Finance

Recent nonfarm payroll data showing 172,000 new jobs in May—well above expectations—has led market participants to price in a higher probability of interest rate hikes later in 2026. Under the new leadership of Chairman Kevin Warsh, the Federal Open Market Committee is expected to shift away from its prior easing bias as inflation pressures remain elevated due to ongoing energy market disruptions.

Oil prices experienced significant intraday swings on Monday as investors monitored the stability of a ceasefire between Israel and Iran following recent military strikes. Although Brent crude briefly surpassed $98 per barrel overnight, prices settled lower at approximately $94.25 as immediate fears of further escalation appeared to moderate.

Bitcoin and Ethereum saw recovery gains on Monday after Bitcoin dipped below the $60,000 threshold for the first time since 2024 over the weekend. Analysts remain cautious about high-leverage liquidation risks if prices fail to maintain key support levels around $63,000, especially as stablecoin outflows indicate tightening market liquidity.