Brent Crude Tops $100 as Hormuz Trade Prices in Longer Shock
Brent crude stayed above $100 a barrel on Friday, more than 38% above pre-conflict levels.
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.
Brent crude stayed above $100 a barrel on Friday, more than 38% above pre-conflict levels.
Brent crude futures fell 0.60% to $113.77 and WTI dropped 1.35% as markets stabilized following a volatile session sparked by military conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreclosure filings reached 118,727 properties in the first quarter of 2026, marking a 26% annual increase and the highest volume since 2020.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 557 points as geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz threatened a fragile ceasefire.
The Strait of Hormuz remains closed for a third week as a double-blockade by the U.S. and Iran shifts the energy focus from price shocks to physical fuel shortages.
Up to 250,000 homeowners are projected to lose their properties over the next 18 months as delinquent FHA borrowers struggle to meet tighter assistance thresholds.
Brent crude prices surged 5.8 percent to $114.44 per barrel after Iran reportedly attacked vessels from the United Arab Emirates in the Strait of Hormuz.
JPMorgan analysts project OECD oil inventories will reach critical operational minimums between May 9 and May 30 as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
U.S. foreclosure activity hit a six-year high in the first quarter of 2026 with 118,727 properties entering the process.
The S&P 500 reached a record high of 7,230.12 as investors favored strong corporate earnings over rising geopolitical tensions and oil prices exceeding $100 a barrel.
JPMorgan analysts expect OECD oil inventories to hit operational minimums by late May as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
New Federal Housing Administration rules requiring three consecutive payments to qualify for assistance could push 250,000 borrowers into foreclosure or forced sales.