Dollar Holds Near Two-Month High as Yen Approaches 160 
European Stocks Fall as Bond Yields and Geopolitical Risks Weigh 
Soybean Futures Slip as Traders Await Trump-Xi Trade Signals 
Germany’s 2026 Growth Outlook Strengthens on Fiscal Spending 
Japanese Bank Stocks Surge as Bond Yields Fuel Rate Hike Bets 
Australia Unemployment Hits Five-Year High Despite Strong Jobs Growth 
U.S. Treasury Yields Surge as 30-Year Hits 22-Year High 
US Stock Futures Fall as Treasury Yields Surge Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit 
U.S. Dollar Hits Two-Month High as Oil, Treasury Yields Surge 
UK PM Burnham to Unveil Economic Vision at Labour Conference 
Fed’s Hammack Says Bond Yield Surge Is Not Driven by Inflation Fears 
Gold Holds Near $4,275 as Rising Treasury Yields Fuel Fed Rate Hike Bets 
China Agrees to Buy 20 Million Tons of U.S. Coal 
Oil Prices Fall on U.S.-Iran Hormuz Deal Hopes 
Oil Prices Jump 3% as Houthi Attack Revives Supply Fears 
Fed Unveils Stablecoin Rules Under GENIUS Act 
Asian Stocks Fall as Bond Yields Surge Ahead of Trump-Xi Summit 
Add as a preferred source on Google
Oil prices climbed in early Wednesday trading, extending gains from the previous session as geopolitical tensions between Iran and Israel stoked fears of supply disruptions. Brent crude rose 19 cents (0.25%) to $76.64 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) added 23 cents (0.31%) to reach $75.07 per barrel.
The escalation of the Iran-Israel conflict, now in its sixth day, has raised alarm over potential threats to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit chokepoint responsible for about 20% of global seaborne crude. U.S. President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” while the Pentagon is dispatching more fighter jets to the region, signaling further military buildup.
Adding to concerns, two oil tankers collided and caught fire near the Strait, and the UK Maritime Trade Operations warned of electronic interference affecting ship navigation in the area. Iran, the third-largest OPEC producer, pumps approximately 3.3 million barrels per day. However, analysts note that other OPEC members have spare capacity to compensate for potential shortfalls.
Markets are also closely watching the Federal Reserve’s ongoing policy discussions. While the central bank is expected to maintain interest rates at 4.25%-4.50%, analysts suggest that rising oil prices and geopolitical risks could prompt a rate cut as early as July—sooner than the market's current forecast of September. Lower rates typically stimulate economic growth and boost oil demand.
Yet, the Fed faces a dilemma, as surging crude prices could fuel inflation. According to the American Petroleum Institute, U.S. crude and gasoline inventories fell last week, while distillate stocks rose, adding another layer of complexity to the outlook for energy markets and monetary policy.
