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Commerzbank Says Oil Prices Up in Absence of Hormuz Deal, Treasury Yields Open Higher in Asia, US Equity Futures Gain

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Brent prices increase to around $84 a barrel as a deal on the Strait of Hormuz remains elusive, according to Commerzbank Research. Treasuries open stronger in Asia with the long end recovering later.

Iran says a deal with Oman is "very close," while reiterating its demands to the US before reopening the Strait of Hormuz, wrote Commerzbank in a note. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says there is no prospect of negotiations unless the US "makes amends for its violations."

Houthis attack a refinery in Saudi Arabia, with the resulting fire now extinguished. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls President Donald Trump's new Gaza plan unacceptable, added the bank.

US equity futures remain well supported, said Commerzbank.

In Asia, the Bank of Japan flags a growing risk of accelerating inflation, with one member calling for a faster pace of rate hikes, according to the summary of opinions from the July policy meeting. Nikkei gains.

China's July consumer price index rises 0.5% annually, below the 0.8% consensus, while core CPI comes in at 0.9% on the year versus expectations of 1.0%.

In France, Budget Minister David Amiel says difficult spending decisions shouldn't be delayed until after next year's presidential election, while warning that borrowing costs could rise by 11 billion euros this year.

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