Oil drops on signs conflict may space Iranian crude production
Oil fell as the conflict in the Middle East has so far avoided disrupting crude production and the Wall Street Journal reported that Iran privately expressed willingness to deescalate hostilities with Israel. West Texas Intermediate tumbled as much as 4.9%, after spiking higher at the open, after the newspaper said Tehran would be open to returning to the negotiating table as long as the US doesn’t join the attack. The development quelled fears that a protracted conflict would engulf a region that produces around a third of the world’s crude. Source: Bloomberg
From checkout lanes to blockchain?
Walmart, Amazon, and Expedia exploring stablecoins? Major retailers are looking into issuing or using stablecoins to streamline payments, cut fees, and accelerate settlement—especially across borders according to the WSJ. Their next move may hinge on the Genius Act, a bill aiming to create a clear U.S. regulatory framework for stablecoins. Source : wsj
Investors are now “all-in” on equities — with the highest stock allocation on record.
The only time it came close? Right before the Dot-Com bubble burst. 👀 source : goldman sachs, barchart
The long-term story of the S&P 500 — through the war, the fear, the crisis
source : s&p, bloomberg
Central Bank Rate Decisions This Week
source : Bloomberg
Year-to-date performance by Hedge Fund strategy
source : tme, GS prime brokerage
US energy production hits new record high
The United States just hit a new all-time high in energy production, reaching 103 quadrillion BTUs in 2024. This record was driven by strong growth in renewables — with solar up 25%, wind up 8%, and biofuels up 6%. Crude oil output also reached a record 13.2 million barrels per day, keeping the U.S. as the world’s top producer. Natural gas remained the largest energy source, while coal production fell to a 60-year low. Source : chartr
The S&P 500 recently saw its 7th “near” bear market since WWII, dropping 18.9%.
Historically, after the previous six similar declines, the market rebounded every time — with an average gain of 13.4% over the following year. History doesn’t repeat, but it often rhymes… source : bespoke
