Oil

Asian Trading Begins with Oil and Fire

23.07.2026 Thursday’s Asian trading session began with the oil market once again reminding everyone who is in charge. September WTI ... crude oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange climbed confidently to $88.56 per barrel, gaining nearly 2% during the session. This is more than just an increase—it is a serious breakout attempt, especially considering that prices were trading at significantly lower levels only recently. At the time the data was recorded, WTI was up 1.99%, and this was only the beginning of what promised to be a heated trading day.

The session high, which was not specified in the initial market report, may have already touched or even exceeded the psychologically important $89 level. However, the figures appearing on trading terminals represent more than just numbers. They reflect the fear, greed, and geopolitical turmoil that have gripped the world.

$Brent crude, the global oil benchmark, is keeping pace with its American counterpart. September Brent futures rose by 2.42%, reaching $96.35 per barrel. The spread between the two benchmarks widened to $7.79—a significant signal that the market is assessing supply risks differently across regions.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Dollar Index continued its gradual decline, falling by 0.14% to 100.81. This is also supporting oil prices. When the dollar weakens, commodities denominated in the U.S. currency become more affordable for buyers using other currencies. Demand increases, and prices move higher.

However, today’s main story is not the dollar. The real story is the Middle East—tankers, missiles, and relentless strikes that are reshaping the global landscape.

A Geopolitical Storm: When Oil Becomes a Weapon

To understand why oil prices are rising so confidently, we must once again look at the epicenter of global events: the Middle East.

The U.S. military has reportedly carried out strikes against...

Morning on the Commodity Markets: The Bulls Wake Up Before Everyone Else

Asian trading opened on Wednesday with an unexpected but entirely understandable surge. WTI ... crude oil futures for September delivery confidently crossed the $85-per-barrel mark, gaining almost a full percentage point. At the time the data was recorded, the price stood at $85.17—and this was only the beginning of a trading session that promised to be intense.

The highest level reached by a barrel was not included in the initial market report, but the fact that oil found support at $77.93 while resistance awaits at $85.74 says a great deal. A range of almost $8 is not merely volatility—it is the nervous twitch of a market trying to determine which way the geopolitical wind is blowing.

Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index edged slightly lower, slipping by a few hundredths of a percentage point to 100.97. This may seem insignificant, but for oil, which is priced in US dollars, even such a microscopic weakening of the American currency matters. It makes the commodity slightly more affordable for holders of other currencies, stimulating demand.

However, investors should not be misled by this modest correction in the dollar. The main story today is not about currency fluctuations, but about events in the Middle East and the mindset of traders who are frantically recalculating their risk exposure.

BZUSD ... , the global benchmark, is keeping pace with its American counterpart. September futures rose by 1.10% to $92.01 per barrel. The spread between the two benchmarks stands at $6.84, remaining within a relatively normal range. However, the fact that both grades are rising simultaneously indicates the global nature of the current rally.

This is not a local story about US oil inventories or wildfires in Canada. It is a story about global security, tankers passing...

Tuesday in the Commodity Market: A Modest Decline After a Strong Rally

Tuesday 21.07.2026 brought a pause to the oil market. September WTI ... crude oil futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell by 0.23% to $82.29 per barrel. The decline may appear insignificant, but it comes after several days of steady growth, during which oil reached new highs and broke through psychologically important levels. The market has taken a breather, and the main question now is whether this is a temporary correction or the beginning of a trend reversal.

There are reasons for caution. The conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, which is still providing support for oil prices. However, after oil surged following reports of strikes against Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, many traders decided to take profits. This is normal market behavior: a correction usually follows a strong rally, especially when there are no new catalysts to sustain the upward momentum.

The current technical picture supports this view. Support is located at $77.93, while resistance stands at $84.59. The current price of $82.29 is closer to the upper boundary of this range but has not yet reached it. This means the market still has room to move in either direction, although sellers are currently slightly more active than buyers.

Interestingly, WTI is declining against the backdrop of a stronger US dollar. The US Dollar Index rose by 0.03% to 100.81. Although this is a small move, it is symbolically important and places additional pressure on oil prices. The dollar and oil traditionally have an inverse correlation, meaning that even minor changes in the value of the US currency can affect commodity markets.

Brent Falls More Sharply as the Spread Widens

While WTI declined, September BZUSD ... crude oil futures fell by...

Monday in the Commodity Market: Oil Jumps 3%

The first day of the week began with a powerful surge in the oil market. Brent BZUSD ... crude futures jumped 3%, breaking through the psychologically important level of $90 per barrel and reaching $90.75. This was their highest level in more than five weeks. US West Texas Intermediate crude was not far behind, gaining 2.5% to reach $83.85 per barrel.

The reason for such a sharp move was not technical factors or inventory data, but the escalation of the military conflict between the United States and Iran, which entered a new and more dangerous phase over the weekend.

The conflict in the Middle East has already been underway for several weeks, but the events of the past weekend marked a turning point. The United States Central Command, or CENTCOM, confirmed that it carried out new strikes against Iranian targets on Sunday evening.

