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This week the Iran‑aligned Houthis have seized Yemen’s Red Sea coast and taken islands in the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait, including Mocha, Mayyun (Perim) and the Hanish islands; Saudi and pro‑government forces have launched air strikes in response, the offensive has killed hundreds, displaced tens of thousands and pushed oil prices above $100 a barrel.
China's official manufacturing PMI has edged into expansion at 50.3 in June from May's 50.0, with improvements in new orders and production. Export demand remains a key engine, while domestic consumption shows caution amid a prolonged property downturn. Analysts expect policy support to sustain momentum.
Markets are stabilising after a stretch of high activity in tech options, with traders shifting focus as implied volatility cools. Small caps are leading potential next moves, while global equities reflect a policy-led, carry-friendly regime.
Gold and silver have paused their retreat as hawkish central-bank signals and inflation fears weigh on the metals. Oil prices stay subdued, and markets eye key U.S. data on jobs and inflation to gauge the path of monetary policy. Yields on U.S. Treasuries have moved little on the final trading day of June. This update covers developments through July 1, 2026.
Oil prices have shifted as indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran inform expectations for Middle East supply. Markets show guarded optimism about a ceasefire framework and potential restoration of safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while inventories and production signals temper optimism.
Oil prices have fallen back as flows resume through the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent near pre-war levels and traders citing improved supply and easing demand concerns amid China’s reduced imports. Markets warn the rally could resume if security holds and demand rebounds.
Gold has fallen from its 2025 peak as higher real yields and a firmer dollar weigh on prices, with analysts noting divergent drivers behind safe-haven demand and new forecasts suggesting limited upside this year.
Germany's government has unveiled a broad package of reforms, including €10 billion in annual tax relief for lower-income earners, pension overhauls, tighter sick-leave rules, and reduced bureaucracy. The plan, financed by raising the top tax rate for high earners, aims to boost growth and competitiveness but faces mixed reactions from unions and business groups as it seeks Bundestag and Bundesrat approval.
The June 2026 US jobs report shows leisure and hospitality employment has fallen by 61,000, undermining expectations that the World Cup would spur hiring. Overall employment rose modestly, with revisions to May and April figures, and analysts weigh whether the tournament will lift local economies in other ways.
Oil prices have risen this week after U.S. officials narrowed a waiver to the Jones Act for energy shipments and data showed U.S. crude stocks have fallen to multi-decade lows. Traders are parsing mixed statements from Washington and Tehran about talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz while reparations demands have emerged, keeping markets volatile on 11 Aug 2026.
Renewed US–Iran strikes and a US naval blockade have pushed oil above $90 a barrel and cut tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping, insurance and refining costs have surged faster than crude, lifting diesel and jet-fuel premiums and pushing US pump prices toward $4 a gallon; analysts warn sustained disruption will force further price rises.
ASIC confirms banks have mismanaged offset accounts, prompting millions in compensations and exposing risks as millions more are affected. The watchdog warns that linking and monitoring issues persist post-refinancing.
A coordinated U.S.-Japan intervention in late July has only temporarily strengthened the yen. The currency has given back roughly half the gains from the operation and is trading near ¥159–¥160 to the dollar as of mid-August. Analysts say the yield gap between U.S. and Japanese debt and Japan's domestic policy mix are keeping downward pressure on the yen.
Oil prices rise as talks over reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain unsettled. Brent nears $90, and U.S. inventories stay tight amid ongoing tensions and political maneuvering.
Rising heat and drought across Europe have lowered river levels, exposing World War II ships, mammoth remains and ancient structures. Analysts warn climate-driven extremes are intensifying, threatening ships, power plants and freight, while historians document maritime relics surfacing along the Danube and Rhine.
Oil prices have risen above $108 a barrel as Middle East tensions escalate, with markets watching U.S. inflation data and the Federal Reserve meeting. Global stock indices are mixed, and Treasuries remain volatile as energy costs weigh on households and corporate margins.
Global markets waver as AI-linked stocks retreat after OpenAI signals a potential year-end stock sale delay. SoftBank jumps on OpenAI ties; oil prices rise amid Middle East tensions. Wall Street edges lower as investors weigh safety over growth.
Bond markets are rattled as the 10-year yield hovers around 5%, signaling renewed strain across housing, corporate debt and government finances. Investors weigh how higher rates will pressure refinancing over the next 12–18 months, with AI funding and private credit vulnerabilities in focus.