Ether Surpasses Its Historical Peak

Ether Surpasses Its Historical Peak, Reaching the Highest Level Since the Start of Cryptocurrencies

The cryptocurrency Ether (ETH), the native token of the Ethereum network, recorded a remarkable surge,

surpassing its all-time high for the first time in nearly four years.

This rise comes amid renewed demand and its reputation as a more flexible alternative to the leading digital asset, Bitcoin.

 

Topic

Factors Driving Ether’s Rise

The Role of Institutions and Investments

 

 

 

Factors Driving Ether’s Rise

Record Gains Since the Beginning of the Year

Ether’s price climbed by 15%, reaching $4,866.73, surpassing its previous all-time high of $4,866.40 set in November 2021.

With this surge, Ether has gained more than 40% since the start of the year,

outperforming Bitcoin, even though the latter also reached new record highs supported by notable political momentum during last year’s U.S. presidential elections.

 

The Impact of Monetary Policy

The latest rally followed remarks by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during the Jackson Hole symposium, where he left the door open to a potential interest rate cut in September. This prospect boosted investors’ appetite for higher-risk, higher-yield assets such as equities and cryptocurrencies.
 Bitcoin itself hit a record high of $124,500 in mid-August, further underscoring the strength of the digital asset market.

 

Analysts’ Comments

Katalin Tischhauser, Head of Research at Sygnum Bank, commented: “The markets responded quickly and very positively. In the current liquidity-driven rally, investors are moving fast to seize any signals of monetary easing, and Powell’s comments provided just that.”

 

 

 

The Role of Institutions and Investments

Growing Momentum Around Ether

Corporations adopting Ether as a treasury reserve asset have become a key driver of momentum,

following a strategy similar to Michael Saylor’s Strategy Inc.

Data shows these entities have accumulated nearly $17 billion worth of Ether so far.
 Additionally, the Ethereum community launched a new organization called Etherealize to promote enterprise adoption of the network,

while also restructuring its foundation’s leadership team.

 

The Strength of the Ethereum Ecosystem

Ethereum’s blockchain is regarded as the most widely used digital infrastructure,

powering thousands of applications from decentralized finance (DeFi) to gaming,

along with more than 100 sidechains such as Base, developed by Coinbase.

The network is increasingly viewed as a primary hub for tokenized assets,

including money market funds and stablecoin payments.

 

Record Investment Inflows

U.S. spot exchange-traded funds (ETFs) investing in Ether attracted over $2.5 billion in net inflows during August,

while Bitcoin ETFs saw minor outflows of about $1.3 million, according to Bloomberg data.

 

 

 

Ether Surpasses Its Historical Peak

Fed Unveils New Monetary Policy at Jackson Hole 2025

Fed Unveils New Monetary Policy at Jackson Hole 2025: The U.S. Federal Reserve concluded its annual Economic Policy Symposium this week

amid global anticipation from investors. Chair Jerome Powell signaled a possible interest rate cut in September,

which could shift market trends after months of steady holding rates. Powell also announced a strategic shift in monetary policy,

marking the Fed’s transition from crisis management to a stronger focus on price stability and inflation control.

 

Contents

What is the Jackson Hole Symposium

Importance of the Symposium

Key Takeaways from Powell’s Speech

Fed Policy Shift

Political Pressures

Global Perspectives

Conclusion

 

 

 

What is the Jackson Hole Symposium?

The Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium is a high-level annual meeting

organized by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City since 1978.

It is typically held in late August in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

The symposium brings together central bank governors, finance ministers, economists, academics,

and policymakers from around the globe, making it a key platform for discussing global economic challenges.

 

Importance of the Symposium

Jackson Hole is a prominent global economic forum that has been held annually since 1978.

Federal Reserve officials—notably the Chair—use the event to announce visions or major policy changes,

capturing the attention of investors and decision-makers worldwide.

The symposium provides a venue for top policymakers and economists to share ideas on issues like inflation,

interest rates, economic growth, and labor markets. Comments made during the event

often trigger immediate market reactions in stocks, bonds, and currencies.

The symposium is a strategic indicator of global monetary policy trends for investors.

Hints of interest rate cuts can lift market sentiment,

affect bond yields, and move the dollar. Insights from other central banks also help investors gain a comprehensive

view of the global economy and develop effective risk management strategies amid persistent inflation pressures.

 

Key Takeaways from Powell’s Speech

In his latest speech, Jerome Powell said recent weak employment data has shifted the “balance of risks,”

prompting the Fed to reassess its strategy.

