Asian Tech Rally Clashes With Rising Energy and Political Risk

Brent crude climbed to $96.85 a barrel while U.S. crude reached $92.10, intensifying concerns over fuel costs. These energy prices sharpen the debate surrounding Federal Reserve interest rate policy, as investors weigh the AI industry's momentum against the threat of restricted transit zones near Iran following recent military encounters. The volatility extends to Europe, where the euro faces pressure from German regional election results. The strong polling performance of the far-right AfD has introduced a new layer of political uncertainty, tempering confidence in the currency’s stability as U.S. and European futures remain largely stagnant.