United States

A survey of the Norwegian oil and gas industry showed that their estimates for 2026-2027 had been raised compared to three months ago. According to a survey by the Statistics Office (SSB), the Nordic country's largest business sector expects to spend 275 billion Norwegian crowns in 2026. This is up from 266 in?May and compared with a record of 273 in?year. As a wave major offshore developments near completion and begin production, it is expected that investments will?decrease to 227 billion crowns next year. "The?upwardly revised investment estimate for the year 2027 is primarily driven by higher estimates of costs...

Bank of America is set to acquire up to a 49.9% share in Jio Financial Services' non-bank lending arm in a deal worth 182.68 billion rupees ($1.92 billion). The lender is expanding its presence in India's rapidly growing financial sector. The deal is a continuation of a recent trend of large foreign investment in Indian banks and nonbank lenders. These institutions are experiencing a high demand for credit, and low delinquency rate. Recent deals include MUFG's investment into Shriram Finance in Japan, Emirates NBD of Dubai's purchase of 60% stake in RBL Bank, and Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Groups' investment in...

Two people familiar with the matter said that Braskem is in advanced discussions for a possible 'out-of court restructuring. This could be filed this month. The company has over $10 billion of debt in Brazil, Europe and America. Sources said that the restructuring proposal may come before the August 24 deadline, when Braskem’s 60-day protection ends. Sources said that Braskem (which private equity firm, IG4 Capital, recently purchased from engineering group Novonor) has been experiencing a prolonged down cycle in the petrochemical industry. It is estimated to take three to five year to resolve Braskem's issues. Braskem has been weakened...

In a deal worth 182.68 billion rupees (about $1.92 billion), Bank of America will take up to 49.9% stake in Jio Financial Services' non-bank lending division. The U.S. lender is expanding its presence in India’s rapidly growing financial sector. Bank of America and Jio Credit announced on Wednesday a preferred allocation of equity shares, warrants, and other securities. BofA initially holds a stake of 26.5% in the transaction. This could increase to 49.9% if warrants are exercised. As part of this deal, Jio Credit will sell shares and warrants up to 66.13 Billion Rupees. BofA CEO Brian Moynihan stated that...

Former Ukrainian detainees as well as Ukrainian officials have accused Russia of torturing civilian and military?detainees. They also said that they held them incommunicado, subjected them to electric shocks, and sexually abused thousands of people. Russia has rejected the allegations that were made during an informal U.N. Security Council Meeting. Its Deputy U.N. representative Maria Zabolotskaya called it "a campaign of disinformation" and claimed that Russian prisoners held in Ukraine had been subjected "to torture and degradation, and moral and physically abuse." Khuan Levya-Garsiya is still an active member in the Ukrainian military. He claims that his Russian captors tortured...

The oil prices remained steady?on Tuesday? at a level higher than a week ago?despite fading hopes of an agreement between the U.S.A. and Iran that would end their war and open the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump demanded damages for the U.S. Brent crude futures remained flat at $87.81 per barrel at 0013 GMT. U.S. West Texas intermediate crude?futures stayed at $82.20 per barrel. Both benchmarks rose by more than 5% Monday, reaching their highest level since July 31. Trump's response to Iran’s conditions for a deal was to demand that Iran pay compensation for those killed in...

Executives from global commodities traders and financial companies, such as Trafigura, StoneX, and Macquarie are expanding their presence in Brazil's energy trading market. They are betting on the rising volatility of prices and the long-term growth of this sector, even though a wave financial distress is hitting local players. As several Brazilian power traders are facing financial problems, international groups with a large amount of capital can now gain a larger share of one the largest electricity markets in the world. StoneX's local segment head, Marcelo Mello, has announced that the company has opened its first global trading desk for...

Oil prices rose Monday?on the uncertainty of a reopening the Strait?of Hormuz any time soon. Iran said a?deal with Oman?defining?new shipping?lanes? was in its final phases?but?insisted that the U.S. still must meet other conditions. Brent crude futures increased 91 cents (1.09%) to $84.46 a bar by 0056 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate Crude futures also rose 61 cents (0.78%) to $78.79 a bar. Both benchmarks fell more than 7% in the last week, on the hope that Iran and Oman would soon reach a deal that would lead to the reopening of Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz carried...

