Finance

Long-term government bond yields have leveled off after a period of intense selling that pushed the 30-year Treasury yield above 5.19%, its highest level since before the 2008 financial crisis. Market participants remain cautious as persistent concerns over energy-driven inflation continue to drive expectations that the Federal Reserve may maintain a hawkish stance for the remainder of the year.

Crude oil prices saw a slight retreat early Wednesday but remain elevated above $100 per barrel as the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains impacted by regional conflict. While some diplomatic progress between the U.S. and Iran has been reported, persistent supply risks and rising U.S. gasoline prices, which are up 43% compared to last year, continue to pressure the global economy.

The cryptocurrency market showed signs of resilience on Wednesday, with Bitcoin rebounding from a five-day losing streak to trade near $77,500. Sentiment improved slightly following news of Senate moves to curb presidential war powers, though analysts note that digital asset volatility remains unusually low given the broader stresses in traditional bond and currency markets.