Oil

María Corina Machado says interim government does not have democratic mandate to negotiate natural resourcesThe Venezuelan opposition leader, María Corina Machado, has questioned Donald Trump’s oil deal with Venezuela’s interim government, declaring that the country’s natural resources do not belong to “an illegitimate regime”.In her first public comments since Trump announced what he called “the biggest oil deal in world history” with Venezuela last Friday, Machado walked a diplomatic tightrope between challenging the controversial agreement and trying not to rile the White House. Continue reading...

• Asian stock markets closed higher following mild gains in US stocks and a slip in oil prices. • South Korea's Kospi led the gains, rising 1.4% to 6,656.81, driven by increases in Samsung Electronics (1.3%) and SK Hynix (1.4%). • Other regional indices also advanced, including the Shanghai Composite (+0.4%), Australia's S&P/ASX 200 (+0.5%), and the Taiex in Taiwan (+0.6%).

A visual look at how Washington’s relationship with Caracas has gone from cordial to ‘predatory’Written in the middle of the last century, the US Department of State memo conveys its message in a curt and undiplomatically honest tone: the glue that binds Washington to Caracas is, and is always likely to be, oil.“All US policies toward Venezuela are affected in greater or less degree by the objective of assuring an adequate supply of petroleum for the US,” the 1950 document reads. Continue reading...

• Asian stock markets rose, with South Korea’s KOSPI advancing 1.5% and Singapore’s Straits Times Index gaining 0.7%, as bond yields retreated and oil prices steadied. • Mitsubishi Corp climbed nearly 5% and financial stocks surged following comments from Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel, who reaffirmed the firm's long-term commitment to its Japanese investments. • The rally was bolstered by Berkshire Hathaway's existing 10%+ stakes in major Japanese trading houses and signals that the conglomerate may increase these holdings.

• Asian and US stock markets rose on Thursday as investors reacted positively to Donald Trump's suggestion that US attacks against Iran would likely be short-lived. • The shift in sentiment led to a decline in oil prices and bond yields, providing a boost to major indexes in Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney, Singapore, Taipei, and Jakarta. • Market recovery was further supported by the release of weak US economic data, which contributed to the easing of yields.

• Wall Street indices trended higher on September 3, 2026, supported by steady oil prices and stable bond yields. • Despite the gains, investors remain anxious over rising inflation, increasing government debt, and the volatility of global conflicts. • These macroeconomic pressures continue to weigh on the US and global economy, creating a climate of market uncertainty.

• Asia-Pacific equity markets declined following losses on Wall Street, driven by rising oil prices, surging bond yields, and heightened geopolitical tensions. • Significant drops were recorded across the region, including South Korea’s KOSPI falling 3.08% to 6,625.42 and Australia’s ASX 200 decreasing 1.12% to 8,965.20. • Chinese markets also saw contractions, with the SSEC declining 0.90% to 3,943.88 and Hong Kong’s HSI dropping 0.86% to 25,111.31.

• Asian stock markets declined, with China's Shanghai Composite and CSI 300 falling 1% each and Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropping 1.4%. • The downturn was primarily driven by a surge in oil prices and rising bond yields, which pressured investor sentiment across the region. • In contrast to the market slump, Australia reported positive economic news as its Q2 GDP figures exceeded expectations.

• Asian stocks declined on Wednesday, September 2, with the MSCI Asia Pacific index dropping 1% due to soaring oil prices. • Major markets saw significant losses, including South Korea's Kospi tumbling 2.72%, Japan's Nikkei 225 shedding 2.27%, and the Topix losing 1.72%. • The downturn was driven by global bond yields hitting their highest levels since 2008, sparking fears that renewed inflation will force central banks to maintain tighter monetary policies.

• Asian stock index futures for Japan, South Korea, and Australia are poised to rise, following a positive trend on Wall Street. • The market shift comes as oil price pressures eased after President Donald Trump downplayed the likelihood of a prolonged conflict with Iran, reducing inflation fears. • This follows a recovery in the U.S. market where the S&P 500 ended a three-day decline and the Nasdaq 100 rose 0.2%.

• US stock index futures remained subdued as investors reacted to escalating geopolitical tensions involving Iran. • The instability triggered a rise in both crude oil prices and US Treasury yields, reflecting increased market volatility and risk aversion. • This shift matters as it highlights how Middle East instability can disrupt global energy markets and influence US monetary expectations.

• Chevron has confirmed it will expand its operations in Venezuela, aligning with President Donald Trump's strategic plan to develop the nation's vast oil reserves. • The announcement comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, including Mark Carney pushing back against a new series of attacks originating from Washington. • This move signals a shift in U.S. energy policy toward leveraging Venezuelan resources, while new polling simultaneously highlights growing concerns over corruption within the U.S. government.

• Bond market volatility has begun to stabilize following a drop in oil prices and pledges of "fiscal responsibility" from Burnham. • Analysts warn that bond yields may remain elevated despite economic slowdowns, as central banks could delay rate cuts while bond supply increases. • The current energy shock is creating a divide in the stock market, benefiting energy producers and oil-services firms that maintain disciplined spending and debt.

Energy secretary Chris Wright denies US seeking to ‘take’ country’s oil, saying deal is ‘transformation’ of relationsThe US energy secretary, Chris Wright, has denied Washington is seeking to commandeer huge quantities of Venezuelan oil, amid growing criticism of Donald Trump’s energy deal with the country’s interim leaders.“Absolutely not,” Wright replied when asked by a CNBC journalist if the US was engaged in a “heavy-handed” attempt to “take” Venezuelan oil in violation of the South American country’s constitution. Continue reading...