He also warned that tariffs imposed by Donald Trump’s administration could create ongoing inflationary pressures,

even as the Fed leans toward easing monetary policy.

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on September 16–17 is expected

to determine the extent—or even the necessity—of a rate cut.

 

Fed Policy Shift

Powell announced the conclusion of a comprehensive review of the Fed’s monetary policy framework: Scrapping “Average Inflation Targeting”:

The Fed will abandon its 2020 policy, allowing inflation to rise above 2% for some time to compensate for earlier weakness.

Return to a Traditional Approach: By removing language focused on “shortfalls” in employment,

The Fed is signaling a stronger focus on inflation control and price stability.

These changes reflect the Fed’s readiness to navigate a new economic environment,

marked by inflation risks and slowing global growth.

 

 

 

Political Pressures Intensify

This year’s symposium was not free from politics. Former President Donald Trump escalated his criticism of the Fed,

threatening to replace Powell when his term ends in May. Trump also leveled accusations against Fed Governor Lisa Cook,

sparking debates about the independence of U.S. monetary policy.

 

Global Perspectives: Diverging Strategies and Challenges

The symposium brought together leaders of major central banks, each presenting their outlooks:

Bank of Japan: Governor Kazuo Ueda stressed the need for greater female

workforce participation and foreign labor to counter population aging.

Bank of England: Governor Andrew Bailey highlighted low productivity and reduced labor participation as key threats to growth.

European Central Bank: President Christine Lagarde struck an optimistic tone,

noting that European inflation has dropped sharply without significant job losses.

 

Conclusion

This year’s Jackson Hole Symposium signaled a monetary policy turning point for the U.S. and global economies.

Markets are now looking to September for confirmation of these policy shifts, while investors brace for potential asset price volatility.

On the Evest platform, we recommend that investors closely follow Fed updates, diversify their portfolios,

and maintain robust risk management strategies amid these evolving economic dynamics.

 

Fed Unveils New Monetary Policy at Jackson Hole 2025

 

 

* Image Source CHATGBT

Fed Minutes Reveal Rare Split on Rate Path

Fed Minutes Reveal Rare Split on Rate Path

The Federal Reserve minutes highlight an unusual division among members over the future of interest rates,

balancing inflation risks against labor market strength.

 

Topic

Rates

Risks

 

 

Rates

The July meeting minutes of the Federal Reserve revealed a clear split within the committee,

as two members voted in favor of cutting interest rates

— the first dual dissent in over three decades — while the majority supported keeping the target range at 4.5% and continuing the reduction of securities holdings.
 Members noted that inflation remains relatively high despite slowing economic growth in the first half of the year,

with fluctuations in net exports and inventories.

They also emphasized that the labor market remains strong, nearing maximum employment,

though uncertainty about the economic outlook persists.

 

 

Risks

Participants stressed that the main challenge lies in striking a balance between containing inflation and supporting the labor market.

They noted that continued high inflation alongside strong employment could warrant a tighter policy stance,

while weaker labor conditions or falling inflation might justify a more accommodative approach.


 The minutes also indicated that the balance sheet reduction is proceeding smoothly,

with liquidity remaining ample despite expectations of declining reserves later this year.

Some members highlighted the growing role of central clearing mechanisms in supporting monetary policy,

emphasizing the need for further study to strengthen its effectiveness.

 

 

 

Fed Minutes Reveal Rare Split on Rate Path

UK Deficit Narrows as the AI Race Heats Up Among Tech Giants

UK Deficit Narrows as the AI Race Heats Up Among Tech Giants:

The global stage is witnessing a striking mix of economic and technological developments.

In the UK, the budget deficit narrowed in July, supported by higher tax revenues,

giving the Labour government limited breathing room amid mounting fiscal challenges.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Meta has decided to freeze hiring in its artificial intelligence divisions

to cope with soaring costs and competitive pressures.

At the same time, OpenAI achieved a historic milestone with record revenues exceeding $1 billion in a single month

—yet continues to face hurdles due to limited computing capacity.

These events highlight a volatile landscape that blends the pressures

of traditional economies with the rapid rise of the global AI race.

 

Contents

UK Budget Deficit Narrows

Meta Pauses Hiring 

OpenAI’s Record Revenues

 

 

 

UK Budget Deficit Narrows in July on Higher Income Tax Revenues

The United Kingdom recorded a contraction in its budget deficit in July as Treasury revenues rose

Due to the income tax payment deadline,

despite the significant fiscal challenges facing the Labour government.

