The global oil market is teetering on the edge of a significant shift as Brent crude prices hover near $61 a barrel, with analysts warning of a potential collapse to $50 if demand softens further. The delicate balance between OPEC+ production increases and waning global consumption is under intense scrutiny, setting the stage for a pivotal moment in the energy landscape for 2026. Brent crude traded at $61.2 last week, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) stood at $57.5, both benchmarks down nearly 15% year-to-date. Bank of America (BofA) remains optimistic, defending a $55 price floor, citing steady Asian demand and OPEC+ supply discipline. However, Citigroup predicts a deeper slide to $50, driven by fading economic momentum and geopolitical risk premiums. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reports global oil supply surged by 760,000 barrels per day (bpd) in September, reaching 108 million bpd—the highest since 2019. OPEC forecasts global demand at 105.1 million bpd in 2025 and 106.5 million bpd in 2026, with annual growth of 1.4%. OPEC+ recently approved a modest output hike of 137,000 bpd for November, contributing to rising oversupply concerns. The IEA warns that global inventories could hit record highs by 2026 unless demand accelerates. BofA expects Brent to average $61 in Q4 2025 and rise to $64 in early 2026, citing structural support at $55. Citigroup, however, sees a sharper decline, fueled by easing geopolitical tensions and weaker Chinese data. Geopolitical factors, including U.S.-China trade tensions and India’s resistance to curbing Russian crude imports, add further volatility. Technically, Brent is caught between support at $55 and resistance at $63.50–$64. A weekly close below $55 could validate Citigroup’s bearish outlook, while a move above $64 would support BofA’s stabilization thesis. Analysts anticipate consolidation rather than collapse, but sentiment remains fragile, with the market vulnerable to macroeconomic shocks.
标签： North America
北美洲
-
Ishaan Khatter weighs in on long work hours debate in film industry
The ongoing debate about long working hours in the film industry has gained momentum, with actor Ishaan Khatter adding his voice to the conversation. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2025, Khatter highlighted the importance of addressing the issue, particularly the abuse of time protocols on film sets. The ‘Homebound’ star emphasized the need for filmmakers to be more considerate of individuals and their circumstances, even as he acknowledged the passion that drives actors to extend their shifts. Khatter’s remarks come in the wake of similar concerns raised by industry veterans like filmmaker Hansal Mehta, who stressed the importance of well-being and rest for both quality and profitability in the industry. The discussion was reignited after Deepika Padukone’s exit from Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s ‘Spirit’ due to her alleged demand for an eight-hour workday. Khatter, currently celebrating the success of ‘Homebound,’ India’s official submission for the 2026 Oscars, reflected on the film’s poignant narrative of friendship, identity, and resilience in rural India. His comments underscore a growing call for systemic change in the industry’s work culture.
-
George Santos wants to use his newfound freedom to reform prisons
George Santos, the former Republican U.S. Representative from New York, has vowed to dedicate his life to prison reform following his release from federal prison. Santos was granted clemency by President Donald Trump, who commuted his seven-year sentence for wire fraud and identity theft. Santos, who was expelled from Congress in 2023 after an ethics scandal, described his prison experience as “dehumanising” and “humbling” in an interview with The Washington Post. He admitted to stealing the identities of 11 individuals, including family members, and was released on Friday night. During his 84-day incarceration, Santos authored several columns for The South Shore Press, detailing the dire conditions of the prison system. He highlighted issues such as rotting facilities, broken air conditioning, and thick black mold in the ceiling, describing the environment as unfit for long-term habitation. Santos revealed that he spoke with President Trump on Saturday, expressing his commitment to prison reform and offering his assistance to the administration. However, the specifics of his involvement remain unclear, and his lawyer has not yet commented on his plans. Santos also told CNN that he has no immediate plans to return to politics, stating, “I’m all politicked out.” The Bureau of Prisons declined to respond to media inquiries due to the ongoing government shutdown, and FCI Fairton, the New Jersey prison where Santos was held, has not addressed his allegations of poor conditions.
-
Dubai bans delivery riders on fast lanes from November 1
Starting November 1, 2025, delivery riders in Dubai will face new restrictions on their use of high-speed lanes, as announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police. The regulations prohibit delivery motorcycles from using the two leftmost lanes on roads with five or more lanes and the leftmost lane on roads with three or four lanes. However, on roads with two lanes or fewer, riders are free to use any lane. These measures aim to address the rising number of traffic accidents involving delivery motorcycles, which have been attributed to reckless riding behavior.
-
Gold shines this Diwali in UAE despite soaring prices; jewellers see strong sales
Despite skyrocketing gold prices, the UAE’s jewellery market has witnessed robust sales during the Diwali festival, driven by festive enthusiasm, strategic discounts, and innovative product offerings. Diwali, celebrated as the festival of light, symbolizes prosperity, family, and tradition, making it a prime season for gold purchases. Jewellers across the UAE have capitalized on this by launching exclusive collections and attractive offers tailored to the festive demand.