• Stock futures are experiencing volatility as global bond yields react closely to fluctuations in oil prices. • Market sentiment has shifted toward a new baseline expectation that the Federal Reserve will implement a rate hike in September. • Fed Chair Kevin Warsh indicated that current inflation is not decreasing rapidly enough to meet targets, necessitating action given the strength of the economy.

Budget carrier says airlines could go bust as it cuts passenger targets to reduce exposure to ‘unhedged winter oil’Business live – latest updatesRyanair has warned that air fares in Europe will jump next year if the oil price remains high and that some airlines could go bust.The Irish budget carrier has cut its passenger target for the year to 31 March, down from 216 million customers to 214 million, to help reduce its exposure to “unhedged winter oil” during the unprofitable off season, with jet fuel currently trading at $140 (£104) a barrel. Continue reading...

• Indian stock markets (Sensex and Nifty 50) are expected to decline on September 2, 2026, as rising oil prices driven by the widening conflict in Iran create economic pressure. • HSBC has entered a competitive bidding war against six global private equity firms to acquire a controlling 54% stake in Nuvama Wealth and Investment. • The stake, currently held by PAG, is valued between $1.8 billion (₹15,000–18,000 crore), while a separate acquisition consideration is noted at KZT 561.66 million (₹11.64 crore).

Government talks up pact but Venezuelan opposition alarmed that democracy yet to return after Maduro exitTrump administration officials on Tuesday defended a highly contentious deal giving the US control of a significant chunk of Venezuelan oil reserves, arguing that the sweeping agreement would help stabilize and rebuild democracy in the shattered South American country while giving Washington vital access to strategic crude reserves.Last week, Donald Trump announced a “groundbreaking” deal that would give the US “majority” control over 65bn barrels – roughly one-fifth – of Venezuela’s oil reserves. Continue reading...

• European equity markets, including the DAX, CAC, and FTSE 100, declined on Tuesday due to rising government bond yields and higher oil prices. • The downturn is driven by investor concerns over inflation and geopolitical instability in the Middle East, which are fueling expectations for tighter monetary policy. • Markets are currently pricing in a potential 25-basis-point interest rate hike by the European Central Bank during its scheduled meeting on September 9-10.

• Global equity futures tumbled as long-term bond yields reached multi-year highs, driven by persistent inflation pressures. • Oil prices surged following an escalation in tensions involving Iran, adding further volatility to global energy markets. • Analysts highlight the hawkish stance taken by Kevin Warsh during last week's Jackson Hole symposium as a primary catalyst for expected yield increases.

• Wall Street experienced a decline on September 1, 2026, while oil prices rose and the ASX was projected to slip. • GameStop shares increased by 2.9% following the release of a preliminary second-quarter earnings outlook that exceeded previous year results. • The market movement was largely driven by various company updates, highlighting a volatile trading session across global indices.

Report calls for legally binding targets to cut microplastic pollution as soil ‘is a complex living ecosystem’The accumulation of microplastics in soil presents an emerging threat to the UK’s food security, according to scientists, MPs and campaigners who have called for legally binding targets to cut microplastic pollution.UK agricultural soils have been identified as among the most contaminated by microplastics in Europe, often as a result of repeated applications of sludge from water treatment works as fertiliser, according to a report published by the all-party parliamentary group (APPG) on microplastics. Continue reading...

• Stock markets are expected to be highly volatile in the coming week, driven primarily by the release of domestic GDP data and global economic reports. • Key indicators influencing market movement will include crude oil price fluctuations, auto sales numbers, and the trading activity of foreign investors. • These macroeconomic data points are critical as they provide insight into economic health and investor sentiment, which directly dictate market direction.

• The Trump administration has entered into a highly unusual agreement to develop Venezuela's vast oil reserves, granting the United States majority control over the resources. • The deal is facing significant pushback from Venezuelans who view the country's oil as a national birthright and are skeptical of U.S. control. • While the accord could bring essential major investment into the region, critics argue it fails to guarantee broader economic stability or political change.

Deal that will reportedly see US take control of 65bn barrels of Venezuelan oil has provoked outrage in her countryVenezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodríguez, has defended her government’s highly controversial energy deal with Donald Trump, insisting the South American country will maintain ownership and sovereignty over its massive oil reserves.Rodríguez, who assumed power in January after Trump ordered the abduction of the president, Nicolás Maduro, took to the airwaves on Saturday to push back against criticism of what the US president has called “the biggest oil deal in world history”. Continue reading...

Solomon Islands prime minister cancels his appearance, along with leaders from Fiji, Vanuatu and SamoaSeveral leaders have pulled out of a the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau at the eleventh hour.Solomon Islands prime minister, Matthew Wale, has cancelled his appearance after a no-confidence motion was lodged against him at home by the Solomon Islands home affairs minister, Manasseh Maelanga. Continue reading...

US president says US will have ‘majority’ control of 65bn barrels of proven oil reservesDonald Trump announced Friday a new US oil agreement with Venezuela, saying the US will have “majority” control of 65bn barrels of proven oil reserves.“At ⁠my ​direction, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, working ⁠closely with Highly Respected Interim President of Venezuela, Delcy Rodriguez, and, through a partnership with ⁠private business, have secured majority U.S. control of more ​than 65 BILLION ‌BARRELS of proven Oil ‌Reserves in Venezuela, at no cost to the ‌American Taxpayer,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. Continue reading...

Critics call move to gain long-term access to country’s massive energy reserves ‘predatory’ and ‘unconstitutional’Reports that the US is preparing to claim a big stake in Venezuela’s massive energy reserves have sparked an outcry, with critics describing the move as “predatory” and “unconstitutional”.Several media outlets this week reported that the Trump administration – which abducted Venezuela’s authoritarian president, Nicolás Maduro, in January and has steered the South American country ever since – hopes to secure long-term access to its oil and gasfields. Continue reading...