The dollar index, measuring the currency against six major peers, rose 0.64% to 102.102 at the New York close. EUR/USD 1.1235 (prev. 1.1332); GBP/USD 1.3190 (prev. 1.3262). USD/JPY 158.11 (prev. 157.34); USD/CHF 0.8317 (prev. 0.8354); USD/CAD 1.4236 (prev. 1.4229); USD/SEK 10.0597 (prev. 10.0103).

U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth on Sept. 30 announced the creation of an Autonomous Warfare Command, a new four‑star joint command to scale U.S. autonomous and robotic combat capabilities and to oversee drones, artificial intelligence and command-and-control systems. The Wall Street Journal reported the move is intended to overhaul Pentagon procurement, testing and deployment of drones and other advanced technologies, and that the Pentagon is seeking to double autonomy-related spending and has proposed about $74 billion for drone and counter-drone technologies in its budget request.

Shipping data show Venezuela's oil exports fell to 1.08 mln b/d in September from 1.19 mln b/d in August, a roughly 9% m/m decline. Rising freight pushed traders to seek larger price discounts from state oil company PDVSA to offset higher transport costs. By destination, shipments to the US rose to 629k b/d (from 553k b/d in August), while exports to India and Europe fell to 253k b/d and 86k b/d respectively.