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Commodities Global Palm Oil Prices Seen Surging on Narrow Production Surplus
Global palm oil prices are set to rise as the 2026-27 season production surplus narrows from 2025-26, with BMI lifting its 2026 CPO price forecast to MYR4,453/tonne. Indonesia's B50 biodiesel mandate and El Nino risks tighten export supply, while Rabobank sees elevated prices through 2031. Buyers face sourcing challenges and tighter fundamentals.
Finance TD Cowen Turns Negative on Freight Brokers Amid Mounting Insurance Premium Inflation
TD Cowen's transportation team, led by Jason Seidl, issued a negative outlook on freight brokers after an insurance executive described 'sizeable inflation' in premiums following the Montgomery decision. The report cites a top 10 broker's liability insurance tripling, premium cost increases from $3 million to $10 million, and a shrinking field of underwriters. TD Cowen named RXO, C.H. Robinson and Landstar as companies under negative coverage.
Commodities India's Lower Sugar Quota for Domestic Sales Failed to Tame Demand, Says Industry
India's lower monthly sugar sales quotas failed to tame demand, with wholesale prices surging to Rs 6,036 per quintal by August 26, according to The Hindu BusinessLine. Mills dispatched 7% more sugar than allotted between October 2025 and May 2026, while ISMA estimates closing stocks at just 36 lakh tonnes by September 30.
Commodities Indian retail, mill gate sugar prices drop after nearly two-month rally
Sugar prices in India declined in mill-gate and retail markets on Monday after a nearly two-month rally, following government measures including duty-free raw sugar imports of 1 million tonnes and tighter stock limits for bulk users. Ex-mill S-30 grade prices in Maharashtra fell over 10 per cent from the August 20 peak. Global raw and white sugar futures also weakened.
Commodities Gold Price Prediction Today: Why Gold Prices Are Rising — August 26, 2026 Outlook
Gold has rebounded sharply in August, gaining 14% month-to-date, supported by lower US Treasury yields, a weaker dollar and strong ETF inflows of $6.4 billion last week. The near-term outlook hinges on Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech and core PCE inflation data, with spot gold at $4,650/oz. Silver has also rebounded, with the Silver Institute projecting a sixth consecutive annual market deficit in 2026.
Commodities Benchmark diesel price is now highest since war began
The DOE/EIA average weekly retail diesel price rose 19.8 cents/gallon to $5.652/g, its highest level since military action against Iran began in early March. ULSD futures on the CME reversed course, falling 22.72 cents/gallon after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled a shift to economic pressure on Iran. Bullish diesel-specific factors including Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries continue to underpin the market.
Commodities Sugar ex-mill prices fall 18% to Rs 55 per kg after record high
Ex-mill sugar prices in India fell 18% to Rs 55 per kg after touching a record Rs 67 per kg last week, according to a Business Today report. Food secretary Sanjeev Chopra attributed the drop to the government's decision to allow sugar imports and action against hoarding and speculation. Production for 2025-26 is estimated at 306 lakh tonnes, against annual domestic demand of 280-285 lakh tonnes.
Commodities 'Resale' sugar prices drop in India even as retail rates soar to a new high
Resale sugar prices in key Indian states dropped ₹400-500 a quintal after the government allowed 1 million tonnes of raw sugar imports, while retail prices rose to a record ₹58.15 per kg. Global raw and white sugar futures also slipped, and production estimates for 2026-27 were trimmed to ~306 lakh tonnes.
Finance Bitcoin Crosses $80,000 for First Time Since Mid-May on Weaker Dollar, Up 28% in August
Bitcoin crossed $80,000 for the first time since mid-May, reaching an intraday high of $81,237.94, as a weaker dollar and Treasury plans to buy back long-dated bonds drove demand for alternative assets. The cryptocurrency gained 28% in August, its biggest monthly increase since November 2024, after President Trump urged clearer cryptocurrency rules.
Business Top Stocks to Buy Today: Bata India, IFCI, KFin Technologies Picks for August 19, 2026
Anand Rathi Shares' Mehul Kothari has recommended Bata India, IFCI, and KFin Technologies as top stock buys for August 19, 2026. The report includes specific buy zones, stop losses, and price targets based on technical indicators like RSI, DMI, and the Keltner Channel.
