Oil volatility persisted as prediction markets showed $120 crude bets surging. Gulf states revived pipeline plans to bypass Hormuz Strait per FT reporting. The closure forced countries from Bangladesh to Zambia to ration fuel as Middle East conflict cut flows.
Asia-Pacific markets whipsawed on Trump war rhetoric. CNBC reported oil jumped 11% after the president's Iran speech then crashed back to $100 when he signaled potential quick resolution. Brent posted its biggest monthly gain since 1988 surging over 60% in March.
LMT Lockheed Martin grabbed Wells Fargo upgrade to hold as defense budgets climbed. RKLB Rocket Lab won regulatory approvals for key acquisitions showing space exploration momentum. The sector dominated analyst recommendations per recent ORTEX data.
The dollar headed for its steepest weekly gain in a year on haven demand. India's central bank blocked non-deliverable rupee derivatives to halt shorting pressure. Chinese government bonds emerged as the lone war haven with yields falling while other major economies saw rates climb.
US Treasury called in regulators for talks on private credit risks. The discussions included American and international insurance watchdogs showing systemic concern.
COTY Coty faced investor lawsuits after surprise profit decline and CEO exit. The cosmetics firm withdrew 2026 guidance triggering legal action. FTNT Fortinet absorbed shareholder investigation into officer conduct.
European stocks posted worst month since 2022 as Iran war dragged on. SAP SAP's billion-euro buyback failed to halt stock slide showing even aggressive capital returns couldn't offset macro pressure. UK bank capital rules drew criticism as growth drag mounted.
Gold dropped on stronger dollar and rising rate bets despite ongoing geopolitical chaos. The metal set for worst month in over 17 years as Fed cut hopes evaporated.
ORTEX Market Intelligence content is generated by AI from a snapshot of ORTEX's proprietary data. Content is informational only and does not constitute investment advice.