-
Arteta encouraged as leaders Arsenal end Fulham jinx
Mikel Arteta expressed optimism following Arsenal’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham, marking their first win at Craven Cottage in three attempts. Leandro Trossard’s decisive 58th-minute strike secured the Gunners’ fifth consecutive win across all competitions, solidifying their position at the top of the Premier League table. Arsenal now hold a three-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, with reigning champions Liverpool trailing by four points ahead of their clash with Manchester United. This victory is particularly significant for Arsenal, who struggled in similar fixtures last season, managing just one point from away games against Newcastle and Fulham, as well as a home match against West Ham. This season, however, they have already amassed nine points from these encounters, signaling a marked improvement. Arteta emphasized the importance of these wins as a statement of intent for a team that has finished as runners-up in the last three seasons and is determined to clinch their first league title since 2004. ‘The recent history wasn’t in our favour, and we wanted to change that,’ Arteta remarked. ‘This is another step towards developing the mindset and ability to win these challenging matches against strong opposition.’ The match was not without controversy, as Bukayo Saka appeared to have earned a penalty after being fouled by Fulham’s Kevin. However, VAR overturned the decision, ruling that Kevin had touched the ball first. Arteta, visibly frustrated on the sidelines, later acknowledged the correct decision but criticized the delay in the VAR process. The only concern for Arsenal was the continued goal drought of Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, who has failed to score in seven consecutive games since his high-profile transfer from Sporting Lisbon. Despite his struggles, Arteta remains supportive, praising Gyokeres’ work rate and expressing confidence that the goals will come. ‘He was very close again today. We all want him to score, and it will happen,’ Arteta assured.
-
Vance celebrates US Marines 250th anniversary with live artillery demo
Vice President JD Vance marked the 250th anniversary of the US Marine Corps with a grand celebration at Camp Pendleton in Southern California, featuring a live artillery demonstration. The event, which included fighter jets, Navy vessels, helicopters, and live fire from a towed howitzer, was the largest of its kind in the continental US in a decade. However, the demonstration drew sharp criticism from California Governor Gavin Newsom, who condemned the exercise for closing a section of Interstate 5, citing extreme safety risks and distractions for drivers. Newsom, a Democrat, labeled the live fire over a busy highway as ‘dangerous.’ Vance’s office countered these claims, accusing Newsom of fear-mongering and emphasizing the importance of military training exercises. During his speech, Vance reflected on his own Marine Corps service, praised the military’s role in shaping his life, and criticized what he termed as ‘woke’ aspects of the military, aligning with the Trump administration’s focus on eliminating diversity initiatives. He also blamed Democrats, particularly Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, for the recent government shutdown, assuring troops that President Trump is committed to ensuring they receive their due pay. Despite the political undertones, the event highlighted the Marine Corps’ legacy and its significance in American history.
-
UAE: Man fined Dh20,000 for posting woman’s photos online without her consent
In a landmark ruling, the Abu Dhabi Family, Civil and Administrative Claims Court has fined a man Dh20,000 for posting a woman’s photos and videos on social media without her consent. The court found that the defendant’s actions violated the plaintiff’s privacy, causing her significant moral and psychological harm. The ruling, issued on October 16, 2025, followed a thorough review of both criminal and civil aspects of the case. The woman had initially filed a lawsuit after discovering that her images had been shared online, leading to emotional distress and reputational damage. The defendant had previously been convicted by the Abu Dhabi Criminal Court for breaching the woman’s privacy, a decision upheld by the Court of Appeal in March 2025. The civil court emphasized that the compensation awarded must be proportionate to the harm caused. While the plaintiff sought Dh50,000 in damages, the court determined that Dh20,000 was sufficient to address the emotional and reputational impact. The ruling was based on Article 282 of the Federal Civil Transactions Law, which mandates compensation for any harm caused to another person, regardless of intent. This case highlights the UAE’s stringent privacy laws, which criminalize the unauthorized sharing of personal data, images, or messages. Legal experts warn that such actions can result in fines up to Dh500,000, imprisonment, or even deportation for non-citizens. The court’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the legal and financial consequences of violating privacy in the UAE.
-
Dubai: Can patients take legal action if insurance company rejects prescribed procedures?
In Dubai, patients facing the rejection of essential medical procedures by their insurance companies have legal avenues to address such disputes. According to Article 13 (1), (2), and (3) of Dubai Health Insurance Law No. 11 of 2013, insurance providers are mandated to cover health benefits, including emergency treatments from out-of-network providers until the beneficiary’s life is no longer at risk. Additionally, insurers must ensure that beneficiaries can access all rights stipulated in their health insurance policies. Article 20 further reinforces this obligation, stating that the insurer must bear the cost of health benefits as per the policy terms. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has established a dispute resolution system under Article 21, which requires parties to utilize this mechanism before pursuing judicial or arbitral remedies. Complaints to the Dubai Health Insurance Corporation (DHIC) must include personal details, a clear description of the issue, supporting documents, and be written in Arabic or both Arabic and English, as per Article 28 (b) of Administrative Resolution No. (78) of 2022. Patients whose claims are unjustly denied should first submit a written complaint to the insurer with medical documentation. If unresolved, they can escalate the matter to the DHA or seek independent legal advice to assess potential breaches of contractual and statutory obligations. It is crucial for patients to review their insurance policies to confirm coverage for prescribed treatments. Ashish Mehta, founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s legal rights in such scenarios.
-
Why John Bolton case is more serious than those against other Trump critics
Former national security adviser John Bolton appeared in court on Friday, pleading not guilty to 18 federal charges related to the alleged mishandling of classified information. This indictment marks a significant development in a series of legal actions against critics of former President Donald Trump, raising questions about the intersection of justice and political motivations. Bolton, a vocal Trump critic, has been accused of improperly retaining and transmitting classified documents, including top-secret materials, to family members using insecure methods such as AOL. Prosecutors allege that his actions posed a national security risk, with one incident involving a hacker accessing his account and threatening to cause a major scandal. Legal experts note that while the charges against Bolton appear more substantial than those previously brought against other Trump critics, such as former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, the timing of the indictment has fueled speculation about political influence. Trump has publicly expressed his desire to see his opponents prosecuted, and the Justice Department’s actions have drawn scrutiny. However, analysts emphasize that the case against Bolton follows established legal protocols, with the indictment providing detailed allegations. The outcome of this high-profile case could set a precedent for how classified information mishandling is addressed, particularly involving high-ranking officials. Bolton’s trial will be closely watched as it unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing political tensions in the United States.