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🛢️ Oil Steadies Despite Tariff, Red Sea Attacks

Oil steadied near $69 per barrel as traders focused on potential fallout from Trump's new tariffs and escalating Red Sea attacks, with Brent holding gains after Monday's 1.9% advance despite OPEC+ announcing larger-than-expected supply increases for August. A second vessel was targeted near Yemen hours after Iranian-backed Houthis claimed responsibility for an earlier ship attack, raising Middle East tensions despite the fragile Israel-Iran truce. Trump announced tariffs starting August 1 on Japan, South Korea and other partners but suggested negotiations remain possible, while diesel markets show tightness with US stockpiles at lowest seasonal levels since 1996. More - Bloomberg

🇰🇪 11 Killed in Kenya Protests

At least 11 people were killed and 567 arrested during anti-government protests in Kenya marking the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba democracy demonstrations. Police sealed off central Nairobi with roadblocks and razor wire, stranding hundreds of commuters while opening fire on protesters demanding good governance and accountability from President Ruto's government. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights accused police of using excessive force and collaborating with "armed criminal gangs," while demonstrations spread to 17 of Kenya's 47 counties with shopping centers set ablaze in some areas. More - BBC

🇺🇸 Trump Extends Tariff Deadline

President Trump renewed threats to impose steep "reciprocal" tariffs on major trading partners while extending his deadline from July 9 to August 1, sending letters Monday warning of 25% levies on Japan and South Korea and 30% on South Africa. The president called the letters "more or less final offers" but left room for negotiation, saying he'd consider different proposals if countries called with alternative deals. Markets declined on the announcements with the S&P 500 down 0.8%, while Trump has secured only three trade deals since April despite weeks of negotiations with dozens of countries. More - Financial Times

Americas Stability Ratings and News Summary

More Unstable

🇦🇬 Antigua and Barbuda, 🇦🇷 Argentina, 🇧🇿 Belize, 🇧🇴 Bolivia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇨🇦 Canada, 🇨🇴 Colombia, 🇨🇷 Costa Rica, 🇨🇺 Cuba, 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic, 🇪🇨 Ecuador, 🇸🇻 El Salvador, 🇬🇹 Guatemala, 🇬🇾 Guyana, 🇭🇹 Haiti, 🇭🇳 Honduras, 🇯🇲 Jamaica, 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇳🇮 Nicaragua, 🇵🇦 Panama, 🇵🇪 Peru, 🇱🇨 Saint Lucia, 🇸🇷 Suriname, 🇻🇪 Venezuela

More Stable

No countries were more stable over this period

Unchanged

🇧🇧 Barbados, 🇨🇱 Chile, 🇩🇲 Dominica, 🇬🇩 Grenada, 🇵🇾 Paraguay, 🇰🇳 Saint Kitts and Nevis, 🇻🇨 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, 🇧🇸 The Bahamas, 🇹🇹 Trinidad and Tobago, 🇺🇸 United States Of America, 🇺🇾 Uruguay

Regional News Summary

Brazil is making significant strides in its economic landscape, focusing on diversifying trade partnerships beyond its traditional reliance on the United States and China. The Brazilian government is actively pursuing deeper trade ties with Mexico and other nations, which is seen as a crucial strategy for fostering economic growth [SOURCE - Financial Times]. In a related diplomatic effort, President Lula has engaged with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance bilateral strategic partnerships, coinciding with Modi's upcoming visit to Brazil [SOURCE - Economic Times].

In a landmark move, Brazil has allocated $16.3 billion to support family farms, aiming to boost agricultural production and promote rural development [SOURCE - Rio Times]. This investment reflects a commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector, which is vital for the country's economy.

On the defense front, Brazil is looking to enhance its military capabilities by acquiring the Akash air defense system from India, a strategic move that underscores its commitment to national security [SOURCE - India.com]. Additionally, a comprehensive security operation has been established in Rio de Janeiro ahead of the upcoming BRICS summit, ensuring the safety of international dignitaries [SOURCE - Rio Times].

In the realm of technology and commerce, Brazil is taking steps to sanction Apple for allegedly blocking competition in its app store, a move aimed at fostering fair competition within the tech sector [SOURCE - Rio Times]. Furthermore, Brazil is exploring alternative payment systems to reduce reliance on traditional financial infrastructures, a strategy that could reshape its trade dynamics [SOURCE - CGTN America].

Meanwhile, the automotive sector is witnessing a transformative shift as Chinese automaker BYD begins manufacturing electric vehicles in Brazil, marking a significant investment in the country's automotive industry [SOURCE - Rio Times]. This development aligns with global trends towards sustainable transportation and could bolster Brazil's position in the electric vehicle market.

Environmental concerns are also pressing, as a recent report indicates that rain-induced natural disasters have impacted 83% of Brazil's cities, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action [SOURCE - Times of India].

In Mexico, the government is grappling with economic challenges, having cut spending by 5.3% due to declining oil revenues and rising debt costs [SOURCE - Rio Times]. The country is also preparing for the potential impacts of Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' on nearshoring, which could adversely affect its industry [SOURCE - Mexico News Daily].

In the realm of security, a priest in Mexico has been critically injured in a shooting, underscoring ongoing concerns about violence in the country [SOURCE - Catholic News Agency]. Additionally, the Mexican Senate has granted the Security Ministry broad data access powers, raising fears of a potential 'police state' [SOURCE - Mexico News Daily].

As Canada celebrates its 154th birthday, there are growing concerns among citizens about potential threats to national sovereignty, with some fearing the country could become the 51st state of the US [SOURCE - CBC]. Amidst these celebrations, nonprofit leaders are warning about proposed cuts to social safety net programs, which could have dire consequences for vulnerable populations [SOURCE - QC Times].

Carpe tomorrow!