Finance

Brent crude futures rose over 1.9% to exceed $107 per barrel as critical energy transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively blocked. Analysts warn that continued disruptions could push prices toward $140, potentially forcing the Federal Reserve into more aggressive monetary tightening later this year.

Investors are bracing for a critical series of quarterly reports from tech giants including Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, and Meta. These results will serve as a major test for the sector's valuation, especially as markets evaluate the tangible returns on massive artificial intelligence capital expenditures.

The 10-year Treasury yield is hovering around 4.31% as traders focus on upcoming Federal Reserve commentary and geopolitical tensions. Market participants have significantly scaled back expectations for rate cuts in 2026, with current pricing suggesting only a small probability of a single reduction in December.

The cryptocurrency market has shown resilience with Bitcoin trading near $79,000, supported by steady spot ETF inflows and expanding institutional integration. Despite broader macro uncertainty, digital assets are increasingly seen as a reflection of global risk sentiment and a potential hedge against inflation.

Gold has settled near $4,725 per ounce, retreating slightly from its mid-April peak as market volatility compresses. Despite the recent correction, the commodity remains up more than 40% year-over-year, driven by persistent inflation risks and structural demand for real assets.