Morgan Stanley projects that worldwide oil stocks were decreasing by about 4.8 million barrels daily from March 1 to April 25. Crude oil represented almost 60% of this decrease, while petroleum products made up the remainder. This greatly surpasses the earlier highest quarterly drop noted by the International Energy Agency, according to Bloomberg. Goldman Sachs observed that global oil stockpiles...

According to an annual study by Brand Finance, the brand value of the top global automakers fell for the second straight year: decreasing by 7% in 2026 after a 1% drop the year before. The research firm reports that it currently reaches $575.4 billion. Japan's Toyota maintained its top position in the industry for the second consecutive year, even with a 3% decrease in brand value (to $62.7...

Seven member nations of the OPEC+ alliance have consented to raise their combined oil output ceiling for June 2026 by 188,000 barrels per day, according to a final document released after the May 3 session. The communiqué indicated that Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman have committed to higher production levels. Based on the OPEC+ announcement, both Saudi Arabia...

GM, Ford, and Stellantis, the three largest automobile manufacturers in the United States, have issued a warning regarding a $5 billion "commodity shock" linked to the conflict in Iran, writes the Financial Times, based on the firms' first-quarter financial reports for 2026. The carmakers pointed out that the war in Iran and resulting supply chain disruptions have driven substantial price hikes...

According to a report by the Financial Times, which is citing sources, China plans to restart the export of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel starting in May. Large state-owned oil companies have sought permissions to export fuel in the upcoming month, as stated by them. A spokesperson from a state-owned oil company told the newspaper that the Chinese leadership believes domestic fuel demand is...

Budget airlines in the US, such as Frontier Airlines and Avelo Airlines, are requesting $2.5 billion in governmental support in return for warrants that could be turned into company equity, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cites sources. The airlines stated that this figure was determined by an estimation of the rise in the companies' jet fuel expenses this year in relation to earlier...

The international rating agency Moody's Investors Service has confirmed China's long-term ratings for foreign and local currencies at "A1." The agency's press release indicated that the outlook was revised from negative to stable. This is motivated by anticipations of sustained economic and fiscal strength in spite of domestic, trade, and geopolitical difficulties. Analysts at Moody's...

European Commissioner for Energy Dan Jørgensen forecasted the enduring effects and uncertainties of the energy crisis while assuring the protection of the most at-risk citizens in the European Union and sectors of the EU economy. "Since the onset of the conflict in the Middle East, our expenses for importing fossil fuels have risen by over €24 billion. That's over €500 million each day. These...

Analysts at JPMorgan increased their 2026 forecast for the S&P 500 to 7,600, according to Reuters, referencing a research report. They additionally increased their earnings-per-share projection for the index this year to $330 from $315, and for 2027 to $385 from $355. JPMorgan explained the forecast rise by highlighting the growth of S&P 500 firms driven by developments in technology and...