Asian Markets Cautious as Oil Tops $90, AI Earnings and Fed Rate Fears Weigh on Sentiment 
ECB Expected to Hold Rates as Middle East Tensions Keep September Hike in Focus 
Japan PM Sanae Takaichi Unveils Growth Plan as BOJ Independence Concerns Lift Bond Yields 
European Earnings Season Gains Strength as Barclays Sees Broader Profit Recovery 
Oil Prices Hold Steady as U.S.-Iran Conflict and Houthi Blockade Keep Markets on Edge 
Houthi Naval Blockade on Saudi Arabia Escalates Iran Conflict, Threatens Global Oil Supply 
China Holds Loan Prime Rates Steady for 14th Month as Economic Recovery Remains Uneven 
Malaysia Q2 Economy Grows 5.8%, Beating Forecasts on Strong Tech Exports and Domestic Demand 
Deutsche Bank Says Fed Balance Sheet Cuts Could Weaken US Dollar Instead of Boosting It 
AI Chip Stocks Face Valuation Pressure as Investors Shift Toward Big Tech and Software 
Nikkei Plunges 5% as AI Stock Selloff Spreads Across Asia 
Asian Currencies Hold Steady as Fed Outlook Offsets Middle East Tensions 
Japan Core Inflation Seen Rising in June, Strengthening BOJ Rate Hike Outlook 
Wall Street Ends Lower as AI Selloff, Iran Tensions Weigh on Tech Stocks 
Germany Producer Prices Rise 1.8% in June, Missing Forecasts 
US Stock Futures Hold Steady as Tesla, Alphabet Earnings and Iran Conflict Dominate Market Focus 
Trump Threatens Higher Canada Tariffs as Wildfire Smoke Sparks U.S. Air Quality Crisis 
Oil prices moved higher on Monday as renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran heightened concerns over global energy supplies and disrupted shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The latest escalation has reinforced fears that the fragile interim peace agreement between the two countries could unravel, keeping energy markets on edge.
Brent crude futures gained 50 cents, or 0.69%, to trade at $72.49 per barrel by 2204 GMT. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures climbed 73 cents, or 1.05%, to $69.96 per barrel, reflecting increased demand for oil amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
The recent exchange of strikes between Washington and Tehran has once again highlighted the vulnerability of global oil supply chains. Although both nations remain under an interim peace arrangement, the renewed hostilities have raised concerns that the agreement could collapse if tensions continue to escalate.
One of the primary concerns for investors is the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but critical maritime passage that handles a significant share of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Any disruption to shipping in the waterway can tighten global energy supplies, increase transportation costs, and push oil prices higher.
Reports of slower tanker traffic through the Strait have intensified market anxiety, prompting traders to factor in a larger geopolitical risk premium. Energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments in the Middle East, where even limited disruptions can quickly affect global crude benchmarks.
Analysts say traders will continue monitoring diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, along with shipping activity in the Gulf region, for signs of further escalation or de-escalation. Any prolonged disruption to oil exports or transportation routes could drive additional gains in crude prices.
With geopolitical risks remaining elevated, Brent and WTI crude are likely to stay volatile in the near term as investors weigh the balance between global oil demand and potential supply interruptions from one of the world's most important energy corridors.
