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UK Employers Plan Moderate Pay Rises as Inflation Pressures Ease but Persist 
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Oil Prices Slide Nearly 3% as U.S.-Iran Talks Ease Geopolitical Tensions 
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Oil prices fell in early Asian trading on Monday after OPEC+ announced another significant production increase for September. Brent crude futures slipped 0.62% to $69.24 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped 0.58% to $66.94. Both benchmarks had already fallen about $2 per barrel in the previous session.
The producer alliance, which includes the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, agreed to raise output by 547,000 barrels per day (bpd) next month. This marks a continuation of accelerated supply hikes aimed at regaining market share amid growing concerns over possible disruptions linked to Russia.
The decision effectively reverses OPEC+’s largest previous round of production cuts ahead of schedule. In addition, the United Arab Emirates secured a separate increase, contributing to a combined rise of roughly 2.5 million bpd — about 2.4% of global oil demand.
OPEC+ cited a “healthy global economy” and “low inventory levels” as reasons for its decision, signaling confidence that the market can absorb the extra supply. Analysts note that actual production increases since April have been smaller than the official figures, largely coming from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
RBC Capital Markets analyst Helima Croft highlighted that the strategy appears to have benefited countries with spare capacity, as crude prices remain relatively stable compared to earlier this year despite the additional barrels.
The latest move comes as traders balance supply growth against potential geopolitical risks and demand uncertainties. With global crude markets still sensitive to shifts in OPEC+ policy, September’s production boost could set the tone for price trends heading into the final quarter of the year.
