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EU Sanctions Reversal Lets TotalEnergies Sell Russian LNG to Asia
TotalEnergies can now bypass an impending ban and continue supplying Asian customers with liquefied natural gas from Russia’s Yamal mega-project, following a reversal of EU sanctions.
WTI Crude Hovers Near $80 on US-Iran Peace Talk Hopes
Oil prices stay under pressure as optimism over renewed US-Iran negotiations raises prospects of easing Middle East tensions.
Oman Proposes Strait of Hormuz Fee Mechanism to Iran
Oman has presented Iran with a proposal to establish a joint regional mechanism that could impose fees on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for nearly 20% of global energy supplies.
Brent Oil Tumbles 8.7% as US-Iran Tensions Ease
Brent crude fell 8.7% to $88.36, reversing last week's gains, amid hopes of de-escalation between the US and Iran, according to Commerzbank.
US crude plunges over 11% as Iran attack halt sparks deal hopes
Oil prices tumbled sharply after the US suspended military strikes on Iran and President Trump signaled a possible agreement.
Global Macro: Softer Inflation and Resilient Growth Characterize Latest Week
Canadian and UK inflation continued to moderate last week, while labor-market data remained constructive, shifting the macro transmission chain toward a backdrop of softer price pressures and resilient activity.
Japan’s Katayama Stresses Communication With Bond Market Ahead of Budget
Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama said it is necessary to communicate the government’s fiscal policy intentions to the JGB market before budget compilation.
Asian Private Credit Fundraising Crashes to Decade Low in H1 2026
Asia-focused private credit funds raised only $1.2 billion in the first half of 2026, the weakest H1 tally in at least ten years, amid rising bankruptcies and waning global appetite.
WTI Holds Near One-Week Low Around $81.00 on US-Iran Talks
West Texas Intermediate crude is consolidating heavy losses near $81 per barrel as traders watch for progress in US-Iran nuclear negotiations.
Forbes: Engineering Degree No Longer a Guaranteed Career Path
A Forbes analysis finds that an engineering degree alone no longer ensures stable employment, as hiring shifts toward specific high-demand skills like AI and semiconductors.
Big Tech’s Long-Term Bonds Trade Like Junk as AI Spending Stokes Investor Concerns
Long-dated bonds from major U.S. hyperscalers are trading with credit spreads close to junk levels, driven by heavy AI capital spending.
Oil Tumbles as US and Iran Signal Diplomatic Opening; WTI Below $82
West Texas Intermediate crude fell below $82 a barrel and Brent posted its steepest daily drop in more than three months after reports that the US paused a potential strike on Iran and the two countries entered talks.
Asian Stocks Fall as AI Spending Jitters Hammer Chipmakers
MSCI Asia Pacific dropped 1.2%, with South Korea’s KOSPI plunging 5.6% and Japan’s Nikkei down 1.3%. Nvidia debt-protection costs surged amid a $750 billion AI deal wave, while ASML sank on a Chinese chipmaking machine report.
U.S. Backs Pilot Zone for Verifiable Disarmament of Terror Groups in Lebanon
A U.S. State Department official stated that a pilot zone offers a chance to restore Lebanese state authority through the verifiable disarmament of terror groups, calling the trilateral framework the only path to lasting peace.
State Dept. Sees 'Significant Momentum' in Israeli-Lebanese Peace Track
The U.S. State Department says there is significant momentum in Israeli-Lebanese diplomacy following a pilot zone launch and a meeting between President Aoun and President Trump.
Anthropic CEO Denies Advocating Open-Weights Ban, Calls for Export Curbs and Safety Tests
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei stated the company never pushed for a ban on open-weights models, while urging chip export restrictions to China, cracking down on distillation, and mandatory safety testing for frontier AI models.
Malaysian PM Anwar Defies US Lawmakers' Demand for Rubio Review of Ties
Eight U.S. House members asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to review relations with Malaysia, triggering a summoning of the Malaysian ambassador. Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rejected the pressure and reaffirmed a hard line against Israel.
WTI Crude Drops Nearly 9% on Monday, Trades Above $81
WTI crude oil fell close to 9% on Monday, slipping from a Friday close near $89 to just above $81, with a gap lower at the open and no recovery during the session.
BlackRock’s $12.3B AI Data Center Bond for Meta Rallies Before Pricing
Stronger-than-expected investor demand drove the bonds tighter in the gray market, with higher yields attracting buyers despite initial weak interest, contrasting with recent AI bond misfires.
Trump Urges Fed Rate Cuts as Gulf War Ends, Sees Lower Prices
President Trump pointed to a recent favorable inflation report and the conclusion of the Gulf War, stating that costs are falling rapidly and that prices should drop significantly, while pressing the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates.
Explosions Reported Near US Consulate in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan
Airstrikes and explosions hit Erbil and Sulaymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan, including a gas field and militant bases, with a drone and rocket attack reported near the US consulate in Erbil, Iranian media reported.
Anthropic Denies Advocating Ban on Open-Weight AI Models
Anthropic pushed back against claims it supports a ban on open-weight AI models, with CEO Dario Amodei stating such models do not inherently complicate safety safeguards.
China's July crude oil imports set to jump 26% MoM to 7.8 mb/d
After June's 9-year low, imports are rebounding sharply with Saudi and UAE flows surging.
U.S. Stocks Mixed as Chip Weakness Offsets Gains; Oil Tumbles 8% on Iran Deal Hopes
U.S. equities ended mixed with the S&P 500 flat as semiconductor losses countered broader gains. Oil prices slumped over 8% on signs of U.S.-Iran diplomacy, pulling Treasury yields lower ahead of the Fed decision.