LME three-month zinc rose to $3,990 per metric ton on Monday, a four-year high, while the cash premium, though down from above $230 last week, remained elevated at $139, pointing to severe tightness. After global zinc mine output briefly rebounded by 4.8% last year, production fell 2.6% year on year in the first half of 2026, reversing earlier expectations of a modest recovery. New International Lead and Zinc Study Group data show global mine output dropped a cumulative 8.6% between 2015 and 2025, reinforcing longer-term supply-side shrinkage risks.

India could enter the 2026-27 sugar season with about 3 million tonnes of opening inventory, the lowest in a decade and enough for roughly 35 days of consumption, according to a DAM Capital Advisors research report cited by ANI. The report pegs 2026-27 sugar production at around 29 million tonnes, but says deficient rainfall and an early start to crushing could weaken final output. It estimates total ethanol demand at around 14.5 billion litres, warning that low stocks leave the market more exposed to weather and firm international prices and could intensify competition between sugar production and ethanol made from cane.

Gold miners posted record profit margins in the first quarter of 2026 as surging prices outpaced rising costs, even as global average all-in sustaining costs climbed 16% year on year to USD 1,785 per ounce, according to the World Gold Council. Newmont reported its highest-ever quarterly free cash flow of USD 3.1bn and approved an additional USD 6.0bn share buyback programme. AngloGold Ashanti generated record free cash flow of USD 1.2bn and shifted from net debt to net cash. Some African operations faced added cost pressure as royalty payments accelerated.

Major U.S. stock indexes fell on Thursday as rising government bond yields weighed on sentiment, while Walmart’s quarterly sales miss added to worries about softer consumer demand. The S&P 500 consumer staples index dropped 1.6%. Amazon and Tesla declined, while Nvidia and Apple rose and offered partial support. Investors also watched the outlook for Federal Reserve rates and inflation pressures linked to higher oil prices.

London’s FTSE 100 fell 0.2% to 10,723.02 in intraday trading on Thursday, while the midcap FTSE 250 slid 0.3%. Sentiment in retail stocks weakened after JD Sports issued a downbeat forecast. A rebound in government bond yields added further pressure on the market.

The U.S. dollar weakened against major currencies on Wednesday as the Treasury selloff eased. Investors awaited minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting for policy clues, while tensions in the Middle East resurfaced. The euro rose 0.31% to 1.1611, and the yen gained 0.35% against the dollar. A Middle East standoff lifted oil to three-week highs, keeping inflation risks in focus.

India’s gold market is showing renewed momentum ahead of the festive season, with jewellery demand and inventory restocking picking up, according to the World Gold Council. In the first half of August, international gold prices rose 9% to USD 4,391 per ounce. Domestic prices climbed almost 7% over the same period. Gold futures trading has also become more active.

U.S. stock index futures fell on Tuesday, with S&P 500 and Nasdaq contracts under pressure as geopolitical strains flared after U.S.-Iran peace hopes faded. Brent crude climbed to a three-week high and the 30-year U.S. Treasury yield touched its highest level since 2007, weighing on growth shares. Technology stocks led declines, with Tesla and Nvidia among the biggest laggards, while the VIX jumped, reflecting elevated investor anxiety.

U.S. stocks fell on Monday after an unexpected drop in retail sales undercut expectations that the economy remains resilient. Treasury yields climbed to their highest levels since 2007. Investors are awaiting earnings from major retailers including Home Depot and Walmart, while oil rose more than $2 on geopolitical concerns tied to the unresolved Iran conflict.