Finance

Energy markets remain volatile and heavily pressured by the ongoing U.S. conflict with Iran. Worries over international energy infrastructure persisted after the U.S. administration reportedly declined a proposal to reopen the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz. Although Brent crude experienced a slight intraday dip to $96.16 per barrel, prices continue to hover near recent peaks, maintaining upward pressure on global inflation expectations.

Technology investors closely analyzed a leaked initial public offering prospectus from artificial intelligence laboratory Anthropic. The private documents revealed an ambitious long-term AI strategy balanced against sharply rising operational costs. This documentation, combined with separate safety concerns that prompted OpenAI to pause its next-generation product release, injected fresh volatility into the tech sector and broader market sentiment.

Cryptocurrencies advanced in early trading on Tuesday, with Bitcoin consolidating near $83,600 and Ethereum hovering around $2,700. Despite a minor short-term pullback from local highs, Bitcoin remains on track to secure its best quarterly performance in nearly two years, having surged over 40% since July. This unique rally has allowed the digital asset to outperform traditional safe-havens like gold, breaking historical seasonality trends despite broader macroeconomic headwinds.