Oil Prices Surge Amid Escalating U.S.-Iran Conflict and Strait of Hormuz Tensions 
Chip Stocks Rally on AI Optimism as Oil Price Surge Adds Market Tension 
U.S. Sanctions Target Chinese Refinery Over Iranian Oil Purchases 
U.S. Consumer Sentiment Hits Record Low as Iran Conflict Fuels Inflation Concerns 
US and EU Strengthen Critical Minerals Partnership to Reduce China Dependence 
Indonesia Fiscal Deficit Outlook: Fitch Signals Flexibility Amid Middle East War Risks 
ECB Rate Outlook: Ceasefire Eases Pressure but Hikes Still Expected in 2026 
U.S.-Iran Conflict Stalls as Diplomatic Efforts Collapse and Global Oil Tensions Rise 
Dollar Gains as Middle East Tensions and Rising Oil Prices Support Safe-Haven Demand 
Brazil Current Account Deficit Widens in March as FDI Misses Expectations 
Japan Inflation Rises in March Amid Energy Price Surge and Middle East Tensions 
Araqchi Leads Iran’s Diplomatic Push as U.S. Talks and Oil Market Tensions Rise 
U.S.-Iran Tensions Escalate as Strait of Hormuz Crisis Disrupts Global Oil Markets 
US Dollar Weakens as Iran Talks Boost Risk Appetite in Forex Market 
Oil Prices Surge Amid U.S.-Iran Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Supply Concerns 
Brazil Pension Fund Crackdown After Banco Master Collapse Raises Investment Concerns 
U.S. stock index futures showed little movement Sunday night following record-breaking closes last week, as rising oil prices and stalled U.S.-Iran negotiations weighed on investor sentiment. Market participants are now preparing for a critical week filled with major corporate earnings and a key Federal Reserve decision.
S&P 500 futures slipped 0.1% to 7,189.75, while Dow Jones futures declined 0.2% to 49,293. Meanwhile, Nasdaq 100 futures edged up 0.1% to 27,455.75. Despite the muted start, Wall Street recently posted strong gains, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reaching all-time highs after four consecutive weeks of growth. The Nasdaq led weekly gains with a 1.5% increase, while the S&P 500 rose 0.6%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average, however, dipped 0.4% over the same period.
Energy markets are drawing attention as oil prices climb sharply. Brent crude surged to $108 per barrel during Asian trading after U.S.-Iran talks stalled, raising concerns over global supply disruptions. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route, has intensified fears of prolonged energy constraints, further impacting global market confidence.
Geopolitical tensions escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump canceled a planned diplomatic visit to Pakistan aimed at advancing Iran-related negotiations. Talks held earlier in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough, leaving uncertainty around future developments.
Investors are now focused on upcoming earnings reports from major technology companies, often referred to as the “Magnificent Seven.” Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta Platforms are set to release results midweek, followed by Apple. These reports are expected to play a significant role in shaping market direction.
Additionally, attention is on the Federal Reserve’s policy announcement on Wednesday. This meeting could be particularly notable as it may be the final one chaired by Jerome Powell before a leadership transition, adding another layer of importance for investors monitoring interest rate outlooks and economic signals.
