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Markets Slip as Investors Bet on Extended U.S.–Iran Ceasefire

  Stocks Edge Lower as Investors Hope U.S.–Iran Ceasefire Will Hold Stocks drifted lower today as markets balanced cautious optimism over a potential extension of the U.S.–Iran ceasefire with persistent geopolitical and inflation concerns. Recent trading sessions have shown that even modest signs of diplomatic progress can meaningfully shift investor sentiment. Asian and U.S. markets rallied earlier this week on hopes that Washington and Tehran would continue negotiations, helping unwind some of the war-driven risk premiums that had pushed oil and volatility higher. Despite the pullback, investors remain hopeful that the ceasefire—currently set to expire soon—will be extended, giving negotiators more time to work toward a longer-term agreement. Reports indicate both sides are considering adding another two weeks to the pause, a move that has already helped push Brent crude below the recent peak of nearly US$120 per barrel. Lower oil prices have eased pressure on inflation expecta...

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Escalation Shock: Trump’s Iran Threat Spurs Oil Spike and Global Market Sell-Off

 

                                  Asian markets broadly declined following President Donald Trump’s address

Global markets were rattled after President Donald Trump vowed to strike Iran “extremely hard,” sending oil prices sharply higher and pushing stocks into a broad retreat. Brent crude surged past $108 per barrel, while major indices across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. fell as investors reacted to renewed uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict. 

President Donald Trump’s latest warning that the U.S. will hit Iran “extremely hard” over the coming weeks has triggered a fresh wave of volatility across global markets. In a nationally televised address, Trump reiterated that U.S. military objectives in Iran were “nearing completion,” but offered no clear timeline for de-escalation—dashing earlier hopes for a swift end to the conflict. 

Oil markets reacted immediately. Brent crude jumped nearly 7% to around $108 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed above $106, reflecting deepening concerns over supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments. Analysts noted that Trump’s refusal to outline an exit strategy signaled that energy instability could persist for months. 

Stock markets across Asia and Europe tumbled as investors digested the implications of prolonged conflict. South Korea’s Kospi plunged 5.5%, while major European indices, including Germany’s DAX and the pan-European Stoxx 600, opened sharply lower. U.S. futures also slipped more than 1% across the board. Bond yields rose globally as traders fled risk assets, signaling widespread unease. 

The renewed escalation underscores the fragility of global markets amid geopolitical uncertainty. With no clear diplomatic path in sight, investors are bracing for continued turbulence in energy prices and equities as the conflict unfolds.

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