesday that cover defence, agriculture, and border security. In a joint press release issued during Lam’s official visit to Australia, the two countries also expressed concern over?restrictive?trade practices which disrupt global supply chains. The statement stated that they agreed to intensify their cooperation in supply chains, including areas such as critical minerals, semiconductors, and clean energy. The leaders witnessed the exchange of memorandums of understanding between the Vietnam Coast Guard and the Australian Border Force for cooperation on maritime law enforcement. The Vietnamese government released a separate statement that said another agreement was...

Environment

France has experienced its first "fire cloud". What is it exactly?

France is coping with a fire season unprecedented in its history. It has forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate and dealt a major blow to the country's economy at optimum tourist season. It's not only the?scale?of the fires?that?is a?first. The fires are also acting in a way that has never been seen in France before, such as the first ever reported pyrocumulonimbus or "fire cloud". Here is an overview of this rare phenomenon. What is a 'fire-cloud'? A pyrocumulonimbus cloud is formed when intense heat drives smoke, ash, and water vapour into the air. David Bowman is professor of pyrogeography...

Mining

Mineral Resources

Mineral Resources

NexGen Energy, a Canadian miner NexGen RPT, holds talks with BHP to seek $1 billion for its uranium project

Leigh Curyer, the CEO of NexGen Energy, said that it was "talking" and sharing information with BHP about its Rook I project in Saskatchewan. NexGen Energy, a Canadian uranium mining company, has started construction on what will be the largest uranium mine in the world. The company is looking to raise $1 billion of capital over the next nine-month period. The miner will consider financing options such as prepayment agreements with utilities, debt finance, and direct equity in the project. Curyer, when asked if NexGen was in contact with BHP regarding a possible equity partnership in Athabasca Basin, said that...

Mineral Resources

James Hardie is facing another class action lawsuit over earnings forecasts and disclosures

The law firm Slater and Gordon announced on Monday that it filed a class action against James Hardie Industries in an Australian court to seek compensation for losses suffered by investors due to the company’s earnings forecasts and market disclosures for fiscal 2026. The suit also claims that the conduct of the fiber cement maker artificially inflates its share price. It follows another action that was filed a few months ago, alleging that the company failed not to disclose adverse circumstances in its "North America" business. Slater and Gordon announced that it had begun court proceedings against investors who purchased...

Mineral Resources

Sources: China's state iron ore purchaser has a supply agreement with Anglo American

Three sources familiar with the matter said that the Chinese state iron ore purchaser reached an agreement in April with 'Anglo American over an annual supply contract for the key ingredient used to make steel. China Mineral 'Resources Group' (CMRG) was established in 2022 in order to gain more power on the iron ore markets where China is a dominant buyer. They have increased their efforts to get better terms for Chinese Steelmakers who are struggling with dwindling margins and dwindling demand. Bloomberg broke the news on Friday. Sources said that CMRG, under the?agreement which was not previously reported, became...

Mineral Resources

Australia promised to build 1.2 million homes but builders are reaching their limits

Builder Jay Perham in Brisbane, Australia, was forced to pour cement at a housing site during the night because he couldn't find workers to do the work when the sun came up. Then, quality problems arise. Perham, the manager of Axiom Construction, said that you can't see at night. "The last three or four pours that I have made were all at night and we had head torches on and lamps." Brisbane, the host city for 'the 2032 Olympic Games, will see around A$7billion ($4.93billion) in Olympic-related construction. This will add to the existing shortage of workers. The construction of...

Mineral Resources

Russell: The surge in China's imports of coal may be starting to slow down.

China's coal exports increased to the highest level this year in July, but that strength is based on short-term factors and unlikely to last. According to data released by the government last week, total coal imports in July were up 23% from last year's same month to 43.73 millions metric tons. It was up from 42.78 millions tons in June, and nearly a third higher than the low of 33.1million tons for April this year. After 82 miners were killed in an accident at a mine located in Shanxi Province on May 22, China began imposing safety inspections in mines....

Mineral Resources

Russell: The surge in China's imports of coal may be starting to slow down.

