Finance

Military exchanges between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz have injected uncertainty into global markets. These clashes sparked a rise in crude oil prices, which jumped roughly 2% in after-hours trading, reviving concerns regarding energy supply stability and persistent inflation.

While long-term appetite for artificial intelligence remain robust, semiconductor firms like Intel and Advanced Micro Devices faced significant pressure, with some shares falling roughly 3%. This retreat follows a period of strong quarterly gains, as investors begin to weigh lofty valuations against actual earnings performance.

Analysts are observing a rotation into healthcare and value-oriented stocks as a hedge against potential volatility and slowing growth. Healthcare is emerging as a preferred sector due to its defensive nature and potential for operational improvements through widespread AI adoption.