Prysmian tops new EU infrastructure ETF as oil hits record highs - Mar 17, 2026

As of March 17, today’s news features developments in European infrastructure investments and ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting global commodities. Prysmian has been identified as the top holding in WisdomTree's newly launched Exchange-Traded Fund focused on European infrastructure. The ETF aims to replicate the performance of an index that comprises 72 companies actively involved in Europe’s infrastructure sector, with Prysmian making up 8.22% of the index. Meanwhile, U.S. officials are drafting agreements to pay nearly 1 billion dollars to oil major TotalEnergies as compensation for the cancellation of leases for wind farms in federal waters off New York State and North Carolina, the New York Times reported today. On the geopolitical front, tensions in the Middle East continue to escalate, affecting commodity markets. Copper prices have dropped, as recent conflicts in the region have driven oil prices beyond 100 dollars a barrel, exacerbating concerns over inflation. The decline in copper trading reflects fears related to growth and inflation amid the ongoing conflict involving U.S. and Israeli forces against Iran, which has severely impacted supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. From the international front, Middle Eastern crude oil prices have surged to their highest levels on record. Amid supply disruptions, the Dubai crude benchmark was assessed at 157.66 dollars per barrel, notably higher than Brent's previous peak. This drastic rise, combined with reduced export volumes due to conflicts, has prompted refiners in Asia to seek alternatives or limit production. Turning to market updates, Danske Commodities, a unit of Equinor, has secured a tender for route-to-market services for a 1.1 gigawatt offshore wind project developed by Germany's RWE, reflecting continued investment in renewable energy infrastructure, even amidst geopolitical challenges. In response to the disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East, Emirates Global Aluminium is adapting its logistics by routing exports through Oman’s port of Sohar, as traditional shipping lanes have become compromised. The company is set to begin exporting aluminium through Sohar this week, a strategic move in a market already facing heightened prices amid a supply crunch stemming from ongoing regional instability.