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  1. US Special Envoy Witkoff: Mediators Conclude Round of Indirect US-Iran Talks at UNGA
  2. Trump Confirms 'Very Good' Meeting with Iran at UN Amid Gulf Tensions
  3. U.S. Regulator Warns of Manipulation Risks in 'Mention Markets' on Prediction Platforms
  4. ECB's Lane Discusses Outlook for Euro Area Economy
  5. Singapore unveils land reclamation plans for industrial growth and new energy facilities

Markets 112

  • The U.S. CFTC issued an advisory flagging unique manipulation dangers in 'mention markets' on prediction platforms.
  • These markets, betting on an individual's specific conduct, are seen as 'presumptively readily susceptible to manipulation' due to potential insider influence.
  • The agency is not banning such contracts but suggests a high bar, requiring 'independent verifiability and substantial public scrutiny' to limit gaming.
  • Platforms must outline factors like external controls, public settings, and close monitoring in regulatory filings to strengthen contracts.
  • The CFTC has already taken enforcement action against individuals for manipulating these markets, citing examples like a former Trump teleprompter operator and George Santos.

Macro/Economy 54

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  • Analysis of current economic conditions within the Euro Area.
  • Projections regarding future growth and inflation trends for the region.
  • Identification of key risks and opportunities impacting the Euro Area economy.
  • Singapore plans land reclamation, including an artificial island, to address persistent land shortages.
  • The new artificial island off the southwestern coast will host next-generation industries and new energy facilities.
  • These new islands are designed to serve as manufacturing and energy hubs, while also providing protection against rising sea levels.
  • Pakistan's updated auto policy retains rules previously disputed by Japan at the WTO.
  • The policy links vehicle manufacturers' export performance to licensing and concessions on imported parts.
  • Carmakers in Pakistan will be required to export 12% of all vehicles by value.
  • Experts suggest Chinese manufacturers are set to benefit from the new policy.
  • Chinese tourists are increasingly visiting Hong Kong's outdoor attractions like the UNESCO-registered Sea Stack.
  • This shift is attributed to household budget pressures, leading tourists to seek free or low-cost activities.
  • The trend indicates a move away from traditional high-spending activities like shopping among Chinese visitors.
  • Hong Kong's tourism sector, traditionally reliant on retail spending, faces evolving visitor preferences.

Central Banks 3

Energy/Oil 23

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  • US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed 'lengthy' indirect talks with Iran via mediators at the UN General Assembly.
  • Mediators successfully completed a round of talks, which Witkoff hopes will be 'constructive and promising'.
  • An Iranian official indicated readiness to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US eases military and economic pressure.
  • WTI crude oil was down 2.35% at $89.48 following the news of the talks.
  • The East Africa Oil Refinery project, backed by Aliko Dangote, is set to break ground on September 30 in Lamu, Kenya.
  • Project cost is estimated between $17 billion (Kenyan officials) and $20 billion (Aliko Dangote).
  • The refinery is designed to process 700,000 barrels of crude oil per day.
  • It aims to serve Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
  • Disclosed financing totals $1.6 billion, including $100 million from Tanzanian billionaire Mohammed Dewji.
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  • Brent crude futures for November fell 0.75% to $98.51 a barrel.
  • U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures for November dropped 1.03% to $89.59 per barrel.
  • Oil prices fell amid hopes of a diplomatic solution following a three-hour meeting between U.S. and Iranian officials at the UN.
  • Pakistan's mediation efforts are also seen as potentially reducing the risk of broader escalation in the Middle East.
  • Oil has retreated almost 12% over the past five sessions, moving away from the $100 'intervention zone'.
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  • US and China are set to discuss reviving a $6 billion-a-year trade in US liquefied natural gas.
  • Revival of the LNG trade is contingent on lifting a 15% Chinese tariff on American gas, in place since Q1 2025.
  • Iranian missiles destroyed 17% of Qatar's LNG export capacity in March, impacting global supply.
  • China diversified its LNG imports from January to July, sourcing 36% from Australia, 20% from Southeast Asia, 12% from Russia, and 4% from Canada.

Gold/Metals 19

Crypto 39

Geopolitics 33

  • US President Trump stated US officials had a "very good" three-hour meeting with Iranian leaders at the UN General Assembly.
  • Qatar's Emir warned the Gulf faces a dangerous phase due to the US-Israel war on Iran, urging diplomacy for a lasting solution.
  • Iranian media reported an explosion near Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, with the cause currently unclear.
  • Gulf-based technology companies are increasingly looking to expand operations into Asian hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore.
  • The ongoing conflict involving Iran in the Middle East is a primary driver, accelerating these expansion timelines.
  • xBratAI, a Dubai-based AI trading platform, moved up its Hong Kong entity establishment to early 2026 due to the conflict.
  • The trend indicates a strategic shift by Gulf firms to mitigate risks associated with regional instability.

Tech/AI 35

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  • Alibaba Group unveiled what it calls 'the most powerful AI chip in China'.
  • The chip is part of a strategic plan to expand its global data center capacity.
  • Alibaba aims to grow its data center capacity beyond 20 gigawatts by 2032.

Companies 7

  • Clover's revenue for Fiscal Year 2026 surpassed its previously issued guidance.
  • Operating margins for FY26 achieved a strong level of 35.5%.
  • The company demonstrated robust financial performance in the fiscal year.
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  • Diageo is set to appoint Mary Wilson, current finance chief of WPP, as its new Chief Financial Officer.
  • The appointment was reported by Sky News.
  • This represents a significant executive change for the global spirits company.
  • JPMorgan is exploring partnerships to underwrite rejected applications for its co-branded credit cards.
  • This move could allow the bank to expand its card empire by leveraging private credit firms.
  • Private credit firms are reportedly keen on participating in this new opportunity.
  • US-based R3 Lithium plans to enter Vietnam's battery recycling industry.
  • The move aims to capitalize on the growing demand for lithium due to the global shift to electric vehicles (EVs).
  • R3 Lithium is reportedly in discussions with Vietnamese auto and electronics companies, as well as the government.
  • Vietnam's burgeoning EV market presents a significant opportunity for battery recycling operations.
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  • HSBC's board meeting has been relocated.
  • The meeting was originally scheduled to take place in Dubai.
  • The new location for the board meeting is London.
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  • Tuas stock is experiencing a sharp decline in today's trading session.
  • The provided article does not specify the underlying reasons for the sudden plunge.
  • Further details are required to understand the factors contributing to the stock's performance.
  • Culture Convenience Club's Tsutaya bookstore chain will open its first Bangkok store in October.
  • The expansion into Southeast Asia is driven by increasing interest in Japanese content like anime and manga.
  • The new Tsutaya outlet in Thailand will include bookshelves, restaurants, and community spaces.

Thai Markets 18