Finance

Crude oil benchmarks continue to trade at elevated levels, with Brent crude moving back toward the $90 per barrel threshold following renewed military flare-ups between the United States and Iran. Analysts from Goldman Sachs warned that a prolonged closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz could push global oil prices past $120 a barrel in the fourth quarter. Meanwhile, energy markets remain highly sensitive to disruptions, though recent signs of regional mediation have marginally capped early intraday spikes.

U.S. Government bond yields ticked slightly lower across the curve as traders monitored the evolving international situation and digested softer inflation indications. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield slipped slightly to sit around 4.59%, down from its prior peaks, while the two-year yield hovered near 4.20%. Financial strategists point out that fixed-income assets remain highly sensitive to sudden energy price spikes and ongoing military developments due to a relatively quiet domestic data calendar this week.

The digital asset sector experienced a broad-based lift, with Bitcoin pushing back above the $66,000 threshold and other major altcoins following suit. The upward momentum was largely driven by reports that political leadership had agreed to crucial ethics provisions regarding the U.S. Clarity Act, helping pave a clearer legislative path in the Senate. Derivatives data recorded expanding institutional interest and a high volume of call-heavy choices, reinforcing a positive short-term sentiment across crypto trading desks.