Finance

Tensions and military engagements between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz have generated extensive anxiety regarding global energy infrastructure and supply chains. Consequently, international benchmark Brent crude surged above $104 a barrel, crossing the triple-digit threshold for the first time in weeks. Analysts worry that prolonged energy supply disruptions will perpetuate sticky inflationary pressures and alter macroeconomic trajectories.

The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield advanced toward 4.9%, reaching fresh multiyear highs despite actions from the Treasury Department to increase its debt buyback capacity. While the department expanded its long-term nominal bond operation limit to $6 billion, the measure failed to pacify investor concerns regarding heavy asset supply and structural government spending. The continuing upward curve highlights that bond investors demand higher returns to compensate for systemic risk.

Digital assets saw a multi-day pullback, with Bitcoin sliding under the $78,000 threshold and Ethereum dipping toward $2,460. The slide follows a wave of trader liquidations catalyzed by broad macroeconomic anxieties and a potential rate hike next week. Market participants are increasingly avoiding high-risk asset classes as escalating energy prices spark fear of severe inflation.