U.S. Energy Secretary Wright said U.S. oil companies will discuss investments in Venezuela today.

UK consumer inflation rose for a second consecutive month in August as vehicle fuel jumped, adding pressure on the Bank of England ahead of its policy decision. The ONS said CPI rose 3.1% YoY in August, the highest since March and up from July’s 2.9%; the print matched economists’ median and exceeded the BoE’s prior 2.8% projection. The acceleration was driven by higher petrol and diesel prices linked to the ongoing Iran-related Middle East conflict; global oil is trading above $100/bbl and UK pump prices are at their most expensive since 2022. Sterling held gains after the release. BoE officials meeting this week are expected to keep rates unchanged, citing a weak labour market that has so far contained spillovers; Governor Bailey warned that a prolonged conflict, UK drought and an imminent El Nifio could raise food-price risks.

Hong Kong stocks closed higher. HSI rose 0.19% and the Hang Seng Tech Index gained 0.79%. Turnover was HKD 181.09 bln. Top-performing sectors included brain–computer interface, optical communications and storage; laggards were lithium batteries, heavy machinery, pork and oil stocks. Notable movers: Cambridge Technology (06166.HK) +>10%; Lenovo Group (00992.HK) and Lingbao Gold (03330.HK) +>8%; Longfor Group (00960.HK) +>6%; Zhipu (02513.HK) nearly +6%. CATL (03750.HK) and Muyuan Foods (02714.HK) fell about 3%.