📌 Global Markets Recap | Monday, May 18 Global markets saw sharp volatility as conflicting headlines around US-Iran negotiations repeatedly shifted sentiment. After Trump said a planned strike on Iran was paused and serious talks were underway, some losses in equities recovered — but overall caution remained dominant. 🛢️ Energy & Macro Oil stayed elevated as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained disrupted, keeping supply concerns alive. Brent closed near $112, raising fresh inflation fears and increasing the odds of tighter monetary policy ahead. Bond yields remained near multi-year highs, with strategists warning that continued pressure in oil and fixed income could limit risk appetite. Markets now see stabilization in oil and yields as key conditions for equities to recover. 📰 Key Headlines • Trump paused a planned Iran strike following requests from Saudi Arabia and the UAE • Weak China data deepened global growth concerns: retail sales rose just 0.2%, industrial output missed expectations, housing prices fell for an 11th straight month • UK central bank officials warned energy shocks could keep inflation sticky and even justify further rate hikes • Fed’s Goolsbee said inflation remains the biggest concern, with markets now pricing a ~50% chance of another Fed hike by year-end • US housing sentiment (NAHB) beat estimates at 37, but remained below recession threshold 📊 Market Snapshot 🟡 Gold: $4,564 (+0.5%) 📉 Nasdaq: 28,987 (-0.3%) 📈 S&P 500: 7,401 (+0.07%) 📈 Dow Jones: 49,676 (+0.6%) 🛢 WTI Oil: $101.97 (+0.8%) 💵 DXY: 98.96 (-0.3%) ₿ $BTC : $76,905 (-0.7%) 📈 US Treasury Yields 2Y: 4.04% 10Y: 4.58% 30Y: 5.12% 🧭 Bottom Line Markets remain trapped between geopolitical uncertainty, expensive oil, and sticky inflation. Risk appetite is fragile. Until Hormuz normalizes and bond yields cool off, equities remain vulnerable, gold stays supported, and traders will stay defensive. 📅 What Matters Next Tomorrow’s focus: Canada CPI, UK labor data, Fed’s Waller speech, and US Pending Home Sales. #USIranStrikePaused