The Hormuz crisis is reshaping the geography of energy. Exporters are investing in pipelines, coastal terminals and storage facilities to reduce their dependence on a narrow maritime passage. But replacing a concentrated network with a more resilient one carries a substantial construction, operating and security bill. For energy-importing economies, the concern extends beyond … [Read more...] about A New Energy Geography Emerges in the Wake of the Hormuz Crisis
Strait of Hormuz
High Crude oil prices to stay but forward contracts say lower
Oil producers need revenue, but the futures market is pricing a different timetable. Saudi Arabia has endured a sharp disruption to its export routes during the US–Israel–Iran conflict. Yet the September 24 Brent and WTI futures curves put a substantial premium on oil delivered this winter compared with oil delivered in June 2027. The question for traders is whether that … [Read more...] about High Crude oil prices to stay but forward contracts say lower
The Fed Hike Is Done: What Comes Next for Markets in September 2026?
After the Fed raised rates to 3.75%–4.00%, oil, diesel, Treasury yields and late-September economic data became the next market drivers. The Federal Reserve’s quarter-point rate increase was already largely priced in. The unanimous vote and higher projected rate path shifted attention toward the persistence of inflation and the possibility of further tightening. … [Read more...] about The Fed Hike Is Done: What Comes Next for Markets in September 2026?
Fed Rate Pause or Hike? July CPI, Jobs, PPI and Oil Risks Point to a Better Policy Path
Weak payrolls and stagnant real wages argue against another interest-rate increase, while oil, producer prices and geopolitical risk prevent the Federal Reserve from declaring victory over inflation. The most credible policy is a disciplined pause—not a return to Bernanke-era quantitative easing. Research and forecast information updated August 13, 2026, before the July … [Read more...] about Fed Rate Pause or Hike? July CPI, Jobs, PPI and Oil Risks Point to a Better Policy Path
Trading Week Ahead: Fed Decision, Big Tech Earnings, PCE Inflation and Oil Risk
July 27–31, 2026: The Federal Reserve, Microsoft, Meta, Apple and Amazon, U.S. GDP and PCE inflation, three major central-bank meetings, Middle East oil risk and end-of-month options expiry converge in one unusually dense trading week. The final week of July begins with a relief move in global risk assets after a pause in U.S.-Iran hostilities pushed crude oil sharply lower. … [Read more...] about Trading Week Ahead: Fed Decision, Big Tech Earnings, PCE Inflation and Oil Risk