Weda Bay Nickel (WBN) has been granted an additional about 25 mln wet tonnes (wmt) RKAB nickel-ore quota for H2 2026. Including H1 approvals, WBN’s 2026 total RKAB quota rises to about 37 mln wmt; as one of Indonesia’s largest nickel-ore suppliers, the extra quota is expected to further secure feedstock for downstream smelters in H2.

Al Jazeera, citing Iran’s Press TV and a senior Iranian official, reports Iran‑Oman talks have entered a new phase and may produce an agreement to establish a mid‑channel through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure navigation safety while preserving Iran’s coastal rights. The official said the channel, if activated, would replace existing northern and southern routes. The strait is about 34 km wide and, the report added, had been used under a UN two‑way traffic separation scheme before Iran closed the international route citing strikes by the United States and Israel.

Survey shows Germany's services sector recorded only a slight contraction in July as demand recovered and new business rose for the first time in five months. The final S&P Global services PMI increased to 49.8 in July from 48.6 in June, slightly above the preliminary 49.6. Phil Smith, associate director for economics at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said services activity has stabilised and employment trends mirrored that. Germany's composite PMI jumped to 51.3 from 49.5, returning to expansion for the first time since March, driven mainly by a sharp rebound in manufacturing output.