Saudi government reported August 2026 commodity exports fell 11.5% YoY; oil exports declined 12.5% YoY.

Houthi militants said they used drones to strike a Saudi east–west crude transfer station; Saudi authorities had not immediately confirmed the report.

Despite three years of war and political turmoil, Israeli markets have rallied; some investors see further upside if the opposition wins Tuesday’s vote because it could reduce regional tensions and political risk. Polls show a dead heat: neither the Likud-led bloc nor an opposition alliance centered on former military chief Gadi Eizenkot is projected to reach the 61-seat majority in the 120-seat Knesset, increasing the likelihood of protracted coalition talks or another election. JP Morgan says an opposition win that improves ties with Western allies and halts the judicial reforms that sparked mass protests in 2023 could support the shekel, while another Netanyahu-led government could weaken it. IBI chief economist Rafi Gozlan expects an opposition victory to boost markets; likely market effects include a lower Israel risk premium, appreciation pressure on the shekel and a positive domestic market reaction.