Overview
- The S&P 500 reached an all-time high on Thursday after strong artificial‑intelligence sector results and softer wholesale/producer‑price data boosted investor confidence.
- U.S. officials on Friday said the United States could maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely as ceasefire talks stalled, a development that heightened Middle East risk for markets.
- Brent and West Texas Intermediate futures jumped about 1.7%–1.9% in early trading to roughly $87–$89 and $82–$84 per barrel as concerns grew over potential shipping disruption through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Stock futures opened mixed on Friday, the 10‑year Treasury yield ticked up to about 4.66%–4.67%, and traders were watching July retail sales and the University of Michigan sentiment read for signals on consumer demand and Fed policy.
- Sustained higher oil would likely feed into consumer price measures that influence Fed decisions while index changes such as Reddit’s confirmed S&P 500 inclusion and upcoming Nvidia results remain near‑term market drivers.