Finance

International oil benchmarks experienced a significant surge following a U.S. military strike against Iranian rocket launchers near the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude climbed past $90 a barrel as the escalation disrupted a temporary lull in regional fighting, renewing supply risk premiums for energy traders. The geopolitical flare-up has also intensified broader market anxieties regarding energy-driven inflation pressures.

Spot gold prices fell below $4,400 per ounce, touching their lowest levels in nearly two weeks. The precious metal is facing strong downward momentum after a sharp multi-day decline triggered by rising government bond yields and a firmer U.S. dollar. Higher yields continue to increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding bullion, overshadowing gold's traditional appeal as an inflation hedge.

Bitcoin's recent upward momentum stalled as the digital asset pulled back to around $78,000 after briefly clearing the $81,000 threshold. The retraction coincides with a cooling in spot ETF demand and a notable rise in exchange-held reserves. Market participants are exercising seasonal caution while pricing in the heightened probability of tighter central bank monetary policy.