How Independent Is ‘Islamic NATO’?
Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan claim to want a regional security architecture without outside actors.
We haven't written up this one. Naked Capitalism has the full story — the link below goes straight to it.
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Current price of oil as of August 17, 2026
When oil prices change, it affects your energy costs—and even the price of everyday items. Here’s why.
FX Daily: Porridge cools for goldilocks
USD: Softer run of data continues Friday’s release of a softer set of US retail sales data for July has added to the case against the Federal Reserve hiking rates in September.
- US retail sales for July suggest cooler Goldilocks narrative
- Fed rate hikes for September at only 7 basis points
- DXY testing lower range, favoring higher-yielding currencies
Japan stocks higher at close of trade; Nikkei 225 up 0.70%
Japan stocks were higher after the close on Monday, as gains in the Real Estate, Banking and Textile sectors led shares higher.
- Nikkei 225 index rose 0.70% to hit 1-month high
- Kioxia Holdings Corp led gains with 15.07% rise
- 1816 stocks surged while 1717 declined
The Commodities Feed: Oil near $90 on escalating Middle East risks
Energy – Brent near $90/bbl on supply risks ICE Brent traded just below $90/bbl in early Asian trading, extending Monday’s gains.
- Oil prices near $90 per barrel amid Middle East tensions
- US oil rig count rises to 455 active rigs, boosting domestic production
- Copper prices hit record high of $14,396 per tonne due to supply tightness