U.S. Treasury bonds extend gains, with the 10-year Treasury yield falling by 4 basis points to 4.70%.

The US Treasury plans to expand the scope of secondary sanctions on Iran, introducing new variables to the energy trade chain.

Canada's manufacturing sales in July are expected to dip slightly, with chemicals and metal products showing significant drag.

The main contract of NYMEX WTI crude oil futures has just surpassed the $86.00 per barrel mark, last quoted at $86.14 per barrel, down 1.06% on the day; the main contract of US unleaded gasoline futures has just surpassed the $3.0100 per gallon level, last quoted at $3.0104 per gallon, down 1.19% on the day.

Spot gold just broke through the $4650.00/oz mark and is now quoted at $4647.96/oz, up 0.94% on the day; COMEX main gold futures contract is now quoted at $4710.70/oz, up 0.64% on the day.