According to data released Thursday by the Office for National Statistics,

The deficit stood at £1.1 billion ($1.5 billion) after spending exceeded revenues,

compared with $3.4 billion in the same period last year.

This marks the first annual decline in borrowing since November 2024.

During the first four months of the current fiscal year, the total deficit climbed to £60 billion

in line with forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility issued in March,

while government debt interest costs surged to £41.4 billion between April and July.

July is traditionally one of the strongest months financially,

As individuals and companies settle the second installment of income tax for the previous fiscal year,

boosting government revenues.

 

Meta Pauses Hiring in AI Divisions Amid Competitive Pressures and Investment Costs

The Wall Street Journal revealed that Meta Platforms—the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp

has decided to freeze hiring in its AI divisions after years of rapid expansion and restructuring.

The report noted that the move comes as the company faces a sharp rise in infrastructure investment costs,

particularly in training advanced models, alongside mounting competition from Microsoft, Google, and OpenAI.

In recent years, Meta has ramped up its AI investments to support its advertising business,

develop more advanced content moderation systems, and fuel its metaverse ambitions.

However, higher operating costs and slowing digital ad revenue growth prompted management to reassess its strategy.

The report clarified that the hiring freeze does not mean layoffs; rather,

it reflects a shift toward improving efficiency and maximizing existing human and technical resources,

as part of a broader plan to control expenses and sustain growth in an increasingly competitive environment.

 

 

 

 

OpenAI Hits Record Revenues Exceeding $1 Billion in July Amid Computing Capacity Strain.

Sarah Friar, CFO of OpenAI—the developer of ChatGPT—announced that the company recorded

It’s the first-ever month with revenues surpassing $1 billion in July.

However, she noted that the company still faces significant challenges
tied to the computing resources required to power its AI models.

In an interview with CNBC on Wednesday, Friar explained that growing demand

for GPUs and computing hardware remains the company’s biggest obstacle,

citing persistent shortages in capacity.

This shortfall drove OpenAI to launch its “Stargate” project in collaboration with SoftBank earlier this year.

She emphasized that these mounting demands require diversifying risk sources and expanding available computing capacity.

She highlighted OpenAI’s collaborations with Oracle and CoreWeave, in addition to its close partnership with Microsoft,

which continues to be a key player in its expansion strategy.

 

UK Deficit Narrows as the AI Race Heats Up Among Tech Giants

Oil and Gold Prices Maintain Gains Despite Pressures

Oil and Gold Prices Maintain Gains Despite Pressures

Energy and gold markets witnessed notable fluctuations,

as oil maintained its gains amid a decline in U.S. inventories,

while gold continued to rise on concerns over the Federal Reserve’s independence.

 

Contents

 

 

Oil

Steady Despite Falling U.S. Inventories

Oil prices held onto their gains after U.S. crude inventories recorded the largest drop since mid-June, remaining well below the seasonal average.

  • Brent crude traded near $67 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) settled around $63 per barrel. 
  • Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed a decline of about 6 million barrels in crude inventories last week, with gasoline stocks also falling for the fifth consecutive week. 

Despite these gains, oil remains down more than 10% since the start of the year due to concerns over U.S. trade policies and market pressures following the end of OPEC+ voluntary cuts.

 

 

Gold

Shines Amid Rising Fed Concerns

Gold maintained its gains, trading above $3,342 per ounce after rising about 1%, supported by safe-haven demand.

Political tensions increased after U.S. President Donald Trump called for the resignation of a Federal Reserve board member,

sparking fresh concerns over the central bank’s independence.

Investors are now awaiting Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at the Jackson Hole symposium,

amid expectations of at least a 25 basis point rate cut next month.

Gold has surged by more than 25% since the beginning of the year,

driven by central bank purchases and inflows into exchange-traded funds,

with forecasts suggesting prices could range between $3,200 and $3,600 per ounce through the end of 2025.

 

 

 

Oil and Gold Prices Maintain Gains Despite Pressures

Global Markets Between Asian Gains and Wall Street Pressures

Global Markets Between Asian Gains and Wall Street Pressures: Asian markets opened higher, supported by technological company gains.

Nasdaq 100 futures recovered from early losses after Wall Street buyers stepped in to halt declines late in the U.S. trading session.
In the MSCI Asia Pacific Technology Index, two stocks rose for every one that declined.

Advantest Corp and Samsung were among the gainers,

while Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing climbed 0.9% after its steepest daily drop in four months.

Nasdaq 100 futures also rose 0.1%.

