Morning Bid: Flood the zone

Geopolitical Developments - The U.S. is actively engaging in geopolitical maneuvers in Venezuela, which may signal a broader strategy to realign Latin America economically and limit Russian and Chinese influence in the region [3] - President Trump is in a "wait and see" mode regarding Iran, amidst ongoing tensions and significant human rights concerns [2] Energy Market Impact - Brent crude prices surged 9% to over $66 a barrel, reaching a three-month high, before dropping below $64 due to Trump's reconsideration of his stance on Iran [4] - A significant supply glut continues to pose risks for crude investors, creating a volatile market environment [4] Precious Metals and Currency Movements - Gold prices experienced a decline after reaching a record high of $4,642.72 per ounce, although strong central bank demand and safe-haven interest may support future price increases [5] - The Japanese yen saw volatility, falling to an 18-month low around 160 per dollar before recovering, influenced by potential joint intervention with the U.S. to stabilize the currency [6]