GBP/USD rose 14 pips intraday to 1.3640.

Aug 25 — Hong Kong close: Hang Seng Index down 6.23 pts (-0.02%) at 25,511.10; Hang Seng Tech Index down 5.50 pts (-0.12%) at 4,588.54; Hang Seng China Enterprises Index (HSCEI) down 25.99 pts (-0.31%) at 8,445.37; Red Chip Index down 18.56 pts (-0.44%) at 4,229.07.

Rice prices have risen more than 47% since the Iran conflict began, Hedgeye analysis shows. Disruptions to fuel, fertilizer and shipping are the primary drivers; analysts say global rice supply remains broadly ample but higher costs are concentrated in freight, fertilizer and premium varieties such as basmati. The rice rally is spilling into broader commodity markets and, amid rising geopolitical tensions, could put upside pressure on crude oil prices.