Trump touts Iran talks as oil traders watch the Strait of Hormuz
Even as Trump talked diplomacy with Iran, the Pentagon moved forces into position and traders kept pricing Hormuz risk.
Ben Carter is a staff writer at P&L, covering markets, dealmaking, and public companies. He previously worked in equity research, focusing on valuation, earnings, and IPOs.
Even as Trump talked diplomacy with Iran, the Pentagon moved forces into position and traders kept pricing Hormuz risk.
Executives and traders see about a 2-week window to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before oil jumps again and companies plan for months of disruption.
Goldman Sachs raised its 2026 Brent forecast to $85 and warned oil could hit $135 a barrel if constrained flows and production losses persist.
Beijing promised more balanced trade and stronger protections for multinationals as FDI fell 5.7% in January and scrutiny grew in Washington and Brussels.
Investors sold Asian stocks after Trump warned Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in 48 hours, raising fears of strikes on Gulf energy and water systems.
China pledged stepped-up measures to ease trade imbalances while exports surge and foreign investment lags.
Li Qiang called China a “cornerstone of certainty” as it posts a record $1.2T trade surplus that raises the odds of tariffs, probes and de-risking.
Greece’s central bank cut its 2026 growth forecast to 1.9% and raised its inflation outlook to 3.1% as higher oil and gas prices hit forecasts.
Iran told the U.N. maritime agency Hormuz stays open except for “enemy-linked” ships, and it said vessels must coordinate security arrangements with Tehran to pass.
Regional officials call the Strait of Hormuz Tehran’s key leverage, letting Iran raise global economic costs even after heavy losses in the U.S.-Israel conflict.
China told multinational executives it will promote balanced trade and address surplus concerns during a tariff truce with the US.
US stocks and bonds fell as Brent oil settled at $112.19 and the 10-year Treasury yield rose to 4.39%, while gold slid more than 10% for the week.