Global crude oil futures settled lower after touching multi-month highs on Tuesday as US–Iran mediation talks in Tehran, returning Russian diesel exports, and a push to reopen shuttered US refineries countered Middle East attacks.
Global container freight lanes flashed conflicting signals in the week to 20 October 2026, as pre-tender General Rate Increases (GRIs) lifted Asia–Europe spot pricing after months of decline whilst Transpacific rates held near peak plateaus despite cooling post-season demand.
Global crude oil futures surged over 3% on Friday as an intercepted missile strike on Saudi Arabia's Yanbu export terminal, fresh Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refining, and persistent US stock draws propelled benchmarks to multi-month highs.