Economic Pressures and Energy Market Shifts - The US 30-year fixed-rate mortgage has increased to 6.34% from 6.30%, indicating rising borrowing costs that may affect housing market activity [2][8] - The global energy sector is experiencing an unexpected surge in fuel oil demand due to disruptions in the Red Sea and the emergence of a shadow fleet, leading to volatility in energy prices and supply chains [3][8] Geopolitical Tensions Dominate Headlines - Russian President Vladimir Putin has made statements blaming Europe for the lack of peace in Ukraine and has expressed gratitude to BRICS nations and others for their peace efforts [4][5] - Putin has suggested that Russia may consider countermeasures to European militarization while dismissing claims of an imminent attack on NATO as hysteria [5][8] - The White House has indicated that military strikes in Venezuela are not off the table, suggesting a potential escalation in US foreign policy [5][8]