Iran's foreign ministry spokesman BAGHAEI said Iran and Oman have made positive progress in talks on management of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Hang Seng Index opened 30.54 points higher, or 0.12%, at 24,993.77 on Monday, July 27. The Hang Seng Tech Index opened 17.79 points higher, or 0.38%, at 4,647.3. The H-share Index opened 13.39 points higher, or 0.16%, at 8,284.45. The Red Chip Index opened 2.66 points higher, or 0.06%, at 4,121.87.

Energy: 1. EU Oil Coordination Group: No immediate supply concerns in the EU. 2. Russia extends gasoline export ban until the end of 2026. 3. Japan considers introducing foreign bank financing to support US natural gas power generation projects. 4. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung calls for maintaining the oil price ceiling until price uncertainty is completely eliminated. 5. Italian energy services company Saipem SpA: Italian oil company Eni has awarded the company new contracts in Côte d'Ivoire and Italy, with a total contract value of approximately €800 million. The projects are expected to last approximately three years. 6. Nigeria's Dangot refinery has secured $2.5 billion in financing to expand its Lekki refinery, aiming to double its capacity by 2028. The upgraded refinery will increase its daily processing capacity from the current 650,000 barrels to 1.4 million barrels. 7. Barclays: If the current situation continues for another month, two months, or three months, we believe there is a risk of oil prices rising by $2, $7, or $10 per barrel, respectively, compared to our 2026 Brent crude oil forecast of $96 per barrel. Agriculture/Mining: 1. Malaysian Minister of Economy: Rice supply is sufficient this year. 2. The war with Iran is pushing up mining costs, putting pressure on the profits of Indian coal companies. 3. A partial landslide occurred on a non-working step at the Jinling Gold Mine open-pit mine of the Wanguo Gold Group. Iran Situation: 1. Trump ordered a halt to airstrikes against Iran, and Iran suspended reciprocal strikes. 2. The US and UK plan to hold a meeting on the Strait of Hormuz issue to promote the formation of a maritime escort coalition in the Strait of Hormuz. 3. Qatari Ministry of Transport: From July 26, all types of maritime transport and shipping activities will fully resume. 4. Red Sea shipping slowed down after the Houthi attack. 5. Iran intercepted six ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.