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$4CHAN is a meme token on the Ethereum Network.   4ChanToken represents a global crypto community that pays homage to the memetic powerhouses of the internet as Pepe, Doge, Shib and all major memes inventor combining them all into one super meme token that is $4CHAN. At its core, 4ChanToken embodies the untamed spirit of the notorious 4chan imageboard, where iconic memes are born, nurtured, and unleashed upon the world. With an unyielding spirit of irreverence and a touch of mischief, $4CHAN has emerged as the darling of meme enthusiasts, internet dwellers, and crypto aficionados alike.   The foundation of 4ChanToken lies in its community. We’ve harnessed the chaotic energy of this digital realm to create a currency that celebrates the power of memetic expression, empowering users to engage in a truly unique and decentralized economy. As a passionate supporter, you’ll join a vibrant ecosystem where dank memes and viral sensations are the lifeblood of commerce. 4ChanToken is more than just a digital currency – it’s the place where memes are born.  The ultimate playground for memelords and crypto degens. Based on the simplicity of holdrs/volume operating a store of value.  The identification of this value is best described as 'digital gold'. That $4chan can ultimately represent a superior store of value relative to all other forms of memecoins by embodying all memes in one token as the factual birthplace of all popular memes.

4Chan

Investors are actively debating the long-term viability of the 4Chan token, positioning it as an index of internet culture while community members grapple with significant price volatility. While some participants emphasize the project's grassroots origins and massive supply as a path to wealth, others remain highly skeptical, frequently comparing the asset to historical "pump and dump" schemes.

What is the project about? Vara Network is a substrate-based future proof smart contract platform that is fast, scalable, and makes it simple to create and deploy next-generation Web3.0 dApps Vara is the first standalone network in the Gear Protocol  Gear is a next-gen cloud infrastructure platform providing most intuitive and frictionless environment for web2 and web3 developers to build complex infrastructure solutions and disruptive dApps for any ecosystem  What makes your project unique? Vara is built upon three core concepts: The actor model, and persistent memory — two widely adopted primitives from massive computation and microservices architecture spaces  Wasm — a WebAssembly-based virtual machine that runs on all modern browsers. Proven to be faster than any alternative web2 virtual machines  Vara was created to serve as a wasm-native hub for innovative protocols that leverage parallel execution and asynchronous programming to deliver leading decentralized products in any segment  History of your project. Gear Protocol and the Vara Network were originally created by Nikolay Volf, one of the core developers of Polkadot. In 2021, he embarked on building an advanced layer 1 smart contract platform using Substrate, Polkadot's custom framework. His vision included creating a platform that enables fast and efficient execution of robust, feature-rich dApps while in a seamless development environment similar to that of Web 2.0 development. He did this by  harnessing the power of innovative technologies like Wasm, the Actor Model, and Persistent Memory. These technologies significantly enhance smart contract development and provide a seamless end-user experience and provide the foundation for the development of Vara Network.  1. Q2 2021 - Pre-Seed Round: In the second quarter of 2021, the Protocol secured its initial funding through a pre-seed round. This likely involved seeking investment from early-stage investors or venture capitalists to kickstart the development of the project.  2. Q4 2021 - Seed Round: In December 2021 raised $12 Million in Venture Round. Private investment round led by Blockchange Venture. In addition to Blockchange, other top venture capital funds participated in this round, including Three  Arrows Capital, Lemniscap, Distributed Global, LAO, Mechanism Capital, Bitscale, Spartan Group LLC, HashKey, DI Ventures, Elysium Venture Capital, Signum Capital and P2P Economy lead by Konstantin Lomashuk, along with a number of top executives of Web3 Foundation and Parity Technologies. Dr. Gavin Wood, Founder and ex-CEO of Parity Technologies and one of the key individual investors participating in this round.  3. 2022 - Intensive Scaling and Development, First Test Integrations: Throughout the year 2022, Vara was focused on two primary activities. First, the engagement in an extensive outreach process to build up the team. Second, the project advanced its technical development efforts and started working on integrating their technology with various test environments to ensure its functionality and viability.  4. Q4 2022 - Testnet Launch.   5. Q1 2023 - PoA Launch: In the first quarter of 2023, Vara achieved launch of its Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus network, which is a chain candidate for mainnet.  Current Status of Vara:  Presently, the project boasts a talented and diverse decentralized workforce, consisting of dozens of engineers and other community members  to drive the project's success.  One of the remarkable aspects of Vara is its substantial pipeline of initiatives with over 40 projects.  What’s next for your project? Current projects being researched and developed by the community:  - Intensive testing and improvement of the actor model features in the blockchain space  - Launch of the key stack of dApps in our parallel and asynchronous environment   - Development of innovative infrastructure solutions (e.g offchain zk actors including machine learning) independently and together with the segment leaders  What can your token be used for? VARA tokens maintain core utility features required for the network to operate: transaction fees staking and network security governance other: gas pools for gas reservation  Contributors to the Gear protocol are exploring the mechanics of how to distribute a portion of block rewards directly toward dApp developers

