Finance

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed significantly due to the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, with oil traffic reported to have dropped by approximately 94%. This prolonged blockade has kept global oil prices elevated and fueled domestic concerns regarding energy costs and inflation. Although temporary ceasefire talks have offered some reprieve, market experts warn that returning to pre-war production levels could take several years.

The yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury note reached approximately 4.35% as market participants adjusted their positions ahead of the upcoming Federal Reserve policy announcement. Elevated oil prices have complicated the outlook for rate cuts by increasing inflation expectations, leading some traders to anticipate that interest rates may remain higher for longer. This shift in the yield curve has particularly pressured the technology sector, where analysts noted historical correlations between steepening curves and weaker earnings.

The cryptocurrency market has shown a notable contrast between stable benchmarks and more volatile speculative assets. Bitcoin has held a relatively positive position in the short term, trading between $74,000 and $80,000 despite broader market indecision as the month ends. Meanwhile, other digital assets like Cardano and Ethereum have experienced softer demand, and the market remains sensitive to regulatory developments and potential short liquidation events.