US stock markets showed mixed performance on Monday. Trading in New York saw the Dow Jones index close at 49,168 points, marking a decrease of 0.1 percent compared to the previous day. However, just minutes before the close, the broader S&P 500 had reached approximately 7,174 points, up 0.1 percent, and the tech-focused Nasdaq 100 stood at about 27,306 points, also registering a slight gain.
Investor sentiment remained cautious, driven by ongoing concerns over stalled negotiations between the US and Iran, as well as the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest that should the conflict persist, oil prices could rise significantly above their current levels. While Tehran publicly proposed reopening the strait while postponing discussions on the nuclear program, concerns are growing globally. Indonesia, for instance, is reportedly considering implementing a toll on the Strait of Malacca, mirroring Iran’s approach. This potential measure would affect an estimated 40 percent of global trade.
In commodity markets, the price of oil surged. A barrel of Brent crude oil, representing the North Sea type, cost $108.10 by 10 p.m. German time, an increase of 2.6 percent from the previous day’s close. Gold prices weakened, dropping 0.6 percent to $4,679 per fine ounce, equaling 128.35 euros per gram.
In currency movements, the Euro strengthened slightly by Monday evening. The exchange rate stood at 1.1721 US dollars per Euro, meaning the dollar was valued at 0.8532 Euros.
