Middle East Tensions Roil Global Markets as Oil Prices Surge
The sudden escalation of conflict in the Middle East sent shockwaves across global markets. Oil prices surged by almost $5 a barrel as concerns grew over potential disruptions to crucial oil supplies due to the involvement of neighbouring Middle Eastern countries. The New York Stock Exchange saw initial declines, with defence companies like Lockheed Martin experiencing gains, while travel and leisure sectors faced setbacks due to service suspensions. Israel’s stock market remained volatile, prompting intervention by its Central Bank to stabilize the shekel. The unfolding situation in the Middle East continues to unsettle global markets, raising concerns about inflation and economic growth.
Oil prices edge down, recession fears back in focus
Oil prices fell on Friday amid recession fears and a stronger U.S. dollar, though losses were capped by supply concerns after Moscow’s new mobilisation campaign in its war with Ukraine and an apparent deadlock in talks on reviving the Iran nuclear deal.
GLOBAL ECONOMY Factories squeezed by higher prices, weak demand
Factories across Asia and Europe struggled for momentum in July as flagging global demand and China’s strict COVID-19 restrictions slowed production, surveys showed on Monday, likely adding to fears of economies sliding into recession.
Oil drops as weak Chinese factory data heightens demand concerns
Oil prices dropped on Monday as weak manufacturing data from China and Japan weighed on the demand outlook while investors braced for this week’s meeting of officials from OPEC and other top crude producers on supply adjustments.
Musk gets Twitter for $44 billion, to cheers and fears of ‘free speech’ plan
Elon Musk clinched a deal to buy Twitter Inc (TWTR.N) for $44 billion cash on Monday in a transaction that will shift control of the social media platform populated by millions of users and global leaders to the world’s richest person.
Oil rises on OPEC warning and easing of Shanghai COVID curbs
Oil prices climbed on Tuesday as Shanghai’s relaxation of some COVID-19 restrictions eased concerns about Chinese demand and as OPEC warned it would be impossible to replace potential supply losses from Russia.
Oil extends rally on prospect of more Russia sanctions
Oil prices rose on Tuesday as the United States and Europe planned new sanctions to punish Russia over alleged war crimes in Ukraine, raising concerns over tighter global supply, while Iran’s nuclear talks with world powers stalled.
Oil firms amid supply worries, but heads for sharp weekly decline
Oil prices rose on Friday but were on track for their biggest weekly declines since November after see-sawing on fears of escalating bans on Russian oil versus efforts to bring more supply to market from other major producers.
Gold, palladium retreat from highs as risky assets stabilize
Gold and palladium on Wednesday hit the brakes on a blistering rally as riskier assets attempted a comeback, with analysts predicting another run higher for precious metals in case of a further escalation in the Ukraine crisis.
Russia hikes rates, introduces capital controls to defend against sanctions
Russia’s central bank more than doubled its key policy rate on Monday and introduced some capital controls as it scrambled to shield the economy from unprecedented Western sanctions that sent the rouble tumbling to record lows.