This was not simply another military operation. It was a response to an Iranian attack on a US base in Jordan that killed at least two American service members and injured many others. For the United States, this represented the crossing of a red line, and the response came quickly.

The most alarming development, however, is not the individual strikes themselves, but their geographical scope and intensity. According to reports, the US military is attacking a broader range of targets inside Iran rather than limiting its operations to border areas. Iran, in turn, has intensified its attacks on neighbouring Gulf states.

The conflict is no longer localised and is beginning to spread across the entire region.

The Strait of Hormuz: A Vital Artery Under Threat

The Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of the military confrontation. It is a strategically important waterway through which approximately 30% of the world’s...

Friday’s Opening: Black Gold Is Back in Demand

Friday’s oil market opened with a confident move higher. August WTI crude oil futures WTI ... on the New York Mercantile Exchange gained nearly 1% and are trading at $79.68 per barrel. This is not merely a random price fluctuation. The rise is supported by several clear factors that are encouraging investors to regain confidence in the oil market.

Notably, the increase is taking place against the backdrop of a stable US dollar. The USD Index remained unchanged on Friday at 100.57. This means that currency movements are not putting pressure on oil, allowing the market to respond to other, more fundamental signals. At present, these signals suggest that demand for energy remains strong while supply is facing significant risks.

Let us examine what is driving prices higher and why BZUSD ... Brent crude, contrary to expectations, is moving lower.

Technical Outlook: The Bulls Advance

Technical indicators on Friday present a fairly optimistic picture for oil buyers. Support is located at $72.61. The price rebounded from this level some time ago and is now trading significantly above it. Resistance stands at $81.27, and breaking through this level will be the next major challenge for the bulls.

The current price of $79.68 is only around $1.50 below resistance. This creates an interesting situation: the market has approached an important threshold, and if buyers manage to overcome it, oil could receive a fresh upward impulse. Otherwise, a correction and another test of lower levels may follow.

The session high has not yet been updated, leaving room for further growth during the trading day. Traders are closely watching whether WTI can consolidate above $80—a psychologically important level that has acted as a significant barrier in recent weeks.

The Gap Between Brent and WTI: What Does the Spread...

Morning on the Commodities Front: Oil Starts the Day in Negative Territory

Oil futures opened Thursday’s Asian trading session with a small but telling decline. August-delivery WTI WTI ... crude futures on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell by 0.11% to $79.69 per barrel. The drop may appear insignificant—just eleven hundredths of a percent—but in commodity markets, even such modest movements are rarely accidental. Behind every price tick lies a complex combination of calculations, expectations, and an invisible struggle between buyers and sellers. The Asian session often sets the tone for the rest of the trading week.

It is particularly interesting that the decline is taking place against the backdrop of a stronger dollar, even though the increase is only symbolic. The U.S. Dollar Index gained 0.03% and held at 100.30. This may seem insignificant, but because oil is priced in U.S. dollars, even such a microscopic increase can trigger profit-taking. The mechanism is straightforward: when the dollar appreciates, oil becomes more expensive for holders of other currencies, potentially reducing demand. This time, however, the situation is far more complex than a simple currency correlation.

The technical picture once again reminds us that the market is in a state of tense equilibrium. Support is located at $70.77 per barrel, providing a relatively wide downside buffer and leaving room for manoeuvre. Resistance is significantly higher at $81.27. The price is currently hovering almost midway between these two levels, although it remains closer to the upper boundary. This is an important signal: sellers are not yet prepared to send oil into a deep decline, but buyers are no longer showing the same level of aggression as before.

Brent and WTI: Twin Brothers with Different Personalities

September-delivery Brent crude, traded on ICE, also moved into negative territory, falling slightly more sharply by 0.21% to...

Introduction: The End of Moderate Optimism

Wednesday marked a reversal for Taiwan’s stock market after two days of moderate gains. The Taiwan Weighted Index fell by 1.42%, reflecting negative sentiment across the optoelectronics and machinery sectors. This was the market’s most significant decline in several days and signaled a return of caution among investors.

Against the backdrop of global uncertainty caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and mixed signals from the Federal Reserve, investors chose to lock in profits and reduce their exposure to risk. However, as is often the case in Taiwan’s stock market, several companies still delivered impressive gains despite the broader decline.

Shares of Ene Technology Inc, Mospec Semiconductor Corp, and Hocheng Corp surged by approximately 10%, reaching their maximum daily gains. Meanwhile, Excel Cell Electronic Co Ltd, Holy Stone Enterprise Co Ltd, and Yeong Guan Energy Technology Group Co Ltd were among the biggest decliners, with the latter falling to a new all-time low.

In this article, we will examine the day’s key developments, assess the impact of external factors, and consider where Taiwan’s stock market may be heading in the coming days.

