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Agricultural Commodities Updates: Barley Plunges by 7.61%
Top commodity losers are Barley (-7.61%), Cocoa (-2.67%) and Lumber (-1.54%). Gains are led by Oat (2.25%), Rubber (2.04%) and Rapeseed (1.63%).
Metals Commodities Updates: Silver Drops by 3.59%
Top commodity losers are Silver (-3.59%), Platinum (-2.18%) and Gold (-2.16%).
Energy Commodities Updates: Natural Gas EU Rallies by 7.09%
Top commodity gainers are Natural Gas EU (7.09%), Heating Oil (6.72%), Natural Gas UK (5.04%), Brent Crude Oil (3.69%) and Crude Oil WTI (3.09%). Biggest loser is Methanol (-1.60%).
South Korea
South Korea Producer Inflation Hits 3-Year High
South Korea's producer prices rose 4.1% year-on-year in March 2026, accelerating sharply from February's pace and marking the strongest increase in three years, as inflationary pressures surged within the industrial sector. Costs increased in manufacturing (5.9% vs. 2.3% in February), services (3.1% vs. 3.2%), and agricultural, forestry, and marine products (0.5% vs. 4.5%), reflecting a shift in inflationary weight from food prices toward energy and chemical manufacturing. By contrast, prices for electricity, gas, and water remained in contraction at -1.1%, matching the decline recorded in the previous month. On a monthly basis, producer prices rose by 1.6% in March, significantly outstepping the 0.6% increase seen in February.
FX Updates: South Korean Won Drops by 0.96%
Top currency losers are South Korean Won (-0.96%), Swedish Krona (-0.74%), Indian Rupee (-0.64%), Euro (-0.40%), Japanese Yen (-0.35%) and British Pound (-0.22%). Gains are led by Dollar Index (0.31%).
United States
US Crude Oil Inventories Post Surprise Draw
United States crude oil inventories fell by 4.40 million barrels in the week ended April 17th 2026, well above the 1.0 million barrel draw expected by markets and reversing a 6.10 million barrel increase in the previous week, according to the American Petroleum Institute. Gasoline inventories rose by 0.63 million barrels following a 3.97 million barrel decline in the previous period. Distillate stockpiles which include diesel and heating oil decreased by 3.40 million barrels following a 0.60 million barrel drop in the previous period.
Uruguay Keeps Key Rate at 5.75%
The Central Bank of Uruguay keeps its policy rate at 5.75% in April 2026, aiming to drive inflation toward the 4.5% annual target amid high global uncertainty. Inflation stood at 2.94% in March, hitting the floor of the tolerance range due to falling food prices, while core inflation accelerated to 3.5%. Economic activity shows signs of improvement in the first quarter, driven by private consumption. BCU projections suggest inflation will face upward pressure next year due to volatile oil prices and logistics costs stemming from the Middle East conflict. However, with analyst expectations anchored at 4.5% and firms at 5%. The Board emphasized that monetary policy is in a solid position to monitor international risks and ensure inflation converges to the target as projected.
Crude Oil Cuts Gains
WTI crude oil futures cut some of the gains to trade around $90 per barrel on Tuesday afternoon after rising as much as 5% earlier in the session after President Trump extended the US ceasefire with Iran, saying Tehran’s government was “seriously fractured.” He said the truce would remain in place until Iran’s leaders present a “unified proposal” to end the war. Earlier in the session investors accepted that US-Iran negotiations had reached an impasse ahead of the approaching ceasefire deadline. Vice President JD Vance had been expected to travel to Pakistan on Tuesday, but the trip was reported to get delayed after Iran failed to respond to US negotiating proposals. The conflict continues to weigh on supply, with estimates of demand destruction already near 4 million barrels per day and potentially rising to 5 million barrels per day, roughly 5% of global supply, with Asia expected to bear the brunt of the impact.
United States
US Stocks Close Slightly Lower for 2nd Session
Main Stock market indexes closed around 0.6% lower on Tuesday as investors worried a US-Iran peace deal would not be reached before the ceasefire expires Wednesday. Concerns grew after Vice President JD Vance’s trip for Iran talks was paused due to Tehran’s lack of commitment. Still, after the closing bell, President Trump extended the US ceasefire with Iran, saying Tehran’s government was “seriously fractured.” He said the truce would remain in place until Iran’s leaders present a “unified proposal” to end the war. On Tuesday, UnitedHealth Group shares rose more than 8% after first-quarter results beat Wall Street expectations and the company raised its earnings outlook. Meanwhile, Amazon gained over 1% after agreeing to invest up to $25 billion in AI startup Anthropic.
Crude Oil Rises More Than 5%
WTI crude oil futures rose as much as 5% to trade above $92 per barrel on Tuesday afternoon as investors increasingly accepted that US-Iran negotiations had reached an impasse ahead of the approaching ceasefire deadline. Vice President JD Vance had been expected to travel to Pakistan on Tuesday, but the trip was delayed after Iran failed to respond to US negotiating proposals, according to NY Times. Earlier, President Trump said Iran had “no choice” but to send representatives. Speaking to CNBC, he added that the US remained in a strong position and was “ready to go” with fresh bombing strikes if no agreement is reached. The conflict continues to weigh on supply, with estimates of demand destruction already near 4 million barrels per day and potentially rising to 5 million barrels per day, roughly 5% of global supply, with Asia expected to bear the brunt of the impact.
