Finance

Crude oil futures surged as geopolitical tensions escalated sharply in the Middle East following reports of an attempted attack on American forces and potential retaliatory measures. International benchmark Brent crude jumped more than 6% to settle near $88 to $89 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate experienced a similar upward trajectory. This sudden reversal intensified broader market anxieties regarding energy-driven inflation and global supply chains.

Tech-heavy sectors continued to drag indices lower as investors aggressively pared back exposure to high-flying semiconductor and artificial intelligence firms. Jitters intensified after weaker-than-expected corporate financial reporting overseas caused market heavyweights like Micron Technology and AMD to tumble. The Nasdaq 100 index has now entered correction territory, dropping roughly 10% from its historic highs achieved last month.

Digital assets traded on a mixed note today, with major cryptocurrencies exhibiting limited upside momentum amid a macro environment dominated by central bank commentary. Bitcoin managed to hold steady above the $63,000 threshold, while Ethereum edged lower into the $1,880 range. Market sentiment remains frozen in fearful territory as crypto traders weigh institutional capital outflows from spot digital asset products and rising Treasury yields.