Latest market news
Independent UK financial coverage with full source attribution.
Brent tops $100 as Hormuz disruption deepens and US-Iran war widens
A turbulent week defined by surging crude oil prices, sweeping new US trade tariffs, and a $767B single-day wipeout in megacap technology stocks.
Iran strikes U.S. bases across Middle East; Hormuz tanker crossings hit May low
A volatile European session dominated by Middle East military escalation, crude oil surging past $100, and a sweep of stronger-than-expected European PMI data.
Brent surges past $100 as Iran rejects ceasefire and Hormuz remains closed
A heavily event-driven overnight session dominated by energy price surge, geopolitical escalation in the Middle East, and broad equity and bond market declines across Asia.
Brent crude climbs toward $100 as Houthi tanker strikes escalate Red Sea crisis
A geopolitically charged European session dominated by surging oil prices, rising bond yields, and weaker US equity futures as Middle East tensions intensified.
Brent approaches $96 after Houthi tanker attacks and 12th consecutive US strike on Iran
A geopolitically active overnight session dominated by Middle East escalation, driving oil to six-week highs while Asian chip stocks rose on Alphabet's $200bn AI capex announcement.
US-Iran ceasefire ends; Brent retreats to $88.77 on renewed diplomacy reports
A volatile overnight session dominated by US-Iran escalation and fresh US tariffs on Canada, with oil swinging on conflicting diplomatic signals.
Oil swings from $90 to $80 as Iran signals diplomacy amid Hormuz shutdown
A volatile European session dominated by US-Iran escalation and a late diplomatic pivot, with oil whipsawing and European equities recovering from early losses.
Brent climbs to $90.33 as tanker attacks and US strikes intensify
An active overnight session dominated by US-Iran military escalation, surging oil prices, and semiconductor sector weakness across Asia.
Oil surges 12% as US-Iran strikes shutter Hormuz tanker traffic
A week defined by acute US-Iran military escalation, a significant US inflation undershoot, a historic IBM earnings collapse, and a notable shift in long-duration bond positioning.
Iran expands strikes to Syria and Bahrain as Hormuz tensions lift oil
European session dominated by Iran escalation, broad semiconductor selling, and safe-haven flows into gold and bonds; US futures decline ahead of the open.
Oil surges 12% on the week as Iran blockade threat grips markets
A risk-averse overnight session dominated by US-Iran military escalation, a broad AI and semiconductor selloff, and a sharp weekly gain in crude.
Iran Hormuz threat drives Brent above $85 for fourth consecutive session
A geopolitically dominated European session with oil prices extending gains on Iran escalation, offsetting steady equity performance and softer US wholesale inflation data.
US strikes Tehran, reinstates Hormuz blockade; oil rises sharply
A consequential overnight session dominated by US military action against Iran, a weak China GDP print, and a major fintech acquisition offer.
US CPI falls for first time since 2020 as Hormuz blockade drives oil to $86
A session dominated by Hormuz geopolitics, a downside CPI surprise, major bank earnings beats, and a sharp IBM selloff ahead of the US open.
Brent tops $85 as Trump reinstates Hormuz blockade and proposes 20% shipping toll
An active overnight session dominated by fresh US-Iran military escalation and a significant surge in crude oil prices, partially offset by strong China trade data.
Oil surges 5-7% as Hormuz tanker traffic halts amid US-Iran military exchange
A volatile European session dominated by renewed US-Iran military escalation, with crude prices surging and equities stabilising after an initial selloff.
UAE crude output exceeds 3.8 million bpd after OPEC+ exit
UAE crude production rose above 3.8 million barrels per day in June 2026 following its departure from OPEC+, with Bloomberg data showing exports at 3.94 million barrels per day — the highest since April 2020.
Saudi Arabia cuts August crude OSP to Asia by largest margin in 26 years
Saudi Arabia reduced its official selling price for crude to Asian customers for August loadings by the largest margin in at least 26 years, with other Gulf producers issuing competing discounts of up to $11 per barrel; Brent crude and WTI both declined as the pricing data emerged.
Saudi Arabia cuts crude prices for Asia by most in 26 years
A busy European session dominated by a historic Saudi crude price cut, Ukraine-Russia diplomatic activity, and technology sector positioning ahead of the US open.
EasyJet accepts £5 billion Castlelake bid; oil falls on OPEC+ supply increase
An active overnight session dominated by the EasyJet takeover, OPEC+ output decision, China's missile test, and broad yen weakness.