TL;DR

Oil spikes on U.S.-Iran strikes, Hormuz closure risk rises, equity futures rebound, Hims & Hers drops.

Highlights

• Brent crude spiked over $81 after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities; oil remains elevated 15.
• Iran’s parliament approved a measure to close the Strait of Hormuz; final decision pending, putting 20% of global oil flows at risk 216.
• Multiple supertankers diverted from Hormuz, shipping firms rerouted vessels, and freight rates surged 3.
• Goldman Sachs warns Brent could reach $110 if Hormuz is disrupted; prediction markets see ~34% chance of full closure in 2025 11.
• U.S. equity futures rebounded from early losses as oil eased and European markets stabilized 20.
• Bitcoin briefly fell below $100,000 on Iran tensions, triggering $1B in liquidations, but recovered above $101,000 18.
• Iran threatened U.S. bases after strikes; U.S. State Department issued a worldwide travel alert 1710.
• Russia and China condemned U.S. strikes at the UN; Moscow signaled support for Tehran 78.
• Novo Nordisk ended its Wegovy partnership with Hims & Hers , sending Hims shares down up to 20% pre-market; Novo Nordisk fell ~5% 13.
• Stellantis shares dropped after Antonio Filosa was named CEO; investors unimpressed by management changes 12.
• Fiserv announced a USD stablecoin (FIUSD) for 3,000 community banks, sending its shares higher 14.
• OKX is considering a U.S. IPO after a DOJ settlement, reflecting renewed crypto listing interest 15.

Commentary

Geopolitical risk is front and center as U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites pushed Brent crude to a five-month high, with the market now focused on Iran's pending decision to close the Strait of Hormuz 12. The potential for disruption of roughly a fifth of global oil flows has led to shipping reroutes and higher freight rates 23, with Goldman Sachs projecting Brent could reach $110 if flows are halved for a month 11. While actual closure is not yet confirmed, the elevated risk is keeping energy markets volatile and supporting oil-linked equities and defense names 117.

Despite the initial risk-off move, U.S. equity futures have stabilized as oil prices eased and European markets opened firmer 20. The dollar remains firm, and safe-haven flows could persist if the situation escalates 1. Bitcoin 's sharp drop and quick recovery highlight its vulnerability to geopolitical shocks, with over $1B in liquidations as traders reduced risk 18. The U.S. State Department's global travel alert and Iran's threats against U.S. bases underscore the risk of further regional escalation, which could trigger renewed market volatility 1017.

Sector-specific moves are notable: Hims & Hers is under pressure after losing its Wegovy supply deal, while Stellantis is facing skepticism over its new CEO and restructuring amid U.S. sales and tariff headwinds 1213. Fiserv 's launch of a USD stablecoin for community banks signals continued institutional adoption of blockchain, while OKX's potential U.S. IPO points to revived interest in regulated crypto listings post-Circle debut 1415.

Traders should closely monitor headlines for any confirmation of Hormuz disruption or direct Iranian retaliation, as these remain the main catalysts for further volatility across energy, equities, and currencies 217. Stay nimble and be prepared for headline-driven swings at the U.S. open.