Escalation in Middle East leaves volatility levels unchanged
Good morning, and happy Friday. The dollar is heading for a second week of losses and oil prices are drifting lower after yesterday’s exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz failed to shift Donald Trump’s rhetorical stance, reinforcing investor confidence in the US eventually finding an off-ramp in the conflict. The president said the ceasefire agreed in early April remained in effect, describing the situation as a “trifle” after Tehran launched a series of missile, drone, and boat-swarm attacks on US warships in the Gulf, prompting retaliatory strikes on Iranian military targets and port facilities. Brent crude is trading...