Commodities U.S. Diesel Crack Spread Hits Record $102 a Barrel, Signaling Q4 Supply Crunch
The U.S. diesel crack spread hit an all-time record of roughly $102 a barrel on August 17, 2026, according to Reuters figures cited by FreightWaves, with distillate inventories at the lowest level for that time of year since 1996. The spread, four to six times normal, points to a refining and supply crunch rather than a crude oil problem. FreightWaves frames it as an early-warning signal for diesel buyers heading into Q4.
Commodities Gold and Silver Prices Decline in Indian Bullion Market, Silver Down Over One Per Cent
According to Akashvani / News on AIR, 24-carat gold was marginally down at ₹1,54,080 per 10 grams in the Indian bullion market on August 18, 2026, while silver declined over one per cent to ₹2,33,164 per kilogram. The report provides no additional supply, demand, or inventory context, leaving the rupee-denominated price levels as the key data points.
Commodities Lithium prices likely to head lower this half as supplies improve
Lithium carbonate prices hit a six-month low of 140,000 yuan ($20,770) per tonne before recovering $1,000, as supply resurgence in China and Australian restarts loom. BMI forecasts 2026 average at $20,100/tonne for carbonate, while AOCE sees spodumene at $2,240/tonne. Strong energy storage demand is expected to cushion any sharp fall.
Commodities Indian Gold Prices Rise Across Major Cities on August 18: Check 22-Carat and 24-Carat Rates
Gold prices in India rose across all major cities on August 18, 2026, with 22-carat gold up ₹20 per gram and 24-carat gold up ₹21 per gram. Kolkata quoted the highest rates while Chennai and Hyderabad were the lowest, based on data courtesy of bankbazaar.com. The Hindu BusinessLine reported the full city-wise breakdown.
Business Top Stock Picks for August 18, 2026: Mphasis, Supreme Industries, United Spirits, Kfin Technologies
Mirae Asset ShareKhan's Somil Mehta recommended four stocks on August 18, 2026: Mphasis, Supreme Industries, United Spirits, and Kfin Technologies. According to TOI Business Desk, each pick includes a target range and a stop-loss level on a closing basis, driven by technical breakouts and momentum crossovers.
Logistics Freight Volumes Drop to Slowest Monday of Year as Contract Repricing Reshapes Truckload Market
Freight volumes collapsed to their lowest Monday of the year, according to FreightWaves, as rapid contract repricing routed freight from the spot market back to routing guides. Intermodal volumes hit records on eastern corridors with contract rates 34% below truckload. Capacity is growing on paper, but flat transportation employment and driver shortages leave the market imbalanced.
Commodities Brent Crude Oil Price Today: Futures Edge Higher Amid West Asia Uncertainty
Brent crude oil futures traded higher on Monday, with October Brent at $88.65, as uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz and US-Iran tensions persisted, according to The Hindu Business Line. WTI eased to $81.39, while MCX crude and natural gas futures fell. Turmeric and guargum gained on NCDEX.
Business Motilal Oswal Names Poonawalla Fincorp and Lenskart Top Stock Buys for August 17 Week
Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk named Poonawalla Fincorp and Lenskart as the top two stock recommendations for the week starting August 17, 2026. Both carry target prices implying 15% upside from current market prices, supported by diversification at Poonawalla and premiumization at Lenskart.
Business Top 5 Firms Lose Rs 1 Lakh Crore in Market Value; TCS, Reliance Bear Brunt
Top five of India's 10 most valued firms lost nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in market capitalisation last week, with TCS and Reliance Industries suffering the steepest declines, according to Business-Today. The Sensex ended the week 489.92 points lower, and the Nifty fell 204.65 points amid elevated crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty.
Logistics Freight Market Rejection Index: Is the Softness Misleading? SONAR Update
FreightWaves' SONAR update shows the freight market is stronger than it looks: the national tender rejection index at ~13.5% exceeded every 2024 reading, and intermodal contract rates are 34% below truckload rates. Spot rates are $3.34 per mile, 21% above last year. Shippers should consider mode conversion to rail before peak-season tightening begins in mid-October.
