Show Notes – Market & News Briefing (22nd August 2025)Today’s update covers the latest moves in FX, commodities, trade, and geopolitics:FX: Dollar holds firm ahead of Powell’s Jackson Hole speech. EUR/USD slips under 1.16 as Russia–Ukraine tensions escalate. GBP quiet near 1.34 into UK holiday. USD/JPY steady around 148; AUD and NZD remain weak. CNY midpoint set stronger than expected at 7.1321.Commodities: Oil edges higher as Hungary confirms Druzhba pipeline deliveries halted for at least five days. WTI trades near $63, Brent near $67. Gold stays subdued under dollar strength; copper consolidates after recent gains.Trade & Tariffs: Xi to skip October ASEAN Summit, ending hopes of a Trump–Xi meeting; Premier Li will attend instead. South Korea and US in talks on defense spending, arms purchases, and nuclear cooperation. Washington mulls reallocating $2bn in CHIPS Act funding to critical minerals.Geopolitics:Ukraine hit by fresh Russian strikes; Zelensky says Moscow is avoiding real peace talks.Russia conducts Baltic naval drills; Druzhba pipeline halted by attacks near Belarus border.Israel approves military plans against Hamas in Gaza as Iran readies nuclear talks with EU partners.US imposes new sanctions on Iran-linked shipping.China condemns US naval activity near Venezuela while Chinese firms pledge $1bn investment in Venezuelan oilfields.North Korea’s Kim praises military officers for overseas operations, highlighting regime strength.Takeaway:Markets are on edge heading into Jackson Hole, with FX anchored by dollar strength, oil firm on supply disruptions, and geopolitical risks intensifying from Ukraine to Gaza and Venezuela.

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