Finance

Direct military engagements between the United States and Iran have disrupted energy markets, pushing international benchmarks higher. Brent crude neared $95 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate climbed past $90 as direct attacks impacted critical shipping waterways and bases. The spike has bolstered shares of large energy producers, but it continues to amplify global inflation concerns.

Government bond yields have surged across the globe as persistent inflation fears and heavy fiscal burdens pressure fixed-income assets. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.80%, reaching its highest point in 20 months, while international benchmarks in Japan and Europe also touched multi-decade peaks. Investors are selling off equities and bonds to mitigate risk amid growing expectations of tighter monetary policy.

Digital assets experienced notable downward pressure, with Bitcoin falling toward $76,500 and Ethereum dipping to around $2,373. The price drop follows comments from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh that heightened investor expectations for a September interest rate increase. Because digital currencies do not yield traditional interest, rising rate projections are steering capital away from speculative risk assets.