 

Contents

Commodities and Bonds Movements
U.S. Tech Under Pressure
Early Bubble Warnings

Wall Street Rebounds

Fed Expectations

High Valuations

 

 

 

Commodities and Bonds Movements

Oil held onto its gains after a report showed a decline in U.S. inventories,

while U.S. Treasuries steadied following gains across the curve in the previous session.

In Asia, the yield on Japan’s 20-year government bonds rose to its highest level since 1999,

while China’s 30-year government bond yield reached its highest since December,

Driven by a wave of selling alongside a rally in local stocks.

 

U.S. Tech Under Pressure

In contrast, concerns about overvaluation have risen after sharp gains since April.

U.S. mega-cap technology stocks faced heavy pressure over the past two sessions.

Attention now turns to the Jackson Hole meeting in Wyoming,

where investors await Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech.

Kyle Rodda, senior market analyst at Capital.com in Melbourne, said:
“There is currently a downward trend in equities,

With expectations of disappointment at Jackson Hole amid doubts over how

quickly the Fed may pivot to easing—or whether it will happen at all.”

 

Early Bubble Warnings

Technology stocks fell again on Wednesday as the Nasdaq 100 posted its second consecutive decline.

At the same time, the “Magnificent Seven” — Alphabet, Amazon, Nvidia, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Tesla

dropped for the fourth straight session, marking their longest losing streak since mid-April.

Howard Marks, co-founder of Oaktree Capital Management,

warned that U.S. equities may be “in the early stages of a bubble,”

However, the primary correction point has yet to arrive.

Losses in tech giants also dragged the S&P 500 down for a fourth straight session,

though it partially recovered from its intraday lows. Matt Maley of Miller Tabak cautioned:
“Sector rotation won’t happen unless tech stocks stabilize.

If they continue falling, the only rotation will be toward cash.”

 

 

 

 

Wall Street Rebounds in Final Moments

After a tough week of heavy selling, U.S. stocks rebounded in the final moments

of Wednesday’s session as buyers stepped in to support the market.

However, pressure on large-cap tech stocks remained,

With inflation concerns still weighing heavily.

The S&P 500 ended just 0.2% lower as most sectors recovered,

while the Nasdaq 100 closed down 0.6% after being down nearly 2% earlier in the session.

In a note, Andrew Tyler of JPMorgan Chase wrote:  “Today was a test for dip buyers,

and with PMI data due Thursday alongside Powell’s Jackson Hole speech,

Both could prove pivotal in shifting the market direction or narrative.”

 

Fed Expectations and Hawkish Signals

Minutes from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting on July 29–30

Most members considered inflation risks greater than concerns over the labor market,

with internal divisions fueled by tariffs.

Despite weak employment data, most members agreed that

“The upside risks to inflation outweigh the risks to the labor market.”

Meanwhile, interest-rate swap contracts reflect strong expectations of a rate cut in September.

Chris Zaccarelli of Northwest Asset Management noted:

“Powell is unlikely to reveal his hand now and will emphasize the Fed’s reliance on data.”
David Russell of TradeStation argued the minutes “align with Powell’s hawkish comments.”

Suggesting they could dampen optimism.

Marco Cacserraghi of Evercore added that the minutes were “somewhat outdated.”

given recent developments like the weaker-than-expected July jobs report, but said:
“These conditions support our view that the Fed will cut rates in September unless

the labor market tightens unexpectedly or new negative inflation data emerges.”
Separately, Fed Governor Lisa Cook reaffirmed her commitment to remain in office,

Defying calls from President Donald Trump for her resignation over alleged real estate fraud.

High Valuations and Narrow Margins.

Carol Schleif of BMO Private Wealth said,

Equity valuations are currently very high, leaving little room for disappointment.

The market is pricing in a bright future, justified mainly by earnings far exceeding expectations,

alongside greater clarity on trade and tax policies.”

 

 

Global Markets Between Asian Gains and Wall Street Pressures:

European Indices Decline Amid Drop in Defense Stocks

European Indices Decline Amid Drop in Defense Stocks and Rising UK Inflation: European stocks opened lower

on Wednesday as defense shares fell due to renewed hopes for a ceasefire in Ukraine,

coinciding with data showing accelerating inflation in Britain.

 

Content

Indices

Oil

US Futures

 

 

Indices

The Stoxx Europe 600 Index fell 0.25% to 556 points, weighed down by a 2.6% drop in aerospace and defense stocks,

marking the index’s first decline since early August.

