Trump gave Tehran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as search continued for a missing US pilot. Prediction markets saw $120 oil bets surge per Why is it Moving reporting. Brent crude jumped over 60% in March marking the biggest monthly gain since 1988.
Energy traders wrongfooted by crisis scale per FT Markets reporting. World's top oil trading firms that normally thrive on volatility got caught out as energy shock unfolded. Gulf states considered new pipelines to bypass Hormuz despite huge costs.
Asia-Pacific markets plunged initially then rebounded on war-end hopes. South Korea's Kospi led gains after Trump indicated conflict could conclude within weeks. Chinese government bonds emerged as lone war haven with yields down marginally while other major economies rose.
Governments from Bangladesh to Zambia imposed measures to cut fuel demand. The global wave of energy rationing accelerated as Middle East conflict shut off flows. India's central bank blocked non-deliverable derivatives making it harder to short the rupee.
European stocks posted worst month since 2022 as Iran war dragged on. Gold extended gains on softer dollar and war focus yet set for worst month in 17 years as rate-cut hopes faded. Dollar rose against peers on renewed conflict concerns despite reports of US willingness to end Iran campaign.
US Treasury called in regulators for talks on private credit risks. Discussions included American and international insurance watchdogs as financial stability concerns mounted.
BAC Bank of America reached settlement in Epstein sex abuse case with up to 75 women expected to benefit. Virgin Orbit filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy hitting SPCE Virgin Galactic peer sentiment.
BOOT Boot Barn dropped 9% despite raising guidance and expanding store growth plans showing defensive rotation. PINS Pinterest and SMR NuScale Power faced securities fraud class action deadlines.
Apollo sought second headquarters in American south yet demand for New York office space rose per Bloomberg reporting.
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.
