Market Brief, North America

Good morning. The dollar is edging lower as tensions in the Middle East show signs of easing and technology shares advance on a renewed wave of optimism. Brent is trading below $99 a barrel — down from $108 a week ago — after Saudi Arabia restarted its East-West pipeline and Reuters reported that Iran is willing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if America lifts its blockade. Valuations are climbing across the artificial intelligence sector after Meta’s new assistant, Muse, received positive reviews and a pickup in users, helping justify massive capital expenditures from the major hyperscalers....

Good morning, and happy Federal Reserve Day to all who observe. The dollar is holding firm, with investors and economists overwhelmingly convinced the Fed will raise rates for the first time in more than three years, amid a surge in global energy prices and a jump in long-term yields. Oil remains above $100 a barrel after Saudi Arabia, after coming under sustained attack from Iran and its allies, suspended loading at its Yanbu port and cancelled some shipments to Europe. Ten-year Treasury yields are holding just below 5%, and equity futures are edging higher ahead of the North American open....