China Securities Index (CSI) today launched a 40-index Commodity Futures Sector series, led by industrial and agricultural & livestock subindices. The indices are designed to track subsector futures price trends and returns, provide benchmarks for performance evaluation and attribution, and are intended to help steadily bolster China’s pricing power and international influence in global commodities markets.

At a press briefing, the State Council Information Office said MOFCOM confirmed the 26th China International Fair for Investment & Trade will be held Sept. 8-11 in Xiamen, Fujian, and that preparatory work is largely complete.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister said a memorandum with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz does not mean the waterway will reopen tomorrow. Under the accord, inbound and outbound routes to the Persian Gulf will run through Iranian and Omani waters respectively in a temporary two-way corridor about 7 nautical miles wide. He said the strait has become a national security issue, that vessels have mainly used Omani waters over the past 58 years and Iran has suffered serious damage, and that Tehran and Muscat will negotiate a permanent route within 30–60 days.