U.S. stocks retreated Friday as geopolitical tensions erupted following Israel’s surprise airstrike on Iranian nuclear sites, sparking a sharp rally in oil and gold.
Crude futures surged to $77 a barrel overnight before easing to $72.24 by midday—still up 5% on the session—as fears grew over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key artery for global oil flows.
Equity volatility spiked, with the CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) – also known as the market “fear index” – rocketed 10% by midday, yet trimming an even bigger jump at the open.
Gold climbed past $3,430 an ounce, rising over 1% and putting record highs near $3,500 into potential target. The U.S. dollar halted the bleeding as risk sentiment deteriorated globally.
President Donald Trump said he had given Iran a 60-day ultimatum “to make a deal,” adding they may now have a “second chance.” …