Finance

U.S. Treasury yields surged on Monday, with the 10-year note touching 4.63%, its highest level since February 2025. Long-term borrowing costs for 30-year bonds also hovered at their highest points since 2007, reflecting investor concerns over accelerating inflation and rising government debt. Market participants are increasingly monitoring these yields as they threaten the valuations of growth-oriented technology and AI companies.

Oil prices fluctuated significantly as the conflict in the Middle East entered its 80th day, with Brent crude rising above the $110 mark. Although reports of a potential U.S. waiver on certain sanctions briefly cooled prices, ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to pose risks of an unprecedented supply shock. Financial analysts warn that sustained high energy costs could drive inflation further and potentially lead to demand destruction in the petrochemical and aviation sectors.

Digital assets experienced a sharp downturn on May 18, 2026, with Bitcoin falling over 3% to trade below $77,000 and Ethereum dropping under $2,100. This bearish momentum triggered over $657 million in liquidations as spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded substantial daily outflows. Despite the price volatility, institutional accumulation continued with major entities disclosing multi-billion dollar purchases last week.