Neutral
Last updated: 2026-04-29 12:22:34 ET
Pulse AI Brief
Updated Apr 29, 2026 11:05 AM ET
Oil prices extended a multi-day rally as the Trump administration signaled plans to extend its blockade of Iranian ports, with Brent crude topping $114 per barrel. U.S. gasoline prices climbed to $4.23, the highest level since 2022, driven by fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.
Energy stocks rally on higher crude prices, while consumer-facing sectors face headwinds from elevated pump prices. HSBC strategists remain bullish on equities despite the oil surge, betting markets can absorb temporary energy shocks. Airlines, logistics, and transportation companies face margin compression from fuel cost escalation.
The blockade threat represents a significant geopolitical escalation that could reshape global energy markets if sustained. Higher energy costs risk reigniting inflation concerns and complicating the Federal Reserve's policy calculus as it approaches potential rate cuts.
Oil futures rallied further Wednesday, with the key contract nearing its highs reached in the early days of the Iran war with little progress made on ...
The price of crude oil has swung sharply as uncertainty over the war in the Middle East continues.
As Trump warns Iran to "get smart soon" and make a deal to end the war, an Iranian lawmaker vows Tehran will "never relinquish its control over the St...
The latest move higher comes amid reports that the U.S. will look to extend its blockade of Iranian ports.
Utility bills are up as much as 40% in some regions, and companies shut off power to customers 13m times in 2025The US’s top utilities’ CEOs enjoy...
Strategists at banking giant HSBC said they are "max bullish" on stocks, which can look past "temporary setbacks"
Oil prices continued to rise on Wednesday after U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to threaten Iran in a TruthSocial post.
U.S. stocks rose on Wednesday, following Tuesday’s lower close. Futures of the major benchmark indices were higher. Investors will be closely watchi...
Normalized operation of China Iran railway corridor, construction of energy trade strategic buffer
Consumer prices were 3.5% higher than a year earlier, an increase in the annual rate of inflation from 3.4% in March.
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