US forces pressed search efforts today for a missing serviceman. Iran called on citizens to find the "enemy pilot". The conflict entered day 20 with no clear end showing fresh military pressure spreading.
Bank of America reached settlement with up to 75 women in Epstein sex abuse case per AP reporting. The deal closed a years-long legal battle tied to the disgraced financier's banking relationships.
Prediction markets showed surging $120 oil bets as traders positioned for extended disruption. Gulf states considered new pipelines to bypass Strait of Hormuz closure. The infrastructure projects replicate Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline despite massive cost and complexity.
FT reported governments from Bangladesh to Zambia imposed fuel rationing measures. The global energy rationing wave spread as Middle East flows stayed cut off. India's central bank blocked non-deliverable rupee derivatives making it harder to short the currency.
World's top energy traders got wrongfooted in early war days. Oil traders normally thriving on volatility faced unexpected scale catching them unprepared as the energy shock unfolded.
Asia-Pacific markets mostly rose Friday on Hormuz reopening hopes despite reality showing no progress. Gold dropped on stronger dollar and rising rate bet pressure. The dollar gained against peers on renewed conflict concerns.
Chinese government bonds emerged as the lone war haven. Yields on China's debt fell marginally since conflict start while other major economies saw rising yields showing defensive capital rotation into Asian fixed income.
US Treasury called regulators for private credit risk discussions. The talks included American and international insurance watchdogs addressing systemic concerns as shadow banking faced scrutiny.
European stocks posted worst month since 2022 as Iran war dragged on. Brent crude surged over 60% in March marking biggest monthly gain dating to 1988.
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.
