Trump Rejects Iran's Hormuz Offer: Will Brent Crude Spike?
President Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz just as traders were pricing in renewed diplomacy. Now Iran’s latest warning puts the focus on Brent crude’s first trade after the weekend—and whether geopolitical risk returns to the price.
Saudi Arabia Attacked—Why Oil Prices Fell Below $100
Weekend attacks on Saudi Arabia would normally add pressure to oil prices, yet WTI fell below $100 as traders focused on recovering Saudi exports and possible U.S.-Iran diplomacy. The next question is whether improving supply and diplomacy can keep oil below that threshold—or whether geopolitical risk takes control again.
Market Preview: Gold at $4,400 as Fed Weighs Rate Hike
Gold is back above $4,400 an ounce while the Federal Reserve debates a rate hike — a combination that normally works against a metal paying no yield. Today's preview covers the softer dollar, the closed Strait of Hormuz, and why Wednesday's Fed minutes are the event that matters.
Retail Sales Drop 0.6% as Small Caps Hit Record High
Retail sales fell 0.6% in July and consumer sentiment sank to 51, yet the Russell 2000 closed at an all-time high as rate-hike fears faded. The bond market disagreed — the ten-year yield rose to 4.68% while oil spiked near $82 on Strait of Hormuz tensions.