Commodities (Crude Oil & Copper) & Macro Outlook

U.S. stock index futures traded lower late Monday following renewed geopolitical tensions. President Donald Trump threatened military action against Oman if it impedes efforts to resolve the Iran conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with negotiations expiring without breakthrough on Monday.

The U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is seeking public comments on computing power futures contracts. Bloomberg reported on August 18 that the CFTC had sent a draft request for comments to the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Once the review is completed, the CFTC will initiate a public comment period typically lasting 30 to 60 days. This regulatory process could affect the product launch timelines of CME Group and Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). CFTC Request-f

In July 2026, China's gasoline exports fell to 420,000 tons, down 55.3% year-over-year. For the January-July period, cumulative gasoline exports reached 1.72 million tons, declining 64.4% compared to the same period last year.

China's corn and cornmeal imports reached 350,000 tons in July, surging 527.3% year-over-year, according to trade data. For the first seven months of 2026, cumulative corn imports totaled 1.36 million tons, up 61.3% compared to the same period last year. Other agricultural imports in July showed mi

China's rare earth and rare earth products exports totaled 10,314 tonnes in July, down 16.9% year-over-year. For the first seven months of 2026, cumulative exports reached 76,861 tonnes, up 7% compared to the same period last year.

China's alumina exports surged 33% year-on-year in July, reaching 300,000 tons, with cumulative exports for January through July totaling 1.91 million tons, up 21.7% year-on-year. Meanwhile, imports of unwrought aluminum and aluminum materials fell 22% to 280,000 tons in July, and steel imports

On August 18, US and Brent crude oil prices rose on the day following reports that a vessel was struck by unidentified projectiles while transiting the Hormuz Strait. The strike damaged the ship's engine room and resulted in crew injuries, according to reports. The specific oil price movements and c

According to market data, vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains slow, with only six ships transiting on Monday.

According to Longjin Energy, on August 18 (the second trading day of the current cycle), China's gasoline and diesel prices are expected to rise 260 yuan/ton, with the reference crude oil price at $86.57 per barrel and the adjustment window set for August 28 at 11:59 p.m. Shandong independent

According to Shanghai Metals, MMLC battery-grade lithium carbonate's mid-price rose to 153,750 yuan/ton in early trading today (August 18), up 1,000 yuan/ton from Monday 4:30 PM.

According to Jin10, BHP CEO Brandon Craig responded on August 18 during the FY2026 earnings call to market speculation about potential investment in Canada's uranium projects. Craig confirmed that uranium is primarily a byproduct of BHP's Olympic Dam mine in South Australia, with the company

South Korean 10-year government bond futures opened 74 ticks lower on the 18th, tracking losses in US Treasuries during the holiday period. The decline reflected a sharp rise in US long-term yields, with the 30-year rate climbing to its highest level since 2007 amid renewed inflation concerns.

According to Yonhap Infomax, South Korea's 10-year government bond futures fell 74 ticks to 105.01 on August 18, with foreign investors net-selling 1,877 contracts. The decline reflected a sharp rise in U.S. Treasury yields during the local holiday break, with the 30-year yield reaching its

Liquefied petroleum gas futures rallied 300 yuan intraday today, currently trading at 5,717 yuan per ton, up 5.54% for the session.

According to Yonhap Infomax, Seoul forex dealers expect the dollar-won to trade in a range of 1,410–1,425 won on August 18, with upward pressure from Middle East geopolitical risks. President Donald Trump's decision not to extend a ceasefire memorandum with Iran has intensified tensions around the S

SC crude oil main contract surged 6.00% intraday on August 18, trading at 602.90 yuan per barrel.

According to Jin10, WTI crude oil futures fell 1.08% as of 09:30 Beijing time on Aug 18, while U.S. natural gas futures rose 0.48% during the same period.

Bitcoin (BTC) has seen a slight rebound, temporarily trading at around $64,310 on August 18. According to an official press release issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the Treasury has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking under the GENIUS Act, seeking public comment on regulations governing the issuance, provision, and sale of payment stablecoins in the United States. The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency conditionally approved Trump family-backed World Liberty Financial’s a

According to Cointelegraph, on August 18, the U.S. CFTC sought public comment on AI compute futures contracts, with CME planning to launch two futures products on October 5, pending regulatory approval. The public comment period typically lasts 30 to 60 days. CME's products will use pricing

According to Hana Securities, South Korea's government will introduce regional differentiation in industrial electricity rates as early as October, with the goal of reducing costs for power-intensive industries. The plan sets the baseline at 182 won per kilowatt-hour and applies tiered discounts