[MARKET ANALYSIS] Crude edges higher as strikes are reported near Bab el-Mandeb; Precious metals dip

WTI Sep and Brent Oct futures are on a firmer footing with upside this morning seen amid reports a Saudi ship was targeted near Bab al-Mandab. Rhetoric also remains tense, with US President Trump saying, regarding potential escalation with Iran, that it is certainly possible and still has the ability to escalate. Furthermore, US President Trump, responding to Iran's requests for compensation during the conflict, said he was demanding compensation from Iran. Market focus remains around the prospect of getting oil flowing through both the Hormuz and Bab el Mandeb, with a US-Iran deal proving elusive and the Iran-Oman Hormuz deal unfavourable for Washington. Brent resides in a USD 87.41-90.02/bbl after topping yesterday’s USD 87.93/bbl high. WTI trades towards the top end of a USD 81.91-84.46/bbl range, vs yesterday’s 82.38/bbl peak. Dutch TTF is flat after finding resistance around EUR 62.50/MWh but remains north of EUR 60/MWh. Precious metals are weaker as energy prices continue to edge higher, adding to inflationary and growth concerns. Spot gold resides around its 100 DMA (USD 4,389/oz) in a current USD 4,356-4,435/oz range, vs yesterday’s 4,395/oz peak, with the 200 DMA at USD 4,497/oz. Spot silver is similarly subdued towards the bottom of a USD 64.23-66.48/oz. Base metals are mixed/flat, with downside from energy cushioned amid ongoing hopes of Chinese stimulus. 3M LME copper resides in a narrow USD 14,103.00- 14,199.40/t range at the time of writing.