South African government said July gasoline retail prices will be cut by up to 2.01 rand per litre; July diesel wholesale prices will be cut by up to 3.59 rand per litre.

China's CSI 500 index futures (IC) most-active contract rose 2.00% intraday, trading at 8,686.0 points.

At its 2026 second extraordinary shareholders’ meeting, Ganfeng Lithium said recent lithium carbonate price swings reflect market noise rather than a change in fundamentals — lithium-salt supply and demand remain in a tight balance. June’s price drop was driven by seasonal spot weakness, amplified concerns over hidden inventories and continued weakness in futures. The company said the short-term dip should support downstream restocking ahead of the peak season. Looking to H2 and next year, supply-side risk is elevated: two–three years of depressed prices curtailed large-scale capex, and near-term new output largely comes from earlier projects, keeping expansion measured. Demand remains cautiously optimistic: storage and EV segments, supported by geopolitics and high energy prices that raise the priority of energy independence and security, should provide medium- to long-term support for lithium demand.