Weekly Global Market Pulse – Soft CPI Meets Hard Crude Shock
Geopolitical tensions flared as Israel''s retaliatory strikes on Iranian assets reignited Middle-East risk, sending crude prices higher and forcing markets to recalibrate. The dollar index briefly touched a three-year low NEAR 97.8 before paring losses, while investors sought refuge in gold and Treasuries even as they chased risk in tech and DeFi tokens.
U.S. equities remained resilient, with the S&P 500 holding just below record highs despite a 1.1% Friday dip. Europe''s STOXX 600 slipped 0.9% as energy costs squeezed margins, while Asia traded mixed amid China''s export slowdown. Cryptocurrencies emerged as a notable bright spot, with decentralized finance tokens attracting capital amid the volatility.