According to relevant supply plans, the combined supply of the five North Sea crude oil grades that form the pricing basis for benchmark Brent crude is expected to average 498,000 barrels per day in October, higher than the 467,000 barrels per day in September.

Spot platinum has just broken through the $1,740.00/oz level, now quoted at $1,739.59/oz, down 3.01% on the day; Nymex platinum futures' main contract is now quoted at $1,749.0/oz, down 2.52% on the day.

July Job Openings Tick Higher, Hiring Drops

According to a related internal memo, the security team at Bank of America (BAC.US) has been fully involved in cooperating with police investigations and addressing ongoing safety and security issues faced by bank premises and employees.

European natural gas benchmark futures prices surged significantly, reaching their highest level since January 2023, as a result of new US strikes on Iran. The Dutch front-month natural gas futures, often seen as a bellwether for European gas prices, rose by 5.9% to 73.95 euros per megawatt-hour. Recent geopolitical volatility has continued to disrupt global energy supply chains. As a key region for energy transportation and production, shifts in the Middle East's situation can easily trigger p