Vara Network

Vara Network is experiencing a surge in social sentiment and trading activity as investors react to its availability on major exchanges and the deployment of new DeFi infrastructure. The community is actively debating the project's institutional partnerships and Real World Asset (RWA) utility against concerns regarding token dilution, while many traders speculate on potential price breakouts.

Illumina, Inc. engages in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of life science tools and integrated systems for large-scale analysis of genetic variation and function. It operates through the Core Illumina segment, which serves customers in the research, clinical and applied markets fields, and enables the adoption of a variety of genomic solutions. The firm's products include instruments, kits and reagents, selection tools, and software and analysis. Its services include sequencing and microarray services, proactive instrument monitoring, and instrument services, training, and consulting. The company was founded by David R. Walt, John R. Stuelpnagel, Anthony W. Czarnik, Lawrence A. Bock, and Mark S. Chee in April 1998 and is headquartered in San Diego, CA.

Illumina Inc

Illumina is trending as investors react to the company's long-term strategy for operational efficiency and value creation, even as it navigates significant headwinds from international trade tensions and a ban on its gene sequencers in China. The community remains divided, with some highlighting the stock's potential as a leader in precision medicine and genomics data, while others express caution regarding the company's slowing revenue growth and its high valuation relative to current performance.

🔥 COCK Token – The Ultimate Cross-Chain MemeFi Powerhouse 🔥  In just under 20 days, $COCK has smashed expectations, broken ATHs, and built a project that’s shaking up Cardano and the entire crypto space. 🐓 What Makes $COCK Special?      The Name: Love it or hate it, the energy and engagement it generates are undeniable. The nuance in language and wild appeal set us apart.     #MEMEFI Pioneer: We’re not just another meme coin. $COCK is leading a movement by combining DeFi mechanics, game theory, and community engagement into a groundbreaking ecosystem.     COCKARENA: At the core of our ecosystem is the COCKARENA, a PvP HODL game. Players battle it out, and early exit fees fuel redistributions, burns, and the treasury. This ensures price appreciation and long-term sustainability for loyal holders.  🎰 The COCK Casino  Our casino isn’t just fun—it’s a serious revenue stream for the FLOCK.      Games: Bonanza, Crash, Blackjack, and Roulette (coming soon!).     Impact: Over 7,834 ADA in profits generated within days, directly supporting rewards, burns, and reinvestment.  💰 COCK-ARENA Loans  Unlock liquidity without selling your tokens.      Loan Terms: Borrow up to 30% of your holdings while continuing to earn rewards in the arena.     Investor Focus: Perfect for savvy investors staying in the game while tapping into their holdings.  🤝 Our Insane Partnerships  We’re bridging gaps, building alliances, and breaking barriers across the crypto space. Key Partners:      DANZO: Powering #MEMEFI with Arena, Casino, and Loans.     KLENEK: Interactive training room.     HSKN (Charles Hoskilien): Supporting and starting COCKPIN with 115 AIR NODES for DePIN aggregation. Plans to add APEX and Earth Nodes through a crypto company incorporated in Costa Rica.     ELITE CATS / SNEKKIES / HOT / BANK: Rewarding NFT holders with COCK-LOCK tokens and vice versa.     OCKZ: COCKSOCKS, Golden Cock Ticket (1M COCK), