CENC automatic determination: at 18:06 on Aug 5 a magnitude-4.9 earthquake occurred near Motuo County, Nyingchi, Tibet (28.94°N, 94.91°E). Final magnitude subject to the official rapid bulletin.

Iraq's Oil Ministry said crude is sold ex‑port and buyers are responsible for transportation; once tankers leave Iraqi ports the ministry accepts no responsibility for voyages via the Strait of Hormuz.

Wednesday Asian trade: spot gold held in a narrow range as a temporary Strait of Hormuz agreement appeared increasingly likely, easing inflation concerns and trimming Fed rate-hike odds. Qatar has drafted a proposal to normalize commercial shipping through the strait; US and Iranian officials reported progress on reopening the key energy route. Oil fell for a third day on deal optimism. Markets are now fully pricing one Fed rate hike this year, down from near two last week. A reduced chance of monetary tightening typically supports non-yielding gold. MKS Pamp head of research Nicky Shiels said gold is a liquidity sponge in commodity macro and is among the first assets hit by tightening-risk signals.