#oil #middleeast - Oil Rises as Hormuz Risks Persist | Horizons Middle East & Africa 9/4/2026: Bloomberg Television

4 September 2026

Oil heads for its biggest weekly gain since July, approaching $96 a barrel as risks around the Strait of Hormuz keep prices elevated. The yen surges ahead of the BOJ’s rate decision, while the dollar falls to its weakest level since May. US stocks rally as Fed Governor Christopher Waller signals openness to holding rates if inflation continues to improve, while bonds rise and markets reassess the outlook for monetary policy.

The US adds 55,000 jobs in August, while JPMorgan warns that a $103 billion yen short position could unwind if the currency strengthens beyond 155. The BOJ is leaning toward a quarter-point rate hike. Asian stocks climb as expectations for Fed easing cool and the yen gains on rate-hike and intervention risks. Bitcoin retakes $80,000 as choppy US demand tests the rally.

In technology, OpenAI rolls out its GPT-6 Astra model, with Sam Altman saying the launch took longer than expected. Altman says there are clear red lines for AI models and that debate over AI limits will continue, while acknowledging the industry has done a poor job explaining AI’s benefits. Anthropic is nearing a $15 billion credit facility, while Nvidia is reportedly set to acquire AI platform Hugging Face for $13 billion.

Saudi AI firm Human adopts China’s MiniMax M3 model, sending MiniMax shares higher, as Human also eyes a $2.5 billion data-center fund. Middle East investment is expected to grow despite regional unrest, with Standard Chartered forecasting continued GCC investment, particularly in infrastructure, technology and defense, and capital expenditure potentially exceeding 2025 levels.

Markets also monitor the security situation around Hormuz. The US says oil flows through the strait are increasing, while South Korea says it has made no decision on sending troops to the region. Marisks warns that LNG tankers are making fewer trips through Hormuz and expects any US operation to remain geographically contained, while highlighting the risk of further US-Iran escalation over the weekend.

In Africa, Senegal plans to continue servicing its Eurobonds, while South African Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago says there is room for caution on further rate moves. Nigeria’s naira is on track for its strongest year since 2018. Guests includes Ketaki Sharma, Algorithm Research Founder & CEO, Carla Slim, Standard Chartered Bank Chief Economist Middle East & Pakistan and Dimitris Maniatis, Marisks CEO. Horizons Middle East & Africa is your daily spotlight on one of the world's fastest-growing regions. Live from Dubai, we bring you the latest global markets and analysis, plus news-making interviews, with a special focus on MEA. All that and more, as you head to the office in the Gulf, pause for lunch in Hong Kong, or start your day in London or Johannesburg. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:32 - Ketaki Sharma, Algorithm Research Founder & CEO 00:11:01 - Hormuz Risks Keep Oil Elevated 00:14:58 - Sam Altman, OpenAI CEO & Co-Founder 00:19:59 - OpenAI Rolls Out GPT-6 Astra Model 00:28:26 - Carla Slim, Standard Chartered Bank Chief Economist, Middle East & Pakistan 00:33:37 - Dimitris Maniatis, Marisks CEO 00:42:26 - US to Report August Jobs Data Later

#news #MiddleEast - Iran, Oman Agree to Share Hormuz Fee | Horizons Middle East & Africa 8/27/2026: Bloomberg Television

27 August 2026

Iran and Oman move toward a new arrangement for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with the IRGC saying the two countries have agreed to share fees. Tehran says US actions are delaying the process, while US allies question whether the Strait is fully clear of mines. Trump says the mines have been removed and Hormuz is open.

Oil remains under pressure as markets assess the outlook for Hormuz and global supply. Nvidia reports $89 billion in data-center revenue, ahead of expectations, while its CFO sees revenue growth of around 70% into fiscal 2028. Supply remains a key constraint, and margins are expected to settle around 72% to 73% as higher memory costs weigh on profitability. Jensen Huang says the AI infrastructure buildout remains at full speed.