Commodities India orders sugar mills to ensure 7-day stock lifting; bulk data due Aug 20
India's Food Ministry has ordered sugar mills to ensure buyers lift stocks within seven days of sale and to submit bulk-consumer sales data by August 20. All-India retail sugar prices have risen 8% and wholesale prices 7% over the past month, with Delhi prices at ₹55-56/kg.
Commodities Oil prices today: Crude edges higher as US-Iran tensions revive supply concerns
Oil prices edged higher on Friday as the US threatened to maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely, reviving supply concerns. Brent rose 0.1% to $87.16 a barrel, while WTI gained to $81.29, although weaker demand forecasts and rising US inventories capped upside. OPEC and the IEA lowered demand growth forecasts this week, and US crude inventories posted their largest weekly rise in over 3.5 years.
Business Stocks to Buy August 14, 2026: Amara Raja, Indian Bank, Kfin Picks
Hitesh Rathi, Technical Analyst at Angel One, has recommended Amara Raja Energy & Mobility, Indian Bank, and Kfin Technologies for purchase on August 14, 2026. The picks include specific buy price bands, stop-loss levels, and price targets based on Renko and Point and Figure chart patterns.
Commodities Crude oil futures fall as OPEC, IEA predict decline in demand in 2026
Crude oil futures fell on August 13, 2026 as OPEC and IEA both revised 2026 demand forecasts downward, with October Brent at $88.55 (down 0.48%) and September WTI at $82.76 (down 0.61%). The IEA projects a 1.6 million barrel-per-day decline in 2026 demand, citing the Strait of Hormuz closure and elevated fuel prices.
Business Nuvama picks Indian Bank, DLF, Polycab as top stocks to buy on August 13, 2026
Aakash K Hindocha of Nuvama Wealth Management has issued BUY calls on Indian Bank, DLF, and Polycab India for August 13, 2026, with specific targets and stop losses. The report also provided technical levels for Nifty and Bank Nifty, including support and resistance zones.
Business Tata Group Stocks Fall Up to 4% as N Chandrasekaran Steps Down as Chairman
Shares of Tata Group companies fell up to 4% after Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran resigned ahead of the August 18 AGM. The move follows a tenure marked by expanding revenue from Rs 7.89 lakh crore to Rs 16.24 lakh crore and a more than fivefold rise in profit after tax. Tata Trusts, holding about 66% of Tata Sons, is understood to be opposed to his continuation.
Business Top Stocks to Buy on August 12, 2026: JSW Energy, GMDC, and IRCTC Recommended
Anand Rathi Shares' Mehul Kothari named JSW Energy, GMDC and IRCTC as top buys for August 12, 2026. The calls include defined buy zones, stop losses and targets based on moving averages, DMI, ADX and RSI technicals.
Finance Equity MF inflows fall 15% in July as investors turn cautious, SIPs stay strong
Equity mutual fund inflows fell 15% month-on-month to Rs 24,697 crore in July, marking the 65th consecutive month of positive inflows, while SIPs stayed resilient at Rs 31,961 crore. Debt funds drove an industry-wide reversal to Rs 2.36 lakh crore net inflows, and AUM rose 4.3% to Rs 85.76 lakh crore.
Commodities Gold price prediction August 11 2026: Buy dips, not the rally, with $4,500 in view
Business Today's August 11 gold outlook says buying dips is preferable to chasing the rally as spot gold holds at $4,345 after a 7.31% weekly surge. Gold may reach $4,500 in the short term if oil stabilises lower; Strait of Hormuz politics and weak US jobs data are key drivers.
Commodities India mulls curbing cane use for ethanol to tame record-high sugar market
India is considering restricting sugarcane diverted to ethanol in the season starting October to boost sugar output and cool record-high domestic prices, according to two government and two industry sources cited by Reuters. Reduced rainfall in Maharashtra and Karnataka has raised supply concerns, and a decision could come by the end of next month. About 3 million metric tons of sugar — roughly 10% of output — was diverted to ethanol in the current year.
