Finance

Crude oil prices jumped significantly on May 4, 2026, with WTI futures climbing 3% to reach $105 per barrel following reports of a missile strike on a U.S. ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts warn that sustained prices above $100 could reintroduce severe inflationary pressures into the global economy, potentially impacting central bank policy throughout the year.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 4.445% on Monday, marking its highest level since July 2025 and its largest one-day gain in over a month. This upward movement in yields reflects a shifting term premium as investors demand higher compensation for long-duration debt risks amid uncertain fiscal trajectories and volatile energy markets.

First-quarter earnings reports for 2026 remain a bright spot, with roughly 84% of S&P 500 companies reporting profits above analyst estimates. While tech giants like Apple and Alphabet have provided a strong baseline, investors are now closely watching how companies across other sectors price in rising fuel costs and shifting consumer demand.