Iran to Permanently Ban Vessel Transit in Eastern Strait of Hormuz

Iran has announced a permanent ban on vessel passage to the east of the Strait of Hormuz, expanding the restricted zone into the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The new designated area includes the port city of Chabahar. Tehran's move, communicated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), aims to enforce Iran's maritime boundaries by prohibiting maritime traffic through these waters.

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has dissolved the parliament, clearing the path for possible early elections.

Bond yields continue upward, warns Dorfman. Bond King Jeffrey Gundlach of DoubleLine warns that U.S. Treasury yields will persist in climbing, recommending investors avoid 30-year bonds globally. He pointed to a disconnect between the yield on two-year U.S. Treasuries and the Federal Reserve’s policy rate and suggested the Fed should raise its key rate by 50 basis points.

China's consumer price index increased 0.4% month-on-month in August, surpassing the 0.3% median estimate and reversing a 0.1% decline in July. Year-on-year, CPI rose 0.8%, matching forecasts and up from 0.5% in July. Producer inflation, measured by the producer price index, climbed 3.8% year-on-year, exceeding expectations of a 3.6% increase and up from 3.5% the previous month. Inflation in China picked up in August.

Iran is quietly relaxing currency restrictions and increasingly utilizing cryptocurrencies such as USDT and BTC to facilitate trade under ongoing U.S. sanctions and blockades, according to the Financial Times.

A modest outflow was observed in spot Bitcoin ETFs after yesterday’s trading session. Despite this, the month-to-date inflow is among the largest of the year, according to data from SoSoValue.

The U.S. national debt has exceeded 100% of gross domestic product for the first time since World War II, according to recent figures. Meanwhile, government bond yields are climbing, further increasing the cost of debt servicing.

U.S. Treasury officials are considering raising the capacity for 30-year bond buybacks to $10 billion per operation from the current $4 billion, according to analysts. Treasurer Janet Yellen’s department is set to announce revised buyback parameters today, covering not only 30-year bonds but also 10-year and 20-year maturities. The Treasury has previously signaled that buyback volumes for long-term bonds could be expanded if necessary. Market participants emphasize the significance of preserving stability amid upcoming U.S. midterm elections. Source.

Government bond yields across the G7 countries are trending higher, with the average borrowing costs reaching levels not seen since the global financial crisis, according to the Financial Times.

The internal strength of the S&P 500 has declined sharply over the past two weeks, with just 42% of stocks trading above their 50-day moving average—its lowest level in five months. Historically, U.S. equities tend to weaken in August, reaching a low in mid-September before entering a robust fourth quarter, according to Bank of America. Despite these seasonal patterns, the index remains at record highs amid consolidation. Recently, former President Donald Trump predicted a rise in stocks, and analysts expect an election cycle boost.

The U.S. Dollar Index (DXY) remains range-bound at a 14-year support level, indicating possible upcoming market shifts. Historically, a rising dollar has been associated with declines in risk assets such as equities and cryptocurrencies, whereas a weakening dollar typically supports gains in these sectors.

Global coking coal prices surged notably in August.

Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel announced that the country will no longer be considered anyone’s colony. The statement follows previous remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested that seizing control of Cuba would be an easy feat for the United States.

Russian steel consumption is projected to decrease by 4% to 11% through 2026, driven by declining residential and commercial construction activity. A moderate recovery of 2% to 5% is expected no earlier than 2027, contingent upon a reduction in key interest rates and the resumption of investment cycles. For further details, visit the source.

Hunter Biden to Release Meme Coin 'LAPTOP' on Base Network

Hunter Biden is set to launch a meme coin named LAPTOP on the Base blockchain network. The project allocates 20% of the total coin supply to individuals who incurred losses related to the TRUMP shield. An additional 30% will be controlled by the founders, including Hunter Biden, with a six-month no-sale period. The launch references Biden’s controversial 2020 laptop scandal. Industry analysts compare LAPTOP’s potential to tokens such as TRUMP and MELANIA concerning investment prospects.

Russia boosted fertilizer exports to India by 20% in the first half of 2026, with officials indicating willingness to maintain supplies, Manturov said in an interview with Interfax ahead of the Innoprom.India conference.

Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, announced plans to propose a trilateral business forum involving Russia, Germany, and the United States in 2027, seeking to revive economic dialogue among the nations.

The tax on banks’ unexpected profits is gaining momentum internationally as nations adopt these temporary measures to rapidly increase fiscal revenues. Amid record earnings driven by stringent monetary policies, authorities in Italy, Spain, and the UK are examining new strategies to bolster their budgets. For further information, visit Vedomosti.

Brent crude oil approached $100 a barrel for the first time in six weeks, rising nearly 10% since the start of the month amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as well as attacks by Houthi forces on Saudi Arabian energy infrastructure. Analysts suggest prices could return to the $100–120 range if regional hostilities intensify further. — Kommersant

Alrosa anticipates a sustained low level of global diamond production in the coming years, a development expected to drive an increase in diamond prices.

Oil markets remain tense as sirens wail in Khamis Mushayt, southwestern Saudi Arabia, underscoring ongoing geopolitical tensions.