Heightened tensions in the Middle East threaten a fragile ceasefire, driving up oil prices and keeping energy costs elevated. This has increased inflation risks and stalled the stock market rally. Following its longest weekly winning streak since 2024, the S&P 500 experienced volatility. Amid the turbulent trading session, Brent crude oil surged more than 5% before paring some gains, trading near $110 per barrel. With oil prices hovering near four-year highs and recent data indicating continued resilience in the U.S. economy, Treasury yields have climbed. A new plan announced by U.S. President Donald Trump to assist vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz has left shipping executives perplexed, as attacks persist and maritime traffic remains largely stalled. Citing a senior U.S. official, Axios reported that the United States has denied an Iranian media claim that its missiles struck a U.S. naval vessel.
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