Top Gainers: Who Benefited in a Falling Market

Ene Technology Inc: Up 9.99%

Shares of Ene Technology Inc were among the most notable exceptions during the broader market decline. The stock rose by 9.99% to TWD 39.65, reaching the maximum permitted daily gain. This impressive increase indicates strong investor interest in the company.

Ene Technology Inc specializes in the production of electronic components. The company may have benefited from continued strength in certain areas of the electronics industry despite the overall decline in the index.

Mospec Semiconductor Corp: Up 9.96%

Shares of Mospec Semiconductor Corp increased by 9.96% to TWD 75.10. This was also close to the maximum gain the stock...

Introduction: The Third Wave of Growth

Wednesday morning brought fresh momentum to the oil market. August-delivery WTI crude oil futures rose by 1.08%, reaching $80.20 per barrel. Brent crude, meanwhile, gained 1.39% and settled at $85.91 per barrel. This move continues the rally that began last week and accelerated following the reinstatement of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

What is driving the market now? Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, a weaker US dollar, and technical factors are all working in favor of the bulls. WTI ... crude has broken through the psychologically important level of $80 per barrel, opening the door to new potential targets.

In this article, we will examine the reasons behind the current rise, the key technical levels, and the prospects for the oil market over the coming days.

Geopolitical Factors: The Strait of Hormuz Blockade Continues to Put Pressure on the Market

The Reinstatement of the Blockade and Rising Oil Prices

The reinstatement of the Strait of Hormuz blockade remains the main geopolitical factor supporting oil prices. The United States announced the restoration of its naval blockade of Iran and the introduction of a transit fee for vessels passing through the strait, raising concerns about potential supply disruptions.

Iran has not remained on the sidelines. Tehran has launched drone strikes against US facilities and targeted vessels in the region with cruise missiles. The escalation is continuing, and markets are pricing in the risk of serious supply disruptions.

The Role of the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime corridor through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil passes. Any threat to this region causes anxiety in the markets and pushes prices higher.

Even without actual supply disruptions, the threat of them creates speculative momentum. Traders buy oil to hedge against...

Introduction: A Perfect Storm for the Grain Market

Monday became the day when two completely different factors converged, creating powerful momentum for higher corn prices. Weather forecasts predicting heat and drought across the US Corn Belt, combined with geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that pushed oil prices higher, sent corn futures to their highest levels in more than a month.

The September contract closed 1.5 cents higher at $4.41 per bushel. The new-crop December contract posted an even more impressive gain, rising 2.25 cents to $4.63¼ and reaching an intraday high of $4.69½—the highest level since June 2.

What is driving this rally? Why do weather conditions in American fields and conflict in the Persian Gulf affect the price of corn? And how long could this trend continue? Let us examine this agricultural mystery, in which meteorology, geopolitics, and the biofuel economy are closely intertwined.

The Weather Factor: Heat and Drought Threaten the Harvest

A Critical Period for Corn

July is the month that determines the fate of the US corn harvest. Pollination takes place during this period—a crucial stage that directly affects kernel development. Heat and drought at this time can cause irreversible damage to the future crop.

Forecasters expect hot and predominantly dry weather across the western part of the US Corn Belt this week, with similar conditions potentially continuing into the following week. This is an alarming signal for both farmers and traders.

The Corn Belt is the heart of American agriculture and the region where most of the country’s corn is produced. Iowa, Illinois, Nebraska, and Indiana are among the states at risk. If weather conditions fail to improve, yields could decline significantly.

Moisture Deficits and Their Consequences

A lack of moisture during a critical stage of plant development causes smaller ears to form, while...

Introduction: An Escalation That Changes the Rules of the Game

Tuesday began with a new round of escalation in the oil markets. President Donald Trump announced the reinstatement of a naval blockade against Iran and the introduction of a 20 percent transit fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices reacted immediately: Brent crude rose 2.1 percent to $85.01 per barrel, while WTI gained 2.1 percent to $79.78.

However, this was merely a continuation of the rally that began on Monday, when both global benchmark grades jumped by nearly 10 percent—their largest one-day increase in several months. Tensions between the United States and Iran have reached a new level, and markets are pricing in the risk of serious disruptions to oil supplies from the Persian Gulf.

What is behind this decision? What are the consequences for the global economy? And where will prices move next? In this article, we examine every aspect of the current crisis and its impact on the oil markets.

The Blockade of Iran: Trump’s Decisive Move

The Reinstatement of the Naval Blockade

President Trump stated that the United States would reinstate its naval blockade of Iran following the resumption of military clashes with Tehran. The decision came in response to Iranian drone strikes on US facilities in Kuwait and attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Armed Forces will begin enforcing the blockade on Tuesday, targeting vessels linked to Iran. Neutral commercial vessels will still be permitted to pass through the strait. This is an important distinction, demonstrating that the United States is attempting to restrict Iranian shipments rather than completely shut down maritime traffic.

A 20 Percent Transit Fee

Trump also announced that Washington would charge a 20 percent fee on cargo passing through the Strait of Hormuz to...