Finance

The tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite officially entered a correction on Thursday, closing more than 10% below its recent peak. Sharp declines in mega-cap stocks like Meta Platforms and NVIDIA have contributed to this slide, as rising oil prices and geopolitical instability dampen investor appetite for high-growth assets.

The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note rose to approximately 4.45% this week, marking its highest level since July 2025. This upward pressure on yields stems from concerns that prolonged conflict and surging energy costs will sustain high inflation, potentially forcing the Federal Reserve to maintain elevated interest rates longer than previously anticipated.

While most market sectors faced losses, energy stocks have trended upward as Brent crude prices climbed past $103 per barrel. The Energy Select Sector SPDR rose 1.6% in a recent session, benefiting from the same supply-side uncertainties in the Middle East that are pressuring the broader equity market.

The cryptocurrency market is showing signs of maturation as Bitcoin consolidates in the $68,000 to $72,000 range. Despite a broader 20% decline year-to-date and ongoing regulatory scrutiny regarding stablecoin yields, the digital asset has recovered quickly from recent dips, maintaining its role as a primary liquidity anchor for the sector.

US equity funds attracted a net $37.24 billion in the past week, representing the strongest weekly inflow in several months. This surge in capital was driven primarily by large-cap fund purchases as some investors look for buying opportunities amid hopes for eventual de-escalation in global military tensions.