Happening now
Copper prices hit a fresh record high on the London Metal Exchange amid trade-flow distortions from potential U.S. tariffs and supply challenges at major mines.
Copper prices hit a fresh record high on the London Metal Exchange amid trade-flow distortions from potential U.S. tariffs and supply challenges at major mines.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard deputy commander said Iranian armed forces fully control the Strait of Hormuz, with forces deployed across southern Iran and Persian Gulf islands.The claim signals an assertive Iranian military posture over a key oil-transit chokepoint. This keeps geopolitical risk around Gulf shipping and energy transit elevated for now.
- RBA official Hauser said the board will debate an interest rate hike this month, but the outcome is not guaranteed.A rate hike is now openly on the table for this month's RBA meeting, though the board has not committed to it. Uncertainty over the decision could keep AUD trading choppy until the outcome is known.
- All 65 economists surveyed expect the Bank of England to hold its bank rate at 3.75% in September.The unanimous poll signals no surprise is expected from the BoE this month. Attention now shifts to the inflation and jobs data due before the decision, which could shape future rate expectations.
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