Business Top Stocks to Buy for August 10 Week: Happy Forgings and Siemens Energy Recommended
Motilal Oswal Wealth Management Research Desk has recommended Happy Forgings and Siemens Energy as top stock buys for the week starting August 10, 2026, with target prices of Rs 2,095 and Rs 4,100 implying 11% and 12% upside. Happy Forgings reported strong Q1 FY27 results with margins above 30% for the fourth straight quarter, while Siemens Energy posted a record order book of Rs 193 billion.
Business Foreign Funds Invest Rs 12,921 Crore in Indian Equities in First Week of August
Foreign portfolio investors invested Rs 12,921 crore in Indian equities in the first week of August, according to Business Today, driven by improving macroeconomic conditions, expected US rate cuts, lower crude prices and a stable rupee. Despite the buying, FPIs remain net sellers in 2026, with total outflows of Rs 2.4 lakh crore.
Commodities Import fears cast shadow over watermelon farmers ahead of new season
Watermelon growers in Gujarat and Rajasthan have asked the Indian government to keep import restrictions on watermelon seeds, warning that overseas shipments could undercut prices as the domestic crop reaches markets from September. Farmgate seed prices have already fallen to about ₹170 a kg from ₹245 amid rumours of relaxed imports, while growers report a 10-15 per cent domestic seed deficit.
Business Four of Top 10 Firms Add Rs 1.43 Lakh Crore; SBI Leads Gains
Indian markets ended the week higher, with four of the ten most valued companies adding Rs 1.43 lakh crore to their market capitalisation. State Bank of India led with a Rs 63,922.03 crore gain, while Reliance Industries, TCS and L&T also advanced; six other top-10 firms lost Rs 1.23 lakh crore combined.
Commodities India's gas demand returns to pre-disruption levels, but global LNG competition rises: Equirus
India's natural gas consumption recovered to 197 mmscmd in June 2026, up 7% month-on-month and 2% year-on-year, according to Equirus. The recovery was driven entirely by LNG, which rose 13% month-on-month, lifting import dependence to 56%. Rising Asian spot prices, stronger Chinese buying and disrupted Qatar supply cloud the outlook.
Commodities Has Coffee Become the Most Misunderstood Agricultural Product in India?
Miguel Villaquirán, Co-founder and CEO of Libertario India, argues in The Hindu BusinessLine that while India has embraced specialty coffee, the agricultural factors that create quality — origin, altitude, soil, climate and processing — remain invisible to consumers. He says a mature coffee culture depends on shifting conversation from strength and bitterness to where and how coffee is grown.
Commodities Rice Prices Steam Up in Indian Domestic Market on Demand-Supply Gap, Deficient Monsoon
Indian domestic rice prices, particularly non-basmati varieties, have risen over 10% in recent weeks due to a demand-supply gap, a deficient monsoon, and a higher paddy MSP. Premium varieties like Sona Masuri, Ponni, and Swarna have seen the sharpest increases, while FCI stocks and record production estimates have not eased miller shortages.
Commodities Gold Holds Above $4,200 as Fed Bets and West Asia Hopes Drive Rally
Gold prices held firm above $4,200 per ounce on Friday, heading for their strongest weekly performance since January, supported by diplomatic optimism in West Asia and cooling US rate-hike expectations. Spot gold traded at $4,262.39, up 0.60%, while MCX gold quoted around ₹1,31,850 per 10 grams. Investors now await the US Non-Farm Payrolls report, with consensus pointing to 80,000 jobs added.
Finance Options Volumes Down Over 50% on Stricter Rules: Sebi Annual Report
Sebi's annual report for FY26 reveals a 51.5% drop in options contract volumes and nearly 18% fall in futures volumes, driven by regulatory interventions including increased contract sizes, rationalised weekly expiries, and a higher securities transaction tax. The report also discloses a record FPI net outflow of over Rs 1.5 lakh crore, with heavy secondary-market selling and primary-market buying.
Logistics Shipowners shouldn't assume today's strong recycling market will last, Wirana warns
Limited demolition supply and intense buyer competition have made ship recycling a seller's market, but Wirana Shipping warns owners not to assume it will last. Strong freight markets are keeping older vessels trading, while Red Sea reopening or easing Iran sanctions could flip the balance.
