Oil prices fell as crude traffic through the Strait of Hormuz recovered to about 30%–35% of prewar levels, easing concerns over supply disruptions after the recent U.S.-Iran flare-up. Brent futures slipped 0.98% to $88.16 a barrel, while WTI futures fell 1.62% to $82.24. Commonwealth Bank of Australia said a rebound to around 50%–60% of normal flows could be enough to reassert oversupply conditions in the global oil market.

Ghana’s cocoa regulator COCOBOD expects the country’s cocoa production to fall by at least 16% in the 2026/27 season, which starts in September 2026. The outlook reflects unusual weather, the crop’s natural fruit-bearing cycle and disease, with farmers in the Western and Western North regions reporting sharply reduced pod counts this season. As one of the world’s two largest cocoa producers, Ivory Coast is also expected to see output fall by more than 10% next season. The projected decline is set to affect supply-demand conditions for cocoa futures as a traditional agricultural commodity.

Woolworths Holdings expects full-year headline earnings per share to rise 2.5%–7.5%, a marked slowdown from prior years, as the Middle East conflict lifts fuel costs and inflation while higher interest rates curb consumer spending. The group reported full-year sales growth of 4.3%, but growth eased to 3.3% in the second half. Its fashion and home business saw margins pressured by promotions and inventory clearance, while Australia and New Zealand unit Country Road recorded a 0.5% dip in second-half sales, according to Reuters.

Mali’s mines ministry plan shows the country’s industrial gold production is expected to remain below 60 tons a year from 2026 to 2029, peaking at 57 tons in 2028 versus a record 66.5 tons in 2023. Output has been pressured by the 2023 mining code and disputes with foreign miners including Barrick, contributing to a drop to 42.2 tons in 2025. Over the same period, industrial gold reserves are projected to fall from 906.8 tons in 2026 to 748.6 tons in 2029.