Zhao Yuchao, director of the Balance of Payments Department at the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, told a State Council Information Office briefing that foreign investment into China is expected to continue improving; he cited ongoing industrial upgrading and tech innovation as new investment sources, steady institutional opening-up alongside strengthened foreign-investor services and enhanced financial connectivity to ease inbound investment, and a complex external backdrop in which s

Gold fell despite US inflation printing below expectations. US PPI declined last month as energy costs eased, and June inflation has not yet reflected the latest escalation in US‑Iran tensions. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group analysts say gold’s near-term direction hinges on whether rising oil prices transmit into US inflation or remain a transitory geopolitical shock; investors are watching Fed officials’ remarks for policy clues.

Export Development Canada (EDC) says global oil inventories have continued to decline, leaving the energy market more fragile. EDC forecasts average international oil prices of about $96/bbl this year and $84/bbl in 2027. EDC chief economist Stuart Bergman said distributed storage now functions as the market’s marginal producer. Pre-crisis stocks and strategic reserve releases have helped offset supply losses but have drawn inventories below seasonal normals. A permanent peace agreement and restoration of Strait of Hormuz shipping to pre-crisis levels would ease tightness; however, Bergman said the market remains supply-tight and is highly vulnerable to further disruption and sharp price swings if geopolitical risk escalates.