Russia launched a deadly barrage of missiles and drones on the Ukrainian capital, killing at least two people and causing widespread damage shortly after U.S. peace envoys departed the city. The escalation raises concerns over regional stability and potential impacts on energy infrastructure.
Gold prices found support from a weaker U.S. dollar, which fell amid a sharp rally in the Japanese yen. However, gains were capped by rising oil prices and persistent market expectations for a Federal Reserve interest rate hike.
Global oil benchmark Brent crude is trading below the key $100 per barrel level as rising non-OPEC output and significant demand destruction, particularly from China, offset severe export disruptions from the Persian Gulf.
Crude oil benchmarks continued to climb, with Brent holding above $97 a barrel, after Iranian officials warned that energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf could be targeted in retaliation for recent U.S. strikes.
Commodity vessel traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway slowed after Iran threatened retaliation for potential U.S. attacks, according to Kpler data. The heightened risk prompted Goldman Sachs to raise its crude oil price forecasts.
Crude oil futures extended gains as escalating military exchanges between the United States and Iran fueled investor concerns over a prolonged conflict that could threaten key shipping routes in the Middle East.
A new report indicates that armed gangs in Haiti are expanding from Port-au-Prince into the countryside, using mobile units for raids and kidnappings that disrupt key agricultural zones and challenge security forces.
A senior UAE official stated the country is developing alternative export corridors to ensure its energy and trade are not 'held hostage' by the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has disrupted the Strait of Hormuz.
Chinese soybean processors are confronting a severe fourth-quarter supply squeeze and negative profit margins, as dwindling Brazilian inventories and a 10% tariff on U.S. soybeans pressure the industry ahead of a key diplomatic summit.
