Brent Breaks $100: US–Iran Escalation and China’s Oil Rebuy Fuel Triple-Digit Crude

‼️ BREAKING: Brent crude topped $100 a barrel for the first time since July, driven by escalating US–Iran tensions and a rebound in Chinese oil demand. Futures rose more than 2% in London on Wednesday, pushing Brent up over 60% this year and above $100 for the third time in 2026. Refined products, especially diesel, have rallied even more sharply.

Hedge Funds Bet on a Yen Breakout as USD/JPY Options Target 140

‼️ 💴 Hedge funds are positioning for dollar-yen to fall below 150 by year-end, with longer-dated options targeting levels near 140. The most-active USD/JPY trade on Tuesday was a November put with a 142.86 strike, CME data show, underscoring rising demand for downside protection. Citi says leveraged investors are increasingly active as markets price a potential currency-regime shift.