After?18 months? of intensive negotiating, Syria and Russia have reached an agreement to settle the future of Russian base?at Tartous?and Hmeimim?, according the Syrian Foreign Ministry. The ministry announced that the Syrian state will take over the management of civil facilities, such as Hmeimim Airport and the commercial berth at Tartous Port, allowing for their gradual integration into the civilian administration. The military sites would be converted into joint training and qualification centres, under new arrangements that preserve the interests of both parties. This transition was to be completed in three months. The Russian naval base at Hmeimim and?Tartous air?base...

The Saudi Energy Ministry reported that firefighters extinguished the fire at Saudi Aramco Jazan refinery, which broke out early Sunday morning. The fire was brought under control by Aramco's Industrial Security Teams and the authorities are completing the procedures to handle the incident. This is what the Saudi Energy Ministry said on X. The ministry did not say what started the fire. Jazan lies on the Red Sea, near the border of Yemen. Aramco closed its 400,000 barrels-per-day Jazan'refinery' on July 27, following an attack from Yemen's Houthi militants, which damaged the plant’s Integrated 'Gasification Combined Cycle' (IGCC) and tank...

An official from the United States reported progress on Friday between Iran and Oman, which could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in the near future. This would allow oil exports to resume that were disrupted during the U.S. The war with Iran is ongoing. The U.S. official who refused to be identified said Washington expected an agreement between the two countries that sit on either side of the Strait so normal oil traffic can resume. The deal between Iran, Oman and the control of the strategic watersway is seen by many as being crucial to a...

The U.S. Senate passed sweeping Russia sanctions legislation by a large majority on Friday. This long-delayed bill was backed by Senator Lindsey Graham, who died in 2013. It now sets the stage for the House of Representatives to consider the measure as early as next month. Graham, a 'South Carolina Republican', was one of Kyiv’s most vocal allies in Congress during its four-year war against Russia. The bill is intended to increase economic pressure upon Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine. The measure also includes the expanded sanctions against Iran that President Donald Trump sought as legislators moved to pass...

Investors weighed stalled attempts?to resolve the U.S. - Iran conflict, the continued disruptions of?shipping in the Strait of?Hormuz 'blockade?and a softer outlook for oil demand. Iran and the United States are still at odds on a permanent solution. A senior Iranian source said that there has been no progress in reviving or setting a timeline for the implementation of the June interim agreement. The prospects for a breakthrough have been further dampened by President Donald Trump's renewed criticism of Iran's leaders. Meanwhile, fresh attacks against shipping on Tuesday highlighted the dangers facing regional trade. The energy outlook was further impacted...

Investors were awaiting key U.S. data on inflation that could change policy expectations. This led to a rise in gold prices?on Wednesday. By 0713 GMT, spot gold had gained 0.9%. U.S. Gold Futures for December Delivery rose by 0.5% to $4464.80. Bullion reached a 10-week-high on Tuesday, before hitting technical resistance around the 100-day moving?average of $4,387. It then closed lower for the second time this month. The primary driver of gold prices is the Fed's reduction in rate hikes, according to Kelvin Wong. He is a senior analyst at OANDA. "In terms of the technical position, we began to?see...

Gold edged up on Tuesday, after reaching a?peak? of more than two months earlier. Market participants are awaiting important U.S. Inflation figures that may influence expectations about the Federal Reserve’s policy. Gold spot was up 0.2% to $4,396.87 an ounce by 11:05 am EDT (1505 GMT) after reaching its highest level in the session since June 5, at $4434.84. U.S. Gold Futures rose 0.8% to $4456.10. The market will be looking at this week's data to confirm that inflation is under control, said Peter Grant, senior metals analyst and vice president of Zaner Metals. He added that a moderated annualized...

Barrick Mining announced on Tuesday that it has appointed Sebastiaan bock as the chief executive officer for its Rest of World division. He will be in charge of all gold and copper projects and operations outside North America. Barrick now has a global leader to lead its international business. The company is preparing to divide its North American assets from its overseas assets, in an effort to sharpen management focus and reduce the 'valuation drag' investors apply to miner with exposure to high-risk jurisdictions. Bock will oversee a portfolio that spans Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, as well...

