Iraq and BP sign memorandum of understanding to develop North Kirkuk oil fields.

Nippon Steel Corp.: Still expects to complete its merger with U.S. Steel this year.

Citi: In the 0-3 month outlook, zinc prices are expected to rise to $2,800 per ton and lead prices are expected to rise to $2,150 per ton.

Morgan Stanley: Raised Meta Platforms (META.O) target price from $550 to $575.

Volkswagen CEO: Possibility of reducing investments in battery sector.

JPMorgan Chase: Lowered Qualcomm (QCOM.O) target price from $235 to $230.

India Meteorological Department: Rainfall is expected to be higher in September than in August.

Volkswagen CFO: Fourth quarter expected to be strongest quarter of the year.

Shell CEO: The first LNG from the Canadian project is expected to be put into production in mid-2025.

According to Yonhap News Agency: Senior diplomats from South Korea and Thailand held talks this week.

India Meteorological Department: India will receive above normal rainfall during August-September.

Rolls-Royce shares rose 11% to a record high after the carmaker raised its earnings guidance.

UK five-year gilt yields fell to their lowest level since February 1 at 3.718%, down more than 4 basis points on the day.

Societe Generale shares opened down 6.9% after the release of second-quarter results.

UK 2-year government bond yields fell more than 4 basis points on the day to 3.765%, the lowest level since May 2023.

Market news: Honda and Nissan electric vehicle alliance will cover batteries and electric axles.

Investment bank Evercore ISI: Raised the target price for American Express (AXP.N) from $255 to $275.

Jefferies Group; lowered its price target for Ford Motor (FN) from $13 to $12.

Credit Agricole CEO: Political uncertainty has eased.

Royal Bank of Canada: Raised its price target on Boeing (BA.N) from $210 to $220.