Market Volatility - The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), known as Wall Street's "fear index," surged by 20% to an intraday high of 28.57, the highest level since October 2025 [1] - The increase in VIX reflects heightened market volatility amid geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing war between the U.S.-Israel and Iran [1] Oil Prices - West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices increased by 10.62% to $89.61 per barrel, while Brent Crude rose by 7.33% to $91.67 per barrel, driven by fears of potential disruptions in oil supplies due to the conflict in West Asia [2] Cryptocurrency Market - The rise in market volatility has coincided with a decline in cryptocurrency stocks, with notable drops in major companies [3] - MicroStrategy (Nasdaq: MSTR), the largest Bitcoin treasury company, saw its stock decrease by 3.5% to $134.92, marking a 55% loss since mid-October [3] - Coinbase Global (Nasdaq: COIN), the largest crypto exchange in the U.S., traded at $196.50, down 4.45%, and has lost 40% since the last peak in VIX [4] - Robinhood Markets (Nasdaq: HOOD), popular among young traders, was down 3% to $78.15, experiencing a 40% decline over the past five months [4] - Circle Internet Group (NYSE: CRCL), known for its USDC stablecoin, traded 3% lower at $102.57, losing 25% since mid-October [5]