Finance

Energy prices surged as the conflict in the Middle East intensified, with Brent crude climbing toward $116 and WTI crude trading above $101 per barrel. Analysts note that Brent is on track for its steepest monthly rise in history, driven by supply concerns and rhetoric regarding the control of regional oil infrastructure.

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note hovered around 4.41% after reaching an eight-month high of 4.48% late last week. Markets are currently pricing in a longer duration for regional conflicts, which has added pressure to the short end of the yield curve and increased the cost of commercial credit.

Bitcoin and Ethereum saw slight price recoveries Monday morning after plunging over the weekend as the ongoing war entered its fifth week. Investors continue to treat digital assets as high-risk instruments, with Bitcoin currently trading approximately 19% lower for the year as capital shifts toward more conservative holdings.

U.S. dividend income funds have drawn over $24 billion in new capital during the first quarter of 2026, marking the highest inflow for this period in four years. This shift reflects a broader market trend where investors are prioritizing stable, income-generating equities over growth-oriented sectors during times of high geopolitical risk.