Asian Stocks Mixed as AI Chip Rally Meets Oil Surge 
Brent Oil Tops $100 as Middle East Conflict Threatens Supply 
China Exports Surge 25% in August as Trade Surplus Hits $119 Billion 
China Boosts Gold Reserves by 650,000 Ounces as Prices Rally 
Gold Prices Rise as Yen Rally Weakens Dollar 
Norway Core Inflation Rises to 3% in August 
UK Food Inflation Forecast to Hit 6.4% by Mid-2027 
U.S. Stock Futures Steady as Oil Tops $100 Ahead of Inflation Data 
German Inflation Accelerates to 2.9% in August 
Hormuz Shipping Slows as Iran Threats Lift Oil Risks 
China Inflation Accelerates in August as CPI, PPI Rise 
Iraq Seeks 6 Million Bpd OPEC+ Oil Quota 
US Bans Canadian Alcohol, Motorcycles as Trade War Escalates 
Japan GDP Growth Beats Forecast, Boosting BOJ Rate Hike Bets 
China Buys 1 Million Tons of U.S. Soybeans Ahead of Xi Visit 
Oil Prices Rally as Brent Nears $100 on U.S.-Iran Escalation 
Oil Prices Climb as Iran Threatens Gulf Energy Infrastructure 
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Asian Markets Wobble as Chinese Stocks Weaken
Asian stocks fluctuated on Monday, weighed down by Chinese market weakness, even as Bitcoin surged to a three-month high. Investor sentiment was dampened by cautious optimism around China’s economic stimulus, with many awaiting further fiscal support.
China's central bank cut benchmark lending rates, but the move was anticipated by the market. Hong Kong equities slipped 0.6%, and China’s blue-chip index seesawed before ending 0.4% higher. Meanwhile, Japan's Nikkei posted a modest 0.34% gain.
Bitcoin Soars to Three-Month Peak
Bitcoin rose 0.5% to $69,100, its highest level since July, as the world’s leading cryptocurrency saw a 9.6% increase last week. Market analyst Tony Sycamore noted, “Bitcoin is positioned well for continued growth.” Traders are factoring in a potential Donald Trump victory in the upcoming U.S. election, which could boost cryptocurrencies further due to his favorable stance.
Gold Hits Record High Amid Global Uncertainty
Gold prices hit a record $2,727.39 an ounce, extending last week's 2% rise. The precious metal is benefiting from ongoing geopolitical tensions and the close U.S. presidential race. “Gold remains a key Trump trade due to his aggressive economic policies,” said Arun Sai, senior multi-asset strategist at Pictet Asset Management.
Oil Prices Stabilize After Recent Drop
Oil prices edged higher, with Brent crude futures rising 0.4% to $73.36 a barrel, while U.S. crude gained 0.43% to $69.52 per barrel, recovering slightly from last week’s steep losses.