China's coal exports surged in July to their highest level this year. But the increase is based on short-term factors and will not last. According to data released by the government last week, total coal imports rose 23% from July last year to 43.73 millions metric tons. The increase was from 42.78 millions tons in June and nearly a third higher than the lowest level of?this year, which was 33.1 million tonnes from April. This rebound comes after China implemented safety inspections in mines following an accident that left 82 people in Shanxi Province dead on May 22, China's largest...

Mineral Resources

Australia tightens restrictions on two Northern Minerals shareholders who are ordered to divest

The Australian government has tightened restrictions on two Northern Minerals shareholders who were ordered to 'divest their shares over national security concerns,' the?miner reported. This is a further scrutiny of Chinese investment in the rare-earths developer. Northern Minerals has developed the Browns Range Heavy Rare Earths Project in Western Australia. Western governments are looking to reduce their reliance on China as a source of these minerals. The Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers, ordered in May that six offshore shareholders of Northern Minerals divest all their shares over concerns that Chinese-linked groups were seeking to control the rare earths miner. Chalmers said...

Mineral Resources

James Hardie posts a 54% increase in quarterly profits and raises its annual earnings forecast

James Hardie increased its annual earnings forecast on Friday. It cited synergies from its acquisition of AZEK and manufacturing efficiencies, as well as strong execution across its businesses. The company also reported a 54% increase in its first-quarter profits. As affordability restrictions in the?U.S. grew, pressure was put on the company's Siding & Trim division. New construction activity slowed and distributor inventories were high. The company's previous forecast was $5.25 to $5.41 Billion. It now expects a net sales of $5.56 to $5.72 Billion in 2027. It also raised its forecasted adjusted earnings before taxes, depreciation, and?amortization for the year...

Mineral Resources

Ariana Resources targets gold production of 2028 from rare Zimbabwe greenfield mining

Kerim Sener, Managing Director of Ariana Resources (a London-listed company), said that the company expects to begin producing gold in Zimbabwe from its "greenfield" project by 2028. Ariana Resources' Dokwe Project, located about 110 kilometres north-west from Bulawayo (Zimbabwe’s second largest city), is a 'large-scale greenfield' project. South Africa has a rich history of gold mining, but it has been unable to attract substantial investment after international mining companies such as Rio Tinto, Delta Gold, and Kinross left the country more than 20 years ago due to a political crisis and economic crisis. A few mid-tier miners and many small-scale...

Mineral Resources

Rio Tinto's executive claims that the price of iron ore will rise in the next decade due to the depletion of mines.

Rio Tinto's executive stated on Wednesday that the supply pressure resulting from the depletion?of?iron ore mining operations built earlier in this century, such as those found in Australia, will?underpin iron ore prices and the market over the next decade. Rio expects that it will invest over $13 billion in new mines, plants and equipment in the Pilbara Region from 2025-2027. It estimates that 800 million tons of additional production is needed globally within the next decade. Just 300 millions tonnes have been committed. Matthew Holcz said at a luncheon event held by the Melbourne Mining Club that "it feels like...

Mineral Resources

Rio Tinto's executive claims that the price of iron ore will be driven by the depletion of mines in the next decade.

Rio Tinto's executive said on Wednesday that the supply pressure from depleting iron ore mining operations?built in the early part of this century, like those in Australia, will drive iron ore prices and the market over the next decade. Rio expects that it will invest over $13 billion in new mines, plants and equipment in the Pilbara Region between 2025 and 2027. It is estimated that 800 million tonnes of additional production must be added worldwide within the next decade just to maintain supply. Only 300 millions tonnes have been committed. Matthew Holcz said at a luncheon event held by...

Mineral Resources

Australian stock prices reach record levels on the back of signs of eased Iran tensions.

Australian shares opened Wednesday at a new record high, boosted by miners as optimism grew about an imminent end to the five-month long Iran war. S&P/ASX 200 index grew?as much?as 0.7%?to a new record high of 9,213.0.?At 1216 GMT it was up 0.6%, adding to Tuesday's gains of 1.4%. The local benchmark has joined the global equity rally following comments from Qatari and U.S. officials that raised hopes of a diplomatic solution to the Iran War. This led to a decline in oil prices for a third consecutive day and pushed global bond yields down. Josh Gilbert, eToro's lead analyst...