United States
McDonalds Stock Price Hits 15-week Low
McDonalds shares decreased to 301.52 USD, the lowest since January 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, McDonalds lost 2.25%, and in the last 12 months, it decreased 5.5%.
Agricultural Commodities Updates: Cocoa Drops by 2.68%
Top commodity losers are Cocoa (-2.68%), Lumber (-1.20%) and Orange Juice (-0.70%). Gains are led by Rubber (2.04%) and Rapeseed (1.62%).
Metals Commodities Updates: Silver Falls by 4.05%
Top commodity losers are Silver (-4.05%), Gold (-2.58%) and Platinum (-2.41%).
Energy Commodities Updates: Natural Gas EU Surges by 7.34%
Top commodity gainers are Natural Gas EU (7.34%), Natural Gas UK (5.04%), Heating Oil (4.57%), Brent Crude Oil (2.74%) and Crude Oil WTI (2.44%). Biggest loser is Methanol (-1.19%).
United States
Progressive Stock Price Hits 4-week High
Progressive shares increased to 207.80 USD, the highest since March 2026. Over the past 4 weeks, Progressive gained 1.28%, and in the last 12 months, it decreased 21.64%.
Heating Oil Prices Rise
Heating oil futures jumped nearly 5% to $3.70 per barrel, tracking a broader rebound across energy markets amid a standoff in US–Iran negotiations. It remains unclear whether Iran will join the US for a second round of talks ahead of Wednesday’s ceasefire deadline, while the Strait of Hormuz continues to be largely shut. Since the war with Iran began at the end of February, crude and refined product supplies from the Persian Gulf have been reduced by roughly 13 million barrels per day, according to the International Energy Agency. However, major oil traders have warned that demand destruction linked to the Iran conflict is likely to deepen while warmer-than-normal temperatures through April 30 could dampen both heating and cooling demand.
United Kingdom
FTSE 100 Falls for 2nd Day
The FTSE 100 fell around 1% on Tuesday, adding to a 0.6% drop in the previous session, as investors stayed cautious ahead of developments in US Iran talks with the ceasefire deadline approaching. Defence stocks led losses, with BAE Systems down 4.2%, Babcock off 1.4%, and Rolls Royce sliding more than 6%. The pharmaceutical sector also weakened, as AstraZeneca fell 2.6% and GSK lost 2.9%. Other heavyweight names including Unilever and British American Tobacco declined 1.2% and 2.7% respectively. Associated British Foods dropped more than 2.5% after confirming plans to separate Primark. On the upside, BP rose more than 1%, while utilities outperformed with SSE up 2.7% and Centrica gaining 1.3%. Experian added over 2% after naming Adam Crozier as chair designate. In economic data, UK unemployment fell to 4.9%, below expectations, while wage growth eased to 3.8% including bonuses and 3.6% excluding them, both slightly above forecasts.
Germany
DAX Finishes Lower
Frankfurt’s DAX 40 gave up some early gains to settle 0.6% lower at 24,271 on Tuesday, mirroring its regional peers. Investor nervousness increased ahead of potential further negotiations between the US and Iran, given the impending expiration of the ceasefire on Wednesday. Oil prices saw a renewed increase as traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted and after President Trump reiterated that the US will not lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports until there is a "final agreement." In equities, MTU Aero Engines was the top loser, slipping 6.1%, after Jefferies cut its price target from €480 to €410 despite maintaining a Buy rating. Beiersdorf slumped nearly 3% as it reported a drop in its quarterly sales, citing weak performance in its core brand and luxury division. Bayer, Airbus, Deutsche Telekom and Rheinmetall also posted steep declines. On the upside, Scout24 (1.8%), RWE (1.3%), and Allianz (1.3%) saw the biggest gains.
Gold Falls for 2nd Session
Gold prices fell toward $4,700 an ounce on Tuesday, the lowest level in about a week, pressured by a stronger dollar as investors weighed uncertainty around US–Iran talks and the Senate confirmation hearing of Federal Reserve Chair nominee Kevin Warsh. It remains unclear whether Iran will join the US for a second round of negotiations ahead of Wednesday’s ceasefire deadline, while the Strait of Hormuz continues to be largely shut. Meanwhile, rising oil prices have reignited inflation concerns, lifting both the dollar and Treasury yields and weighing further on bullion. In addition, Kevin Warsh advocated a new framework for the Fed to deal with persistent inflation, while failing to offer further details. Since the start of the Iran conflict, gold has dropped more than 8%, as geopolitical risks are offset by resilient US consumer activity and the Fed’s cautious policy stance.
US Natgas Prices Hover at 2-Week High
US natural gas futures rose to a two-week high of $2.70 per MMBtu, supported by a recent decline in production and near-record flows to LNG export facilities. Average output has fallen by around 3.9 bcfd over the past 15 days to an 11-week low of 108.2 bcfd, while deliveries to major LNG terminals have climbed to 18.9 bcfd in April, putting the month on track for a possible record. Despite this, prices remain close to their lowest level since October 2024 due to a large storage surplus, with inventories boosted by mild spring weather that has enabled strong injections and left stockpiles about 7% above the five-year average as of April 17. Forecasts have turned warmer across the US Midwest through late April, reducing expected heating and power demand and pointing to further inventory builds as the market moves deeper into the low-demand spring shoulder season.
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