Important economic news for today, Monday, August 31, 2026.

Global financial and economic markets are currently witnessing significant developments centered on oil and commodity markets, as well as signals regarding monetary policy:

- Oil Markets and Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Oil prices surged by over 2% to 3% following military escalation and recent developments near the Strait of Hormuz. This coincides with U.S. plans to arrange crude oil imports from Venezuela to bolster strategic reserves.

- Gold and Bitcoin Decline Against a Strong Dollar: Gold prices fell to their lowest levels in nearly two weeks, trending toward the $4,400-per-ounce mark, while Bitcoin dropped below $78,000. These declines were driven by a rise in the Dollar Index following remarks by the Federal Reserve Chair, which opened the door to potential interest rate hikes to combat inflation.

- Rising food prices: Wheat futures hit three-year highs due to supply disruptions in the Black Sea, extending gains to 54% since the beginning of the year.

- China’s manufacturing sector indicators: Economic data showed relative improvement and a moderation in the contraction of factory and industrial activity in China for August.