Markets are concerned that a looming military operation could disrupt early progress toward restoring energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing U.S. crude oil (WTI) prices above $112 per barrel. During a highly volatile trading day, stocks held onto modest gains, while bond and dollar movements were largely flat. Bitcoin (BTC) briefly surged to a near two-week high of $70,351 yesterday, but fell this morning to 68K. Ether (ETH) also dropped below $2,100.
With Trump’s deadline approaching, oil prices rise, and U.S. stocks edge higher
U.S. President Trump issued a final deadline warning to Iran on April 6 with blunt rhetoric: if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday (April 8) (8:00 a.m. Taiwan time on Wednesday), the U.S. will launch attacks on Iran’s power plants and bridges.
But according to a report by Iran’s official news agency, the Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran has conveyed its rejection of the ceasefire proposal to the mediator, Pakistan. Iran is calling for a permanent end to the war, the lifting of sanctions, and reconstruction efforts, and it has proposed a safety passage agreement for the Strait of Hormuz.
Because markets are concerned that a looming military operation could disrupt early progress toward restoring energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, pushing U.S. crude oil (WTI) prices above $112 per barrel. During a highly volatile trading day, stocks held onto modest gains, while bond and dollar movements were largely flat.
This week, investors are watching the Federal Reserve meeting minutes and the PCE index
Data show that in March, U.S. services economic growth slowed, employment numbers posted the largest decline since 2023, and “prices paid,” a key inflation gauge, surged sharply.
The mixed economic signals suggest that most businesses are facing uncertain times. If the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, it will significantly worsen the outlook for the U.S. and the global economy.
Key items investors are watching this week include the Federal Reserve meeting minutes to be released on 4/9, as well as the inflation gauge PCE index.
Bitcoin falls to 68K and ETH drops below $2,100
Bitcoin (BTC) briefly surged to a near two-week high of $70,351 yesterday, but fell this morning to 68K. Ether (ETH) also dropped below $2,100, down 0.75% over the past 24 hours. Market sentiment remains in the fear zone of 34. With the fighting not yet declared over, crypto assets—considered risk assets—may have limited room for a major upside move.
This article When can Trump’s final ultimatum stop the war? Oil prices rise, and Bitcoin drops to 68K first appeared on Chain News ABMedia.