Finance

West Texas Intermediate oil futures climbed to their highest trading level in over five weeks amid continuing hostilities in the Middle East. Ongoing military strikes involving U.S. forces in southern and western Iran have kept energy markets volatile and heightened concerns over global supply disruptions. Despite reports of a potential ten-day ceasefire proposal floating through mediators, the immediate geopolitical tension has pushed crude prices up near $84 per barrel.

Digital assets experienced a sharp upward move today, with Bitcoin approaching the $67,000 threshold to hit a one-month high. The rally followed encouraging statements from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent regarding legislative progress on the comprehensive Clarity Act. The positive regulatory momentum triggered broad-based gains across smaller tokens and significantly lifted shares of major digital asset brokerages and crypto-exposed equities.

Shares of 3M Company surged by approximately 9% today, making it one of the top performers among blue-chip stocks. The jump followed the company's decision to lift its full-year adjusted earnings guidance after reporting a strong 11% year-over-year increase in second-quarter profits. Management attributed the positive momentum to healthy industrial demand and strategic efforts to quicken the commercialization of data center and safety products.