Asian chip stocks gain following Nvidia’s outlook, with SK Hynix and Samsung leading the advance. South Korea raises its policy rate to 3% from 2.75% as inflation risks build, while markets prepare for central bankers to discuss inflation at Jackson Hole and watch Warsh’s first speech there. The BOJ also keeps the possibility of a September rate hike open, while Australian bonds fall as RBA hike expectations increase. Meta agrees to pay up to $18 billion to settle social-media claims. Salesforce rises on its growth outlook and partnership with Anthropic, while Anthropic plans to spend $45 billion on AI computing capacity from Nscale. China’s Z.AI develops its OX Alpha model, and MiniMax reports a sharp increase in first-half sales.

Saudi Arabia pushes deeper capital-market reforms, focusing on derivatives, liquidity and improving market infrastructure as part of Vision 2030. Tadawul gains following the latest measures.

CNOOC reports higher first-half profit as oil prices benefit from the Iran conflict, while Shein prepares a $1.7 billion Hong Kong share sale.

Russia signals a possible escalation in Ukraine as Moscow sees peace talks at a dead end. Flooding along the Nepal-China border leaves around 100 people dead.

In Africa, Next Africa sits down with the Dangote family to discuss plans for an IPO of the refinery arm, the expansion of the family office in 2027 and its strategy for building businesses and investments across generations. Guests include Rajeev Sibal, Morgan Stanley Senior Global Economist, Maribel Lopez, Lopez Research Founder & Enterprise AI Lead and Eric Swats, Rascal Investment Bank Senior Executive Officer. Horizons Middle East & Africa is your daily spotlight on one of the world's fastest-growing regions. Live from Dubai, we bring you the latest global markets and analysis, plus news-making interviews, with a special focus on MEA. All that and more, as you head to the office in the Gulf, pause for lunch in Hong Kong, or start your day in London or Johannesburg. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:04:56 - Nvidia Sees Strong Revenue Growth 00:09:57 - Iran, Oman Agree to Share Hormuz Fees 00:17:26 - Rajeev Sibal, Morgan Stanley Senior Global Economist 00:28:27 - Maribel Lopez, Lopez Research Founder & Enterprise AI Lead 00:34:36 - Eric Swats, Rascal Investment Bank Senior Executive Officer 00:41:46 - Next Africa Sits Down With Dangote Family

#middleeast #itanwar #usa - Trump Rejects Iran Truce as War Escalates | Horizons Middle East & Africa 8/18/2026: Bloomberg Television

18 August 2026

The US-Iran truce collapses as President Trump rejects an extension and says he is in no hurry to end the war, while the US and Iran continue to assert control over the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rises above $90 a barrel as the Hormuz blockade disrupts energy flows. US Treasury yields surge, with the 30-year yield reaching its highest level since 2007, triggering a selloff in US bonds and pulling Asian bonds lower.

The dollar extends its decline as traders scale back expectations for tighter Federal Reserve policy, while Asian stocks end a four-day winning streak. In Gaza, Hamas demands an Israeli withdrawal before disarming, while the US and Israel agree that Hamas must disarm before an IDF withdrawal. Jared Kushner says the US will give Hamas an opportunity to comply, but Hamas says Israel must accept the roadmap. Netanyahu has rejected the Board of Peace roadmap, while renewed Israel-Hezbollah fighting in Lebanon and strikes in Gaza add to growing doubts over the region's peace prospects.

In technology, Anthropic's annualized revenue is reportedly on track to exceed $65 billion, Nvidia signs a $105 billion data-center deal with OpenAI, and Stein targets a valuation of up to $27 billion in a Hong Kong IPO. General Atlantic also steps up its IPO push. In commodities and Africa, BHP reports stronger profits as attention shifts toward copper, with plans to increase copper production by 50% over five years. Vitol expands its role as a key fuel supplier to Africa amid Hormuz disruptions, potentially raising costs for several African economies.

We also cover Zambia's presidential election, IMF talks with Senegal and Abu Dhabi Ports shares surging after an offer for L'IMAD. Guests includes Manpreet Gill, Standard Chartered CIO, AMEE, Mairav Zonszein, International Crisis Group Senior Israel Analyst and Brandon Craig, BHP CEO. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:02:41 - US Bond Yields Surge 00:10:01 - US-Iran Peace Prospects Dim 00:13:44 - Manpreet Gill, Standard Chartered CIO, AMEE 00:19:34 - Abu Dhabi Ports Surge 00:28:27 - Mairav Zonszein, International Crisis Group Senior Israel Analyst 00:36:40 - Vitol Emerges as Key Africa Fuel Supplier 00:41:40 - Brandon Craig, BHP CEO

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#IranWar #news #markets - Iran Strikes Two UAE Oil Tankers in Hormuz | Horizons Middle East & Africa 8/14/2026: Bloomberg Television

14 August 2026

Global markets are reassessing the Federal Reserve's path after US inflation cooled, pushing traders to pare expectations for further rate hikes. The S&P 500 reached a record high, while US Treasury yields climbed as the government sold 30-year bonds at 5.25%, the highest yield for the maturity since 2001.