Commodities Gold touches seven-week high on Strait of Hormuz reopening hopes
Spot gold touched a seven-week high above $4,285 per ounce on growing hopes for a Strait of Hormuz reopening, with an Iran-Oman deal seen easing oil prices and rate pressures. Market expectations for a September U.S. rate hike fell to 55%, while traders awaited Friday's nonfarm payrolls report. Silver, platinum and palladium also gained.
Logistics North America becomes GXO's fastest-growing market in Q2, topping $782M
GXO Logistics reported $3.4 billion in Q2 revenue, up 4.3% year over year, as North America became its fastest-growing market, according to FreightWaves. First-half North American wins rose 85%, and the commercial pipeline reached $2.7 billion. CEO Patrick Kelleher said growth will accelerate into 2027.
Logistics Tanker Asset Values Stay Red Hot as Sale and Purchase Activity Accelerates
Tanker asset values remain red hot heading into August, with sale and purchase (S&P) activity accelerating across chemical, VLCC and LR2 segments, according to Splash247. Reported deals include Nisshin Shipping's $30m chemical tanker sale, CMB.TECH's ninth VLCC sale at about $122.8m, and Velos Tankers' LR2 sale at $50m. The transactions underline sharply rising asset values and robust demand for both modern and vintage tonnage.
Logistics Freight Market Update: 5 Signals Capacity Is Tight
Truckload capacity is tightening across the US, with national tender rejections at 14.36% versus a six-month average of 10.9%. FreightWaves SONAR data and Q2 carrier earnings from Knight-Swift, Werner and J.B. Hunt point to supply-driven forces: regulatory removals, durable spot rates, a shrinking driver pool, and record dedicated demand. Shippers and operators should expect the tightness to persist as structural rather than seasonal.
Commodities Crude Oil Futures Fall Over 5% as Trump Pauses Planned Iran Strike
Crude oil futures fell more than 5% on Monday after US President Donald Trump paused a planned strike on Iran. October Brent dropped to $83.49 and September WTI to $79.70. OPEC+ separately decided to raise output by 188,000 barrels per day from September 2026.
Business Top Stocks to Buy for August 3, 2026 Week: RR Kabel and KFin Technologies Listed
Business-Today released its weekly stock recommendations for August 3, 2026, featuring RR Kabel and KFin Technologies. RR Kabel has a target price of Rs 2,960 (14% upside from Rs 2,602), while KFin Technologies targets Rs 1,150 (23% upside from Rs 936). The report was published by the TOI Business Desk of The Times of India.
Commodities Gold, Silver Prices Seen Range-Bound as US Jobs Data, Fed Path in Focus
Gold and silver futures are set to trade in a narrow range this week, with investors awaiting US non-farm payrolls and Federal Reserve policy signals, according to Business-Today. MCX gold fell 1.1% and Comex silver slipped nearly 2% last week. LKP Securities' Jateen Trivedi sees MCX gold in the Rs 1.40-1.44 lakh per 10 grams range.
Technology AI's dotcom deja vu: KOSPI loses 22% in July as $1.2 trillion vanishes
The KOSPI Composite Index lost 22% in July, its third-worst month, as concentrated AI chip bets unwound. $1.2 trillion of market cap evaporated. The report says AI-front-runner stocks are down 30% on average, erasing $6 trillion, with the S&P 500's 33x P/E echoing dotcom bubble conditions.
Commodities West Asia crisis drags orthodox tea prices down at Kochi auctions
Orthodox tea prices at Kochi auctions fell by ₹9 per kg in sale 31 as the West Asia crisis dampened export demand amid rising freight costs and port congestion. Auctioneers reported fair support from CIS buyers while West Asia remained subdued. CTC dust stayed firm, supported by strong domestic demand.
Commodities Crude oil futures fall 3% to ₹7,811 per barrel as West Asia shipping improves
MCX crude oil futures fell 2.81% to ₹7,811 per barrel for August delivery on Friday, tracking weak global benchmarks as improved tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb eased geopolitical supply concerns. Prices remain pressured by lingering risks, including halted loadings at Kazakhstan's Black Sea terminal and the Houthi blockade threat.
