Finance

Energy prices surged as conflicting reports regarding a potential strike on a U.S. Navy vessel in the Strait of Hormuz reintroduced a significant war premium. Brent crude pushed past $111 per barrel on Monday, fueling concerns that persistent energy-driven inflation could derail recent market momentum.

Recent policy discussions revealed the highest level of disagreement among Federal Reserve members since 1992, with several officials dissenting against the decision to hold rates steady. Policymakers expressed concern that the ongoing Iran conflict and resulting energy costs are pushing annual inflation toward 4%, far above the central bank's target.

The world's largest cryptocurrency surpassed the psychologically significant $80,000 threshold for the first time since late January before slightly pulling back. Analysts noted that digital assets are showing inverse correlation to oil prices, with brief price improvements following attempts to secure maritime trade routes.