Finance

Crude oil futures experienced a sharp decline of approximately 5%, with Brent crude falling toward $81 per barrel as traders anticipated the normalization of energy flows through the Persian Gulf. Major investment banks have already begun slashing their year-end oil price forecasts in response to the de-escalation of hostilities in the region.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates in the 3.50% to 3.75% range during the current June meeting, the first led by newly appointed Chair Kevin Warsh. While inflation remains significantly above the 2% target, the market is pricing in a 99% probability of no change as the central bank assesses the impact of recent geopolitical shifts on consumer prices.

High-growth technology stocks, particularly in the semiconductor space, are seeing a renewed bid as easing energy costs and improved risk sentiment support valuations. Companies like Nvidia and Qualcomm posted notable gains today, helping the sector recover from a significant trillion-dollar market value retraction experienced earlier this month.