Trump Threatens 100% Tariffs on Countries Imposing Digital Services Taxes on U.S. Tech Firms 
Gold Prices Rise Above $4,000 as Inflation Data and Weaker Dollar Boost Demand 
Asian Stocks Sink as Apple Price Hikes Spark AI Valuation Fears, South Korea and Japan Lead Selloff 
Oil Prices Drop as Strait of Hormuz Shipping Recovers 
Bank Regulation Rollbacks in the U.S. and UK Could Increase Financial Risks, Study Warns 
Wall Street Ends Lower as AI Stocks Drag Markets, Fed Rate Outlook Shifts 
US Dollar Slips After PCE Inflation Data Eases Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Oil Prices Drop as Middle East Supply Recovery Eases Market Concerns 
S&P Affirms Brazil’s BB Credit Rating with Stable Outlook Amid Fiscal Challenges 
White House Seeks $87.6 Billion Emergency Funding for Iran War, Farmers, and Ebola Response 
Japan Signals Preference for Low Interest Rates as BOJ Policy Debate Intensifies 
Asian Currencies Trade Mixed as Yen Hovers Near 40-Year Low, Dollar Holds Firm on Fed Outlook 
Gold Prices Fall Below $4,000 as Strong Dollar, Fed Rate Hike Bets Weigh on Bullion 
SpaceX Eyes Starlink Mobile Phone Service to Challenge Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile 
South Korea’s KOSPI Plunges as Apple Price Hikes and OpenAI IPO Delay Shake AI Chip Stocks 
Oil Prices Rebound as Strait of Hormuz Tensions Return After Ship Attack Near Oman 
Morgan Stanley Sees Chinese Auto Market Recovery Gaining Momentum in Late Summer 
Oil prices jumped sharply on Monday as escalating tensions in the Middle East fueled concerns about global supply disruptions. Brent crude futures climbed 6.8% to $77.80 per barrel, reaching their highest level since January 2025. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 5.7% to $70.85 per barrel, hovering near its strongest level since June. The rally follows coordinated U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran over the weekend, significantly heightening geopolitical risk in the oil market.
The military action reportedly targeted key Iranian leadership and nuclear facilities, prompting swift retaliation from Tehran. Iran launched missile strikes against Israel and several Gulf nations with U.S. ties, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. President Donald Trump indicated that further military operations are likely, warning of continued instability in the region.
Investors are closely watching developments around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route responsible for nearly 20% of global oil consumption. Reports suggest Iran has targeted vessels in the area, raising fears of shipping disruptions. Analysts warn that any prolonged closure or restriction of the strait could significantly tighten global crude supply and push energy prices higher.
Market strategists emphasize that the duration of the conflict will determine the long-term direction of oil prices. While some expect a short-term spike followed by stabilization, others caution that sustained disruptions could drive Brent crude toward the $90 to $100 range. Historical data shows that although the current surge is notable, it remains below the largest price spikes seen during the Gulf War, the Global Financial Crisis, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Adding complexity to the supply outlook, OPEC+ announced a production increase of 206,000 barrels per day. While the move aims to stabilize global oil markets, shipping constraints and geopolitical tensions may limit its impact.
As volatility intensifies, traders and investors continue monitoring Middle East developments, supply chain risks, and OPEC+ policy decisions for further direction in crude oil prices.
