Price movements and fundamentals across major commodities.
Analysis and reporting on commodities such as oil, natural gas, gold, industrial metals, and agricultural products. Focuses on supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical risks, inventory trends, and macro drivers affecting commodity markets.
1,044 total articles
OCBC said oil prices are likely to remain above $100 per barrel in the near term due to little sign of de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict. With tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reduced to a trickle and mitigation measures unable to fully close the gap, the bank expects Brent to average around $100 through mid-2026 before easing to a…
Oil prices eased in Asian trading after industry figures showed an unexpected rise in U.S. crude stocks and ahead of a major central bank policy decision. Despite the dip, markets remain sensitive to ongoing disruptions tied to the U.S.-Israel-Iran hostilities, which continue to support elevated price levels.
Oil prices slipped on Wednesday morning as market participants reacted to American Petroleum Institute figures showing a notable rise in U.S. crude inventories. At the same time, regional supply notices from Iraq, Libya and military activity near the Strait of Hormuz contributed to an uncertain backdrop for crude markets.
Gold prices were largely unchanged in early Asian trading as markets awaited further developments in the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and the outcome of a Federal Reserve policy meeting. Heavy geopolitical risks supported haven demand, but persistent inflation and the prospect of higher interest rates continued to cap bullion's gains.
Truck drivers' unions in Brazil have signaled the possibility of a strike starting as soon as this week following a sharp rise in diesel prices tied to recent Middle East conflict. Union leaders say drivers face severe financial pressure despite government measures to ease consumer impact. The extent and timing of any action remain uncertain.
A senior Emirati official said the United Arab Emirates may join a U.S.-led initiative to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran effectively shut the passage amid its conflict with Israel and the United States. While negotiations are ongoing and no formal arrangement has been finalized, the UAE stressed that major countries across…
President Donald Trump on March 17 announced he is postponing a planned state visit to Beijing that had been scheduled for March 31-April 2, citing disruptions from the war with Iran. The president said the meeting is being reset with China and will now occur in roughly five to six weeks. The delay complicates efforts to ease tensions between Washi…
Venezuela's state oil company has formally ratified Asdrubal Chavez as head of its U.S. subsidiaries, including Citgo, a move that still requires U.S. Treasury approval and comes after a prior U.S. visa denial and comments of U.S. support for the interim Venezuelan administration. Three other directors were also named to the subsidiaries' boards.
Cuban officials said the national electrical grid has been reconnected across much of the island from Pinar del Rio to Holguin after a nationwide collapse left roughly 10 million people without power. Despite reconnection efforts, electricity generation remains severely limited due to fuel shortages and obsolete infrastructure, leaving many househo…
Gold rose modestly on Tuesday as investors balanced safe-haven demand linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with a stronger U.S. dollar and elevated oil prices. Spot gold climbed 0.3% to $5,018.44 per ounce by 09:37 ET (13:37 GMT) and futures gained 0.5% to $5,024.61/oz, while markets awaited a series of major central bank meetings later this week.
As the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran moves into its third week, disruptions to shipping and regional energy infrastructure have curtailed fertiliser production and trade. The halt in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and stoppages at key gas and fertiliser facilities are tightening global urea supplies, driving price spikes and raising concerns…
On March 17, the White House said it is pursuing additional fertilizer sources, including licenses for Venezuela and talks with Morocco, to offset disruptions caused by the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Officials framed the moves as an insurance policy to reduce impacts on U.S. farmers, while European officials explore U.N.-style export corridors …
UBS economist Arend Kapteyn cautions that, should the Strait of Hormuz remain effectively closed, the current pace of drawdowns would drive global crude and product inventories to unprecedented lows by the end of April. Even allowing for pipeline flows from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, continued Iranian exports and International Energy Agency releases…
Global risk appetite cooled after a brief rally, as persistent conflict in the Middle East and rising oil prices weighed on sentiment. Equities gave back some gains, the dollar firmed, and attention turned to central bank policy decisions after Australia’s central bank delivered a tight 5-4 rate increase. Technology optimism from an AI chip rally p…
Gold has retreated from its early-March peak but UBS says its fundamental case as a portfolio diversifier and safe haven endures. Strategist Joni Teves cites persistent strategic demand and potential upside if growth softens and stimulus returns, while noting near-term pressure from higher real rates, a firmer dollar and market focus on oil-driven …
Three leading brokerages have raised their crude price forecasts after disruptions related to the Iran conflict restricted tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts cited sharply reduced loading activity, limited alternative export capacity, and the limited offset from coordinated reserve releases as factors tightening an already frag…
Goldman Sachs warns that disruptions to LNG supply and diversions toward Asia are narrowing European gas physical balances, likely driving prompt TTF prices higher in the second quarter. The bank reiterates a Q2 TTF forecast of 63 EUR/MWh but says prices may need to climb further if outages persist.
U.S. President Donald Trump has asked to delay a planned summit in Beijing with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, introducing uncertainty into a thawing bilateral relationship. Analysts say the postponement, driven in part by the fallout from the Iran conflict and ongoing U.S. trade actions, casts a shadow over recent progress but is unlikely to derail th…
Iraqi security sources reported that rockets and at least five drones were launched toward the U.S. embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday from locations around the city. Witnesses observed several drones approaching the compound; air-defence systems intercepted two while a third struck inside the embassy perimeter, producing visible smoke and fire. Auth…
Crude oil futures rose more than 2% in early trading as market participants reassessed supply risks stemming from an effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and limited international support for naval escorts. Brent and U.S. West Texas Intermediate both rebounded following losses in the prior session, while policymakers and major banks adjusted t…
Oil futures climbed sharply in early Asian trade on Tuesday, with Brent remaining above $100 a barrel as concerns over supply interruptions tied to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran persisted. Prices recovered after a steep one-day drop amid mixed signals about passage through the Strait of Hormuz and limited international support for U.S. calls t…
Gold prices recovered above $5,000 an ounce in early Asian trade after slipping briefly below that level in the prior session. Markets remain focused on oil moves tied to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and a series of major central bank meetings this week. The dollar's retreat and lower oil helped ease some inflation worries, supporting bullion, while…
U.S. average retail diesel prices climbed above $5 a gallon for only the second time on record amid disruptions tied to the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran. Blockade activity in the Strait of Hormuz and reduced crude flows to Asian refineries have tightened global diesel availability, and relief measures announced by global leaders have yet to dent prices…
Gulf Arab governments are urging Washington not to halt military action against Iran until Tehran is stripped of the means to threaten the Strait of Hormuz and regional energy infrastructure. While Gulf states have not asked the U.S. to start a war, officials express frustration at Iran’s attacks on ports, airports and oil facilities and warn that …
Israel warned that Lebanese civilians forced from their homes by its military campaign will not be permitted to return until the safety of Israelis living near the border is secured. The Israeli military said troops are conducting ground operations in new locations in southern Lebanon, describing the activity as "limited and targeted." The campaign…