Asian stocks advanced as softer US inflation and strong technology demand lifted sentiment. Asian memory stocks gained after SanDisk raised its outlook, while CXMT's market value surpassed Tencent's. Reddit is set to join the S&P 500 on August 18, while JD.com reported its first-ever sales decline.

In the Middle East, Iran and Oman have yet to reach a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The US is preparing an "economic isolation" strategy for Iran, while the UAE says two oil tankers were attacked by Iran. Oil prices remain supported as the Iran conflict drags on and shipping risks persist.

In technology, OpenAI's revenue run rate has surpassed $40 billion ahead of its potential IPO, while investors are reportedly betting on a $2 trillion valuation for Anthropic. DeepSeek is raising AI prices while maintaining a low-cost advantage, and major technology companies are increasingly turning to debt markets to finance massive AI infrastructure spending. Elsewhere, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is considering a broader privatization push, Turkey raised its inflation forecast, Standard Bank reported record first-half profit, and South Africa's ports and rail operator is seeking $2.2 billion in funding.

We also cover UAE and Qatar companies entering Venezuela through a BP-led gas deal, DP World reporting $585 million in first-half profit, China's technology earnings shifting investor focus toward hardware, and an Ebola outbreak spreading to a sixth province in Congo. Guest includes Noureldeen AlHammoury, Equity Group Chief Market Strategist, Rachel Ziemba, Ziemba Insights Founder and Sim Tshabalala, Standard Bank CEO.

#news #middleeast #africa - Iran Weigh Potential Deal; Global Stock Rally Builds | Horizons Middle East & Africa 5/7/2026: Bloomberg

7 May 2026

The US and Iran were circling around a fresh proposal to end the war, as President Donald Trump searches for an exit from a conflict that has elevated energy prices and damaged his political standing. Also on the show: global stock rally builds on Iran deal optimism; Netanyahu holds rare call with UAE’s MBZ; Turkey joins elite military powers with planned ICBM test; Mozambique weighs swapping dollar debt for yuan in China talks; South Africa treasury threatens to cut Johannesburg funding. Guests include: Alan Eyre, Middle East Institute Distinguished Diplomatic Fellow; Parisha Saimbi, BNP Paribas FXLM Strategist EM Asia. Horizons Middle East & Africa is your daily spotlight on one of the world's fastest-growing regions. Live from Dubai, we bring you the latest global markets and analysis, plus news-making interviews, with a special focus on MEA. All that and more, as you head to the office in the Gulf, pause for lunch in Hong Kong, or start your day in London or Johannesburg.

#middleeast #investing - Trump Demands Help With Hormuz; Iran Ramps Up Attacks | Horizons Middle East & Africa 3/17/2026: Bloomberg

17 March 2026

US President Donald Trump reiterates his appeal for other nations to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, saying Iran was nearly obliterated even as the war keeps roiling oil markets and global shipping. Also on the show: MTN's efforts to sell its stake in Irancell remains stalled; Nvidia CEO, Jensen Huang makes a trillion-dollar forecast. Guests include: Charles-Henry Monchau, Banque Syz, CIO; Junaid Ansari, Kamco Invest, Investment Strategy and Research Director; Torbjorn Soltvedt, Verisk Maplecroft, Principal Middle East Analyst

#energy #middleastwar - Grace period for markets has ended as hopes of Middle East war staying controlled fade: Expert: CNBC International Live

9 March 2026

Clayton Seigle from CSIS says the market is scrambling to catch up with the prospect that talk of unconditional surrender and more assets including refineries, storage terminals, offshore facilities coming into the direct line of fire suggest the crisis period will last longer.

euronews is live: LIVE: EU leaders set for emergency talks as Iran war enters day 10 | Europe Today #61, 09/03/2026