Iran's military leadership rejected Donald Trump's claims that Tehran was ready to negotiate, as the US president's policy shifts appear tied to oil price volatility. The clash highlights growing uncertainty in global energy markets, with investors scrambling to assess how sudden policy pivots could impact crude prices and regional stability.

Meanwhile, the EU's trade commissioner warned that time is running out to prevent the World Trade Organization from becoming irrelevant, adding to investor concerns about the global trade framework. In the private credit sector, Ares Capital has limited withdrawals from its $10.7 billion fund, raising questions about liquidity in the alternative lending market. These redemption caps signal potential stress in private credit as investors seek to understand the broader implications for the $1.4 trillion industry.

Meta and Google face landmark liability in a US case linking social media to children's mental health harms, marking a significant regulatory shift for tech giants. With multiple pressure points emerging across energy policy, trade governance, and financial markets, investors are navigating an increasingly complex landscape where geopolitical tensions and regulatory changes create both risks and opportunities.