Tensions are escalating between the US and Iran, with President Trump warning Iran that closing the Strait of Hormuz would lead to war. The Strait is a critical waterway, handling about 20% of global oil consumption, with around 18-19 million barrels passing through daily. $GPS
Iran's threat to block the Strait has sent oil prices soaring, with experts predicting prices could hit $100 per barrel or more if it's closed. The US has deployed naval assets, including the USS Abraham Lincoln, to the region to deter Iranian aggression. $ARC
Trump has stated he's open to negotiations, saying "I hope they make a deal" and "We're negotiating right now". However, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any US attack would spark a regional war.
The situation is fluid, and the world is watching closely. $G
Dubai is experiencing a silver shortage, with buyers paying a 15% premium above the usual market rate due to rising demand. The shortage is driven by increased industrial use, investment trends, and jewelry sales. Silver prices are surging, with the current price at $89.35 per ounce, a 4.72% increase. $XAG
The UAE's growing clean energy sector, particularly solar panels, is contributing to the demand. Silver is also used in electronics, medical technologies, and electric vehicles. Investors are turning to silver as a safe-haven asset, further straining supply. $GPS
Traders expect the premium to ease once supply improves, but demand remains strong.$ARC
Senate Democrats are pushing to delay Kevin Warsh's confirmation hearing for Fed Chair, citing "sham" investigations into current Fed leaders Jerome Powell and Lisa Cook. The move could impact market liquidity and the "Trump Trade". $ARC
Democrats argue the investigations are "pretextual" attempts to intimidate the Fed, undermining its independence. They're also questioning Warsh's nomination, saying he's been chosen for his loyalty to Trump's agenda, particularly on rate cuts. $ENSO
Republican Senator Thom Tillis is also opposing the nomination until the Powell investigation is resolved, creating a potential deadlock on the Senate Banking Committee.
The uncertainty is expected to inject volatility into markets, affecting the Dollar Index and Treasury yields. Warsh's potential confirmation delay might also push back expected rate cuts, impacting crypto markets.$OG
The US is considering imposing 100% tariffs on countries that continue to buy Russian oil, with countries like China, India, and Brazil potentially affected. $G
This move is part of the US's effort to cut off financial support to Russia amid the ongoing Ukraine conflict. US Senator Lindsey Graham has warned that countries buying Russian oil at discounted prices are profiting from "blood money" and will face consequences.$GPS
However, there's a recent development in India-US trade talks. The US has agreed to drop a 25% tariff linked to India's Russian oil purchases, with India committing to stop buying Russian oil and increase purchases from the US. $ARC
Gold has surged past $5,000, with the current price at $5,051.48, a 2.12% increase. This rally is driven by various factors, including geopolitical tensions, inflation concerns, and central bank buying. Experts predict gold will continue to rise, with J.P. Morgan forecasting a price of $6,300 by the end of 2026. $PAIN
The recent surge is part of a broader trend, with gold gaining over 60% in 2025. Investors are seeking safe-haven assets amid financial uncertainty, and gold's low correlation to equities and bonds makes it an attractive diversification option. $XAU
Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, has warned that if Western leaders, including the US and Trump, don't provide sufficient support to Ukraine, Europe may face a significant shift in power dynamics, with Russian influence expanding across the continent. Her statement emphasizes that supporting Ukraine isn't optional, but essential to prevent a major geopolitical reversal. $GPS
Kallas stressed that Russia's aggression in Ukraine is not just a threat to Ukraine's sovereignty but also to European security and stability. She urged Western leaders to increase military and financial support to Ukraine, warning that hesitation could lead to severe consequences. $G
The EU foreign policy chief's warning comes amid rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia intensifying its attacks on Ukrainian cities and critical infrastructure. Kallas has called for tougher sanctions on Russia and increased support for Ukraine's defense. $ARC
The Federal Reserve is expected to make an emergency announcement at 6:30 PM ET today, with reports suggesting they might officially start Quantitative Easing (QE) to stabilize the markets. QE involves the Fed buying government bonds or other assets to inject liquidity into the economy, aiming to lower interest rates and boost economic activity. $GPS
This move is likely a response to rising tensions and market volatility. The Fed has been using QE in the past to stimulate the economy, notably during the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic.$G
Given the expected announcement, investors are bracing for high market volatility. Some experts predict this could lead to increased asset prices, potentially benefiting stocks and cryptocurrencies. $ARC
Iran's senior IRGC official, Major General Hussein Daqiqi, has stated that the country has sufficient defensive weapons, signaling readiness to defend against threats, including from the US. This declaration comes amid rising Middle East tensions, with the US pushing for nuclear negotiations while maintaining military pressure on Iran. $GPS
Daqiqi's statement is seen as a bold message to Washington, indicating Iran's preparedness to protect its borders, nuclear facilities, and strategic waterways like the Strait of Hormuz. Experts warn that any aggressive action by the US could be costly and risky, escalating diplomatic and military stakes.$G
Meanwhile, the US and Iran are set to hold high-level talks, with Iran demanding talks focus solely on nuclear issues and be held in Oman. The US has shot down an Iranian drone approaching an aircraft carrier, and Iranian forces have threatened US-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz. $ARC