Finance

Crude oil benchmarks experienced a significant sell-off as the temporary halt in conflicts between the U.S. and Iran reduced immediate supply fears. Brent crude tumbled toward the mid-$80s per barrel, representing a substantial decline from recent peaks above $100 last week. The sharp drop in energy costs has alleviated some immediate inflation concerns for global market participants.

Investors are shifting focus toward a pivotal corporate and economic schedule, marking the busiest week of the quarterly earnings season. Mega-cap tech giants, including Microsoft, Meta Platforms, Apple, and Amazon, are all scheduled to report financial results. Simultaneously, the Federal Reserve is set to announce its latest monetary policy decision on Wednesday, which remains highly unpredictable despite widespread expectations that rates will hold steady.

Major digital assets capitalized on a renewed investor appetite for risk assets on Monday. Bitcoin successfully rallied back above the $65,000 level, while Ethereum exhibited strong performance by climbing toward $1,980. The upward trajectory was largely supported by the macroeconomic relief stemming from lower energy prices and the potential reopening of diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran.