A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran on February 28, 2026. (Photo by AFP via Getty Images)Market watchers are bracing for turbulence after the U.S. confirmed it has launched "major combat operations" in Iran, a move investors say could carry far greater market consequences than the recent run of geopolitical flare-ups.U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. military has begun "major combat operations" in Iran.Several ministries in the southern part of the Iranian capital, Tehran ...

Group 1 - Crude oil is showing signs of weakness despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, indicating that market positioning and underlying balance are becoming more significant than news and rumors [1] - New sanctions related to Iran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have added a "risk premium" to crude prices, but market reactions have been measured rather than explosive [2] - Robust Russian exports, continued Iranian flows via shadow fleets, and US production near historical highs are complicating the ability of oil prices to maintain a bullish trend [2] Group 2 - The combination of opposing forces is creating uncertainty and price compression, with upcoming nuclear talks between the US and Iran potentially influencing price movements [3] - Recent price action on the Renko chart indicates a transition from a trend regime to a range, with sellers liquidating rallies and buyers seeking better support levels [4]

Key Takeaways US-Iran nuclear talks extended, keeping oil prices volatile and markets on edge.USO tracks daily crude moves, gaining 6% in a year amid headline-driven swings. ETFs like OIH show varied returns as energy equities react to shifting risk premiums.The latest round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks concluded yesterday, leaving oil markets in a state of cautious stability after a period of intense pressure. During the Geneva discussions, Brent and WTI swung more than a dollar intraday as headlines flippe ...

Iranian people walk through the area under a state building covered with a giant anti-U.S. billboard depicting a symbolic image of the destroyed USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) aircraft carrier, in downtown Tehran, Iran, on February 26, 2026, the final day of Iran-U.S. talks that are currently held in the city of Geneva. (Photo by Morteza Nikoubazl/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty ImagesOn paper, oil prices should be falling.The Energy Information Administration reported a 16-million-barrel build ...

Chevron (NYSE: CVX) has entered exclusive talks with the government of Iraq to take control of the massive West Qurna 2 oilfield. The Middle Eastern country nationalized the oilfield last month after the U.S. imposed sanctions on Lukoil to put more pressure on Russia to end its war with Ukraine. The talks could lead to Chevron getting a new contract to operate the oilfield. Here are two key takeaways for oil stock investors. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believ ...

Pretiorates’ Thoughts 120 – The roof and beams are creaking It has been almost exactly a month since we pointed out that the inner strength of the US stock market no longer looks quite so fresh. In our Thoughts on January 21, 2026, we speculated whether rising interest rates in Japan could be the domino that would fall – or whether SCOTUS might rule US import tariffs illegal. In the end, the trigger for a correction is actually secondary. The key thing is whether you are prepared when the first domino fall ...

Bitcoin's sharp pullback on Monday triggered a flurry of liquidations across crypto markets, wiping out over $470 million in leveraged positions. The leading cryptocurrency fell roughly 4.6% from $67,600 to $64,435 in less than two hours during early Asian trading, according to CoinGecko data. The sudden collapse has resulted in over $505 million in liquidated positions across all assets over the past 24 hours, per CoinGlass data, with Bitcoin accounting for $232 million and Ethereum for $126 million. B ...

Group 1: Regional Conflict Dynamics - The Middle East is on the brink of a broader conflict as Hezbollah prepares its missile arsenal for a potential retaliatory strike against Israel, following a breakdown in diplomatic efforts and a U.S. ultimatum to Iran [2][9] - Reports indicate that IRGC officers have taken control of Hezbollah's operations, overseeing the reconstruction of missile units to ensure a unified response to threats against Iran [3][9] - Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have intensified, targeting Hezbollah's missile array and resulting in the deaths of several high-ranking operatives, indicating a collapse of the 2024 ceasefire agreement [5][9] Group 2: Market Reactions - Financial markets have reacted to the escalating tensions, with Brent Crude futures rising over 2.4% and warnings that conflict in the Strait of Hormuz could push prices toward $120 per barrel [4] - The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) has spiked to 24.5, reflecting increased market volatility, while safe-haven assets like Gold have seen a surge in demand as investors seek protection from potential disruptions [6][9] - Asian markets, including the Nikkei 225, have dropped over 1.2% as investors adopt a "risk-off" posture amid rising geopolitical risks [9]

Baltimore, MD, Feb. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jim Rickards is being recognized by Paradigm Press for his forecasting record after a series of high-impact political, financial, and macro developments unfolded in line with projections he outlined in advance. The designation from Paradigm Press reflects his work analyzing structural changes tied to government policy, global power shifts, and financial systems—an approach that has defined his research for decades and continues to shape his latest national br ...

Photographer: Jorge Guerrero/AFP/Getty Images The oil market is in the middle of its strongest start to a year since 2022 as supply shocks and sanctions confound expectations of a glut. Now traders are racing to cover themselves against the prospect of the US bombing Iran again. Most Read from Bloomberg A surge in activity across futures and options markets is already pulling up crude prices — Brent futures touched a seven-month high of more than $72 a barrel on Friday, and some analysts see a risk prem ...