WTI price edges higher to near $79.00 as US-Iran war escalation threatens oil flows

West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the US crude oil benchmark, is trading around $79.00 during the early European trading hours on Friday. The WTI heads for its biggest weekly advance since April as rising tensions in the Middle East raise fears of oil supply disruption.  The BBC reported on Thursday that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that it launched a new wave…

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investingLive Asia-Pacific market news wrap 17 July 2026

Asian tech stocks slide as AI rally unwinds, oil set for biggest weekly gain since April Oil steady despite fresh wave of strikes across Gulf, Iraq and Iran Rupee nears record low as RBI intervenes but oil, risk aversion weigh China’s SAFE says FX market stable, resilient amid complex global backdrop Asian and US equities slide as Nikkei drops…

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Chinese Yuan loses as safe-haven demand lifts US Dollar

USD/CNH gains ground for the second successive day, trading around 6.7760 during the Asian hours on Friday. The pair appreciates as the US Dollar (USD) receives support from escalating developments surrounding conflicts in the Middle East. Reuters reported on Thursday that Iran has instructed Yemen’s Houthi militia to stand ready to close the critical Red Sea oil route if…

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Gold tumbles to eight-month low below $4,000 as Middle East tensions reinforce US rate hike bets

Gold price (XAU/USD) falls to near an eight-month low around $3,975 during the early Asian session on Friday. The precious metal extends its downside as rising tensions in the Middle East raise inflation concerns and reinforce expectations of elevated US interest rates. Reuters reported on Thursday that Iran has asked Yemen’s Houthi movement to stand ready to close the Red…

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