While crude oil has swung on geopolitical tensions, U.S. natural gas has stayed in a $2.50–$3.50/MMBtu range with a mild bearish tone. A key driver is record U.S. output of 110.6 Bcf/d. Non-Gulf LNG output has risen by nearly 18% year on year, and weaker Asian demand has helped limit the impact of potential Strait of Hormuz disruptions.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration is investigating a software glitch on some Boeing 737 Max jets that could cause an automated flight guidance system to disengage during an aborted landing, known as a goaround. The issue involves specific versions of the flight management computer operating system, and Boeing expects a permanent fix to be ready in 2028. The problem could also push back deliveries of the 737 Max 7.

Starbucks said it will close 250 U.S. stores it has deemed underperforming, including six locations in Washington state. The company expects about $300 million in restructuring charges tied to the closures, equal to 1% of its 18,000 U.S. stores. Starbucks said it plans to complete most of the shutdowns by the end of 2026.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has provided interim regulatory clarity on Ethereum staking, with 1.68 million ETH currently awaiting processing. The guidance is intended to offer market participants transitional direction and delineate compliance boundaries for staking services, but it does not yet establish a final rule framework. The move underscores regulators’ ongoing focus on crypto staking activities and may ease near-term policy uncertainty, while the long-term compliance path remains to be clarified.

Stablecoin supply increased across blockchain networks in 2026. TRON led in absolute growth with a +$8.35B increase, followed by HyperEVM (+$5.2B), X Layer (+$1.9B) and Solana (+$1.3B). Robinhood Chain, Monad and BNB Chain also posted gains of hundreds of millions of dollars, while the emerging Hyperliquid EVM recorded 753% supply growth. The figures show stablecoin liquidity continuing to spread across multiple chains, according to CryptoRank_io.

High gold prices are prompting middle-class consumers in India to shift toward silver jewellery, with silver contributing up to 35% of annual revenue for some jewellers. The India Bullion and Jewellers Association estimates silver buying this Diwali season will rise by 17 18% from the corresponding period last year. After the government eased silver import curbs in July, August silver imports jumped to over $1 billion, a 127% year-on-year increase.

Asset manager Strive raised $21.2 million through warrant exercises and used the proceeds to buy 1,355 bitcoin. The move underscores continued institutional demand for bitcoin, converting newly raised capital directly into on-chain reserves. Following the transaction, the company’s bitcoin holdings increased further.

Maharashtra is facing a severe drought, with rainfall in seven key districts at about half of normal, threatening soyabean and pigeon pea output. Traders expect soyabean yields to fall to 40–50% of normal in Marathwada, while pigeon pea prices have already risen well above the minimum support price. With soyabean arrivals due soon, spot prices are nearing the government procurement level, and uncertainty is building over rabi sowing because soil moisture and water storage are running low.