Public Markets 8-Hour Briefing
×Oil & Energy Markets
Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel as Middle East tensions escalate, while Qatar's LNG outage erased forecasted supply surpluses for 2026. The Persian Gulf oil squeeze has arrived with traffic through the Strait of Hormuz grinding to a virtual halt.
Global Equity Markets
Asian equities slumped dramatically with Japan's Nikkei falling 6.7% as oil prices climbed. US stock futures dropped amid escalating Middle East tensions, while emerging-market stocks have fallen more than 10% from their recent peaks.
Currency Markets
The dollar strengthened against all major currencies as a haven bid emerged, while the yen could weaken to 159.30 against the dollar this week in volatile trading amid Middle East tensions.
Commodity Markets
Aluminum rose to the highest in almost four years as escalating hostilities in the Middle East worsened the supply outlook, while Chicago soybean oil futures surged more than 4% as energy price spikes lift demand for biofuel crops.
Debt Markets
Chinese sovereign bonds slumped as surging oil prices fuel inflation concerns, while South Korean bond yields are unlikely to revisit their February highs as the central bank prioritizes market stability.
Special Situation Stocks
Chinese EV giant CATL's strong quarterly results are expected to widen its market-cap lead over BYD, while Fosun International slumped after warning its annual loss may widen by as much as fivefold.