Middle East Tensions Drive Oil Prices to One-Week High

The climb in energy costs comes as traders weigh the likelihood of diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region against the reality of supply chain vulnerabilities. This uncertainty rippled across broader financial indices, while gold prices retreated in anticipation of fresh inflation statistics that could dictate central bank policy.

Corporate movements provided a counterpoint to the geopolitical gloom. Nvidia intensified its push into high-stakes finance, partnering with BlackRock and Goldman Sachs to bankroll massive AI infrastructure projects. Simultaneously, Intel captured market attention by securing $20 billion through a significant share sale, underscoring the tech sector's aggressive pursuit of capital even as macroeconomic headwinds persist.