Logistics HMM pauses new container ship orders, shifting focus to tankers and gas carriers
Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM), South Korea's flag carrier, is pausing finalization of newbuild orders for at least ten 13,000-TEU LNG dual-fuel container ships planned for the second half of 2026, instead focusing on Suezmax tankers, MR petroleum tankers, VLGCs, and LNG carriers. The shift comes amid warnings of newbuild-driven oversupply, geopolitical cost pressure, and trade policy risks, according to the company's Q1 2026 earnings release.
Logistics Is This Trucking Market Different? Why Capacity Won't Flood Back In
Triumph Financial CEO Aaron Graft explains that increased litigation, regulation, and legislation are acting as barriers to entry in the trucking market, preventing the surge of new capacity seen in previous cycles. This structural shift suggests tight market conditions may persist longer than expected, impacting profitability and driver availability for freight operators.
Commodities Gold and Silver Slip as Fed Decision, Stronger Dollar Weigh on Bullion Prices
Gold and silver prices declined as a stronger US dollar and cautious investor sentiment ahead of the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision dampened demand. Spot gold slipped 0.1% to $4,021.87 per ounce, while silver dropped about 2% to $57.24 per ounce internationally. In the domestic market, silver fell Rs 5,200 to Rs 2,24,800 per kg.
Commodities Oil price dives over 9% as US and Iran pause attacks, Brent drops below $88
The price of oil sank more than 9% on Monday, with Brent crude dipping below $88 a barrel, after the US and Iran paused attacks to give talks space. The fall follows last week's spike above $100 amid fears over the Strait of Hormuz and Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Commodities Gold Prices Jump Over 1% as Easing Middle East Tensions Drag Oil Lower, Fed Decision in Focus
Gold prices jumped over 1% in early trade as hopes of de-escalation between the US and Iran pushed crude oil prices lower, reducing inflation concerns. Spot gold climbed 1.4% to $4,110.56 an ounce, while silver surged nearly 5%. The Federal Reserve's upcoming monetary policy decision is now the key driver for precious metals.
Commodities Crude Oil Falls as US and Iran Halt Weekend Strikes, Easing Geopolitical Risk Premium
Crude oil futures fell sharply on Monday morning after the US and Iran halted strikes against each other over the weekend, with Brent dropping 4.23% and WTI falling 4.90%. The de-escalation marked the first tangible signal of reduced hostilities after 13 days of strikes, though analysts caution that recovery hinges on lasting peace and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia's energy facilities continued, adding another layer of supply risk.
Logistics Trucking Compliance Crackdown Expands: States Tighten Inspections, Driving Spot Rates Higher
The trucking industry faces an expanding compliance crackdown as states intensify safety inspections and enforce CDL regulations. This local enforcement is tightening the freight market, reducing available capacity, and pushing spot rates to near-record highs.
Commodities Brent crude hovers above $100 a barrel as tensions escalate in West Asia
Brent crude futures held above $100 a barrel as the US continued airstrikes against Iran and Houthi attacks raised risks to Saudi oil flows. The September ICE Brent contract was at $100.66, while WTI traded at $91.95. Supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz and the CPC terminal in Russia add to geopolitical premium.
Commodities Indian rice export prices hit near 10-month high on tight paddy supplies and monsoon concerns
Indian rice export prices rose to a near 10-month high this week, driven by tight paddy supplies and concerns over the new-season crop after patchy monsoon rainfall, according to Reuters. The 5% broken parboiled variety was quoted at $356-$361 per ton, up from $352-$357 last week. Adverse weather also affected crops in Bangladesh, while Vietnam saw lower prices due to building supplies from the summer-autumn harvest.
Commodities Brent crude tops $100 a barrel as West Asia conflict fuels oil supply fears
Brent crude oil briefly topped $100 per barrel for the first time since May, surging 6.2% to $99.94 after attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea heightened supply fears. The price had fallen below $72 just weeks ago, roughly back to pre-Iran war levels.