Aluminum?prices rose to a seven week high on Tuesday, as 'concerns about supply from the Gulf coincided wth Norsk Hydro announcing a reduction in feedstock production?at?its Brazilian facility. Benchmark three-month "aluminum" on the London Metal Exchange rose 1.9% at 0850 GMT to $3,378.50 per metric ton, after reaching $3,382.5 as its highest level since June 22. Aluminum extended its gains for a seventh session in a row after Norsk Hydro announced that its Alunorte facility in Brazil had reduced alumina production to 50% of its capacity due to the reduction of natural gas supply. The plant's annual production capacity is...

Investors focused on inflation data to get clues about the U.S. rate outlook. Gold spot was down 0.3% at $4,374.82 an ounce as of 0548 GMT after reaching its highest level in the session since June 5, $4,434.82. U.S. Gold Futures increased 0.4% to $4435.00. Ahmad Assiri is a Research Strategist for Pepperstone. He said that the move higher in gold's early session trading above $4,400 was primarily driven by renewed flows and a noticeable shift in metal market sentiment. If?this change of sentiment continues to attract more flows, this could be an important factor in determining if gold can...

Barrick Mining's second-quarter profits were below estimates on Monday, as higher costs in its?gold?operations countered rising bullion price. The company also struck a $1.95billion deal with Newmont for the settlement of disputes regarding Nevada Gold Mines. Newmont has consented to Barrick’s planned initial public offer of its North American assets of gold, the companies announced in a press release. This opens the way for Barrick to complete an IPO by the end 2026. Barrick is searching for a new chief executive officer to lead its non-North American operations. Mark Hill, the CEO of Barrick North America, has stated that he...

Gold prices fell on Monday due to a stronger dollar and investors awaiting key U.S. data about inflation that could influence expectations of the Federal Reserve. By 09:33 am EDT (1333 GMT), spot gold had fallen 0.2%, to $4335.27 an ounce. After an unexpected decline in U.S. Nonfarm Payrolls, it reached its highest level since Friday. U.S. Gold Futures dropped 0.1% to $4,394.00. Jim Wyckoff is a market analyst at American Gold Exchange. He said, "Gold is under pressure from the firm dollar index today and is taking a break?ahead?of a key inflation report due later this week." Dollar-priced gold...

Gold prices fell on Monday, despite hitting a seven-week peak in the previous session. The stronger dollar was to blame, and investors are looking forward to inflation data, which will provide new clues about the policy direction of central banks. As of 1122 GMT, spot gold was down 0.2% to $4,332.68 an ounce. After weak U.S. payroll data, prices hit their highest level since June 17, on Friday. U.S. Gold Futures dropped 0.2% on Monday to $4,391.60. Dollar gained 0.2% making greenback bullion prices more expensive for holders of other currencies. Gold remains capped by the U.S. - Iran conflict...

Gold prices fell on Monday, as investors took profits following a seven-week high. Meanwhile, markets waited for new clues from U.S. inflation figures to determine the Federal Reserve's rate policy. As of 0200 GMT, spot gold was down 0.5% to $4,322.28 an ounce. After a weaker than expected?U.S. jobs data. U.S. Gold futures dropped 0.4% on Monday to $4,381.60. Gold is slightly lower as it succumbs a little to profit-taking after last week's NFP-inspired gains. This is more of a natural stabilisation than a significant shift in sentiment. I expect gold will remain above $4,300 in the near term. The...

According to a document seen by, the U.S. Export-Import Bank will lend $58 million to three companies that deal with critical minerals as part of President Donald Trump's efforts to wean America off Chinese imports and bolster American mining and processing. The funding coincides with Trump's Friday meeting with executives of some of the largest mining companies in the world to highlight the country's needs for better supplies. John Jovanovic said, "Critical Mineral Security is?National Security," adding that the funding will "fortify supply chains, restore vital industries which support high-paying American Jobs and protect everyday Americans from supply surprises." Westwater...

The U.S. Patriot system, first used in 1991 in the Gulf War, has seen a sharp increase in demand this year. Supplies of interceptors have been depleted due to the war in the Middle East and Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion. Ukraine urgently seeks more Patriot interceptors to defend itself against the nightly barrages of Russian ballistic rocket strikes. The Iran War has depleted the arsenals of the U.S., the Gulf and some European countries. Here are some details on the Patriot air defense system, which is one of the most sophisticated weapons in the U.S. arsenal. What is...