France’s CAC 40 dropped 0.45% to 7,944 points.
The UK’s FTSE 100 slipped 0.1% to 9,180 points.
Germany’s DAX fell 0.65% to 24,266 points.
Defense stocks declined sharply: Rheinmetall dropped 1.8% and Hensoldt 1.9% in Germany,

while Rolls-Royce and QinetiQ in the UK lost 1.9% and 2%, respectively.

Data from the Office for National Statistics showed UK inflation rose to 3.8% in July,

up from 3.6% in June, exceeding forecasts of 3.7%.

 

 

 

Oil

Oil prices rose during Wednesday trading ahead of US inventory data,

as markets assessed the chances of successful peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

Brent crude for October delivery gained 0.3% (21 cents) to $66 per barrel.
WTI crude for September delivery rose 0.25% (15 cents) to $62.50 per barrel.
Prices had fallen more than 1% on Tuesday amid optimism about a possible agreement to end the war in Ukraine,

which could ease sanctions on Russia and increase global supply.

Markets now await the US Energy Information Administration’s report later today,

after the American Petroleum Institute reported a 2.4 million-barrel drop in inventories for the week ending August 15.

 

 

US Futures

US stock futures recorded limited declines before Wednesday’s open,

As investors awaited Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech on Thursday at the Jackson Hole symposium,

which may address future monetary policy.

The VIX fear index rose to 15.84 points, signaling increased investor caution and weaker risk appetite.

Dow Jones futures slipped 58 points (0.13%) to 44,941 points.
Nasdaq 100 futures fell 0.24% to 23,413.25 points.

S&P 500 futures dropped 0.16% to 6,422.25 points.

 

 

European Indices Decline Amid Drop in Defense Stocks and Rising UK Inflation

European Inflation at Target China Holds Rates Aluminum

European Inflation at Target China Holds Rates Aluminum Under U.S. Tariff Pressure

Global markets today witnessed a mix of economic developments;

Eurozone inflation reached 2% in line with the central bank’s target,

while the People’s Bank of China kept interest rates unchanged,

and aluminum prices fell to a two-week low under pressure from U.S. tariffs.

 

Contents

 

 

Europe

Eurozone inflation hits 2% in July
 Final data released by Eurostat on Wednesday confirmed that Eurozone inflation rose to 2% year-on-year in July 2025,

matching the preliminary reading and market expectations, and aligning with the European Central Bank’s target.
 Core inflation — excluding energy and food prices — settled at 2.3%, its lowest level since January 2022,

reinforcing bets that price pressures in the region are gradually easing.

 

 

China

PBOC keeps interest rates unchanged for the third month
 The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) held interest rates steady for the third consecutive month,

signaling that Beijing is focusing more on fiscal easing and targeted measures rather than direct monetary policy tools.
 On Wednesday, the central bank kept the one-year loan prime rate at 3%,

while maintaining the five-year loan rate — the key benchmark for mortgages — at 3.5%.
 Despite a string of disappointing economic data recently, Chinese authorities stressed they are in no rush to provide further monetary stimulus.

This stance is partly attributed to easing trade tensions between Washington and Beijing and the extension of the trade truce,

which reduced the urgency for additional easing measures.

 

 

Aluminum

Aluminum prices drop to two-week low after expanded U.S. tariffs
 Global aluminum prices fell on Wednesday to their lowest in more than two weeks

after the United States announced a 50% tariff expansion to cover products made from the lightweight metal.
 On the London Metal Exchange, the most actively traded aluminum futures dropped 0.95% to $2,563.50 per ton.

In the Shanghai Futures Exchange, the most traded contract closed slightly down by 0.1% at 20,570 yuan ($2,864.38) per ton,

after hitting its lowest level since August 4 at 20,430 yuan during the session.
 The U.S. Department of Commerce announced on Tuesday that tariffs on more than 400 metal products

— including wind turbines and household appliances — would be raised,

as part of expanded trade restrictions on steel and aluminum.

 

 

 

European Inflation at Target China Holds Rates Aluminum

What Are Fractional Shares and How to Invest in Them?

What Are Fractional Shares and How to Invest in Them?

Fractional shares make investing accessible to everyone,

allowing you to build a diversified portfolio with small amounts.

 

Topic

What Are Fractional Shares

How to Invest in Fractional Shares

Advantages of It

Practical Tips for Beginners

 

 

 

 

What Are Fractional Shares

Fractional shares are a modern investment tool that allows investors to buy part of a share instead of owning a whole one.

Instead of paying the full price of a stock — which can be very expensive for major companies like Apple or Amazon —

investors can own a small percentage, such as 0.1 or even 0.01 of a single share.

