Finance

Crude oil benchmarks Brent and West Texas Intermediate both jumped more than 5% today, with Brent surpassing $105 per barrel. The ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted global supply, leading to fears that energy-driven inflation will persist longer than previously anticipated.

U.S. Treasury yields spiked on Thursday, with the 10-year note rising toward 4.4% as investors pivoted away from bonds due to inflation concerns. A weak $69 billion auction of 2-year notes further pressured the fixed-income market, forcing primary dealers to absorb a significantly larger share of the offering than usual.

Weekly jobless claims data released today showed continuing applications for unemployment benefits falling to 1.819 million, the lowest level since May 2024. Despite this underlying stability, analysts warn that the current energy shock could begin to suppress monthly payroll growth, particularly in the retail and hospitality sectors.

Bitcoin prices slipped below the $69,000 mark on March 26, 2026, as the broader risk-off sentiment in traditional markets extended to digital assets. While some analysts suggest the sector may be nearing a cyclical floor, the cryptocurrency remains highly sensitive to geopolitical developments and evolving interest rate expectations.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.38% this week, marking its highest level in more than half a year. Borrowing costs have risen for four consecutive weeks, tracking the surge in oil prices and bond yields that began at the onset of recent international hostilities.