Oil Prices Slide as U.S.-Iran Deal and Hormuz Reopening Ease Supply Concerns 
Gold Prices Rebound on U.S.-Iran Peace Deal Optimism Despite Fed Rate Hike Signals 
US Stock Futures Jump on Reports of Preliminary US-Iran Peace Deal Despite Fed’s Hawkish Outlook 
German Industry Employment Falls to Lowest Level in a Decade 
German Auto Suppliers Turn Bearish as Investment and Jobs Shift Overseas 
Dollar Hits One-Month High as Hawkish Fed Outlook Boosts Greenback 
Asian Stocks Advance as Nikkei Nears Record High Ahead of Fed Decision 
BOJ Signals More Rate Hikes as Inflation Risks Rise Amid Energy Price Pressures 
Asian Currencies Stabilize as Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High After Fed Hawkish Signal 
Asian Currencies Steady as Dollar Holds Firm Ahead of Fed Decision and US-Iran Deal Details 
US Stock Futures Slip After Wall Street Rally Fueled by US-Iran Deal and Chipmaker Surge 
Dollar Surges After Fed Holds Rates Steady, Signals Potential Tightening Ahead 
Trump Questions USMCA Renewal as Trade Talks Continue 
Trump and Iran Sign Framework Peace Deal in France Amid Ongoing Middle East Tensions 
Australia Eases Capital Gains Tax Reforms to Support Small Businesses and Startups 
Canada Imposes 10% Tariff on Canned Vegetable Imports to Protect Domestic Industry 
Oil prices climbed sharply on Monday as geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran intensified, raising fresh concerns about global energy supply. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, rose 4.9% to $94.77 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained 5.8% to $87.33 per barrel. The spike followed reports that the U.S. had seized an Iranian cargo ship, further escalating the ongoing conflict.
According to U.S. President Donald Trump, American forces fired on an Iranian-flagged vessel that attempted to bypass a naval blockade before capturing it. Iran strongly condemned the action and warned of retaliation, signaling a potential escalation in the already fragile situation. The development comes amid renewed instability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit chokepoint through which nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply passes.
Tehran reportedly reopened the strait over the weekend, only to close it again hours later, triggering volatility in oil markets. Prices had previously dropped over 9% on Friday after both U.S. and Iranian officials hinted at easing tensions. However, reports of Iranian forces firing on vessels attempting to pass through the strait have renewed fears of prolonged disruption to oil flows.
The ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran has now entered its eighth week, with little indication of immediate de-escalation. Analysts suggest that continued uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz will likely support oil prices in the near term. Market experts also warn that expectations of a quick resolution may have been overly optimistic, with both sides appearing willing to sustain pressure.
Diplomatic efforts remain uncertain as a two-week ceasefire nears its expiration. While U.S. officials plan to pursue further talks in Pakistan, Iranian state media reports that Tehran has rejected negotiations as long as the U.S. naval blockade remains in place. With peace talks stalled and tensions rising, global oil markets are expected to remain volatile in the coming days.
