Finance News

Story: Dollar Jumps as Oil Hits Seven-Month High on Strait Fears

By Maheen Hernandez

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The dollar surged Friday morning. Oil prices rocketed to their highest point since July 2024 as Middle East tensions sparked fresh worries about supply disruptions through the…

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Brent crude blasted past $90 per barrel for the first time in months, with West Texas Intermediate close behind at $86.50.

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Markets hate uncertainty. They're getting plenty of it.

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The Federal Reserve's watching inflation gauges like hawks right now, and surging oil prices complicate their job big time.

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Stock markets couldn't decide which way to go. The S&P 500 opened down 0.8% before recovering some ground by midday.

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And traders are scrambling for more information.

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Government officials aren't saying much yet, which makes everyone more nervous. The White House hasn't released any statements about potential diplomatic moves or strategic…

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Next week brings the monthly jobs report, which could shift focus back to domestic economic data.

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OPEC meets March 7th. Nobody knows what they'll do.

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The European Central Bank's Christine Lagarde said she's "closely monitoring" energy price moves ahead of their policy meeting.

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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen got briefed on the strait situation but hasn't made public comments.

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Oil companies are reviewing their Middle East operations. ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods said his company's "prepared to adjust logistics and supply chains" if needed.

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Airlines are freaking out quietly. Delta's got an investor call March 9th where they'll have to address fuel costs.

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China's National Development and Reform Commission said it's "ready to release strategic reserves if necessary." That's Beijing's way of saying they're taking this seriously.

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The Energy Information Administration drops its weekly petroleum report March 8th. Traders will scan those inventory numbers for clues about supply tightness.

The Currency Analytics

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