Group 1 - Oil futures have risen for three consecutive sessions, driven by a weaker U.S. dollar and concerns over potential supply disruptions from Russia [1] - Market participants are closely monitoring geopolitical tensions and the possibility of further Western sanctions on Russian supplies, which could impact supply surplus expectations [2] - Tomorrow's EIA inventory data is anticipated to show crude and gasoline stocks remaining unchanged, while a build in diesel stocks is expected according to analysts' estimates [2]

Market Overview - Wall Street is experiencing a sell-off across most sectors as investors anticipate a quarter-point interest-rate cut [1][2] - The Dow Jones Industrial Average decreased by 112 points, or 0.4%, while the S&P 500 fell by 0.1% [2] Sector Performance - The Nasdaq Composite showed volatility, fluctuating between positive and negative territory, primarily supported by major tech companies such as Tesla, Amazon, Apple, and Meta Platforms [2] - Energy and consumer discretionary sectors were among the few gaining in the S&P 500, with WTI crude oil futures rising by 1.4% [2] - Utilities and real estate sectors were identified as the biggest laggards in the market [2]

Inflation & Interest Rates - South African inflation rose to a 10-month high in July [1] - The increased inflation reduces the likelihood of an interest-rate cut at the next policy meeting [1]

Market Trends - Gold price modestly increased following US inflation data release [1] - Market expectations for an interest-rate cut next month are reinforced [1]

Market Trends - Municipal bonds experienced a sell-off on Tuesday [1] - New inflation data led traders to reduce expectations for a September interest-rate cut [1]