Finance

Financial markets continue to monitor fluctuating tensions between the U.S. and Iran following a period of renewed airstrikes that briefly threatened a temporary ceasefire. Although initial concerns regarding supply chain stability in the Strait of Hormuz led to a sharp market split earlier in the week, investors appeared to downplay the conflict on Thursday as diplomatic hopes stabilized sentiment.

Energy prices eased on Thursday with U.S. crude futures retreating to approximately $73 per barrel, a cooling trend that helped lower benchmark Treasury yields. The 10-year Treasury yield edged down to 4.54% after previously hitting its highest level in two months, which alleviated some pressure on broader equity markets.

Bitcoin and other digital assets held firm near $63,000 as investor risk appetite returned despite ongoing geopolitical noise in the Middle East. Prices were supported by reports that a new draft of the Clarity Act for digital asset legislation could reach the Senate floor as early as this month.