China Q2 2026 GDP Misses Forecast as Weak Domestic Demand Offsets Export Strength 
China Trade Surplus Hits $125.6 Billion as June Exports, Imports Smash Forecasts 
Iraq PM Visits Washington as U.S. Oil, Gas Deals Take Center Stage 
Asian Currencies Stay Rangebound as Middle East Tensions, Weak China GDP Weigh on Sentiment 
Japanese Yen Holds Steady as Intervention Hopes Grow Ahead of U.S. CPI Data 
Dollar Slides as Softer US Inflation Dims Fed Rate Hike Expectations 
Dollar Holds Steady Ahead of U.S. CPI as Oil Surge, Middle East Tensions Keep Markets on Edge 
Asia Stocks Slip as Iran-Hormuz Tensions Lift Oil Prices, Dollar and Bond Yields 
Asian Currencies Weaken as Stronger Dollar Weighs, Yen Supported by GPIF Repatriation Hopes 
European Stocks Slip as Middle East Tensions and Hormuz Threat Rattle Markets 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge, U.S.-Iran Tensions and Fed Rate Bets Weigh on Markets 
Asian Stocks Rise as Softer U.S. Inflation Boosts Sentiment Despite Middle East Tensions 
Australia Consumer Sentiment Rises in July as Fuel Price Relief Lifts Confidence 
Australian Business Conditions Hold Steady as Easing Cost Pressures Face New Oil Price Risks 
Gold Prices Fall as US-Iran Conflict, Rising Oil Prices Fuel Fed Rate Concerns 
Gold Price Holds Near $4,000 as Middle East Tensions and Fed Rate Hike Bets Grow 
Dollar Rises as Middle East Conflict Fuels Inflation and Rate Hike Fears 
Oil prices climbed during Asian trading on Friday, driven by growing concerns over a prolonged U.S.-Iran conflict and ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Market sentiment remains tense after U.S. President Donald Trump stated he is in no hurry to reach a resolution with Iran, fueling uncertainty in global crude supply.
Brent crude futures rose 1.1% to $106.27 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude increased 1% to $96.83 per barrel. Both benchmarks are on track for significant weekly gains, rising between 15% and 18%, as geopolitical risks continue to impact the oil market outlook.
Crude prices saw a sharp increase earlier this week following reports of airstrikes targeting areas in and around Iran. Additional pressure came after news that Iran’s lead negotiator in Pakistan-mediated talks with Washington had stepped down, signaling further complications in diplomatic efforts. President Trump reiterated that while he is open to negotiations, he does not intend to rush into an agreement, though he dismissed the possibility of using nuclear weapons.
Tensions have intensified as both the U.S. and Iran remain at a stalemate over key conditions. Iran has demanded the removal of a U.S. naval blockade, while Washington insists on the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This vital shipping route previously accounted for nearly 20% of global oil supply, making its disruption a major concern for energy markets.
Recent incidents in the region, including Iran’s reported seizure of vessels and U.S. counteractions, have heightened fears of further supply chain disruptions. Despite a temporary ceasefire extension involving Israel and Lebanon, markets remain focused on the broader conflict and its implications for oil production and transportation.
With no clear path toward de-escalation, crude oil prices are likely to remain volatile, as investors closely monitor developments in the Middle East and their potential impact on global energy supply.
