Brent crude began the month at $76.30/bbl, before dropping to $65/bbl towards the end as global coronavirus outbreaks dampened prospects of fuel demand recovery.

GBP was volatile in August, reaching highs of 1.3973 against USD at the beginning as travel restrictions eased, before dropping to 1.3605 against USD towards month end.

The Taliban seized control of Afghanistan as the US withdraw their final troops, promising a peaceful transition to the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan”.