This has opened the door for a wider range of investors,

especially individuals who want access to the financial markets without needing large capital.

 

How to Invest in Fractional Shares

Investing in fractional shares is usually done through digital trading platforms that support this feature. Here are the steps:

  1. Choose a reliable trading platform
     Find a broker or app that offers fractional shares with transparency and legal protection.
  2. Select the right stock
     Pick companies you want to invest in, such as global leaders in tech or energy.
  3. Set the amount you want to invest
     Instead of thinking in terms of number of shares, simply invest a fixed amount (e.g., $100), which will translate into a fraction of a share.
  4. Monitor and diversify
     Track performance and avoid focusing only on one stock. Diversify your portfolio to reduce risk.

 

Advantages of It

  • Access to large companies with small capital.
  • Easy portfolio diversification.
  • A great way for beginners to learn gradually.
  • Flexibility to invest limited monthly amounts.

 

Practical Tips for Beginners

  • Start small: Begin with modest amounts to learn step by step.
  • Pick strong companies: Focus on well-known, financially stable firms.
  • Think long-term: Don’t chase quick profits; real growth takes time.
  • Keep learning: Follow financial news and use courses or books to grow your knowledge.
  • Diversify: Never put all your money into one stock.

 

Conclusion

Fractional shares are an effective way for individuals to enter the stock market with small budgets while building a diversified portfolio over time.

With their growing popularity, accessing global markets has become easier than ever.

 

 

 

U.S. Gas Inventories Hit Highest Levels in a Decade

U.S. Gas Inventories Hit Highest Levels in a Decade

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) expects natural gas inventories to reach 3,872 billion cubic feet by the end of October,

marking the largest storage pace in ten years.

 

Content

Gas

United Kingdom

SoftBank

 

 

 

Gas

U.S. Natural Gas Inventories at Highest Level in a Decade
 The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected that domestic natural gas inventories will reach 3,872 billion cubic feet

by the end of October — about 2% above the five-year average —

at a time when storage facilities are recording the fastest injection pace in ten years.

The agency noted that inventories rose significantly between late April and early June,

as the U.S. recorded seven consecutive weeks of injections exceeding 100 billion cubic feet per week,

an unprecedented level since 2014.

According to weekly inventory data, storage levels as of August 8 were 7% above the 2020–2024 average,

compared to being 4% below that average at the start of the storage season (April–October), which precedes peak winter demand.

The report highlighted that such a gap between injections and withdrawals typically occurs only three times a year,

but its repetition for seven straight weeks in 2025 reflects abundant production relative to demand.

However, the EIA expects the pace of injections to slow in the remainder of the season,

as gas consumption rises for power generation and LNG exports increase.

 

United Kingdom

UK Delays Release of July Retail Sales Data to September
 The UK’s Office for National Statistics announced a two-week delay in publishing July retail sales figures to allow additional time for quality reviews

and ensure accuracy before release.

According to Tuesday’s statement, the new release date is set for September 5, instead of the originally scheduled date this coming Friday.

The retail sales report is one of the most closely watched economic indicators by markets to gauge consumer spending strength in the UK. Amid ongoing economic challenges, expectations suggest July sales growth may slow to just 0.4%, compared to 0.9% in June.

 

SoftBank

SoftBank Plans $2 Billion Stake in Intel to Boost U.S. Semiconductor Presence
 Japan’s SoftBank Group is planning to acquire a $2 billion stake in Intel at a share price of $23,

reflecting its ambition to strengthen its role in the U.S. semiconductor industry and advanced technologies linked to it.

The move comes as part of SoftBank’s accelerating investment push in the U.S. since Donald Trump’s return to the White House for a second term, with the group seeking to add Intel to a portfolio that already includes giants like Nvidia and TSMC,

leaders in artificial intelligence.

The announcement coincided with unconfirmed reports that the U.S. government is considering acquiring a stake in Intel as part of efforts to secure semiconductor supply chains.

CEO Masayoshi Son said in a statement: “Semiconductors are the foundation of every industry,

and this strategic investment reflects our belief that advanced chip manufacturing and supply will expand further in the U.S.,

with Intel playing a pivotal role in this transformation.”

On the market front, SoftBank Group shares fell 3.02% in Tuesday’s Tokyo session,

while Intel shares closed on Wall Street down 3.66% at $23.66, before rising about 5.41% in after-hours trading.

 

 

 

U.S. Gas Inventories Hit Highest Levels in a Decade