Brent and WTI crude oil prices hit 6-week highs after Houthi insurgents attacked southern Saudi Arabia, causing over 70 injuries and multiple energy infrastructure fires. Market concerns about prolonged Middle East conflict and potential oil supply disruptions have intensified. Goldman Sachs and HSBC both raised 2026-2027 crude price forecasts, with Goldman Sachs now projecting Brent at $85–80/barrel by December 2026. US employment data for August beat expectations (162,000 new jobs vs. 56,000 forecast), strengthening the case for a Fed rate hike on September 15–16, while potential US-Russia peace talks signal possible relief from Russian energy sanctions.