Oil Futures Retreat After Geopolitical Spike, Crypto Markets Watch for Spillover
Crude oil futures surrendered early gains as Middle East tensions showed signs of stabilization. West Texas Intermediate slipped 0.8% to $67.61 after Wednesday''s 4% surge, while Brent crude mirrored the decline at $69.22. The pullback followed explosive moves triggered by NBC reports of potential Israeli strikes on Iran without U.S. approval.
Energy markets remain on high alert after the Pentagon authorized voluntary evacuations of military families from the region. JP Morgan analysts warned of $120 crude in a worst-case scenario, though cooler heads appear to be prevailing for now. The volatility underscores how quickly risk assets can MOVE when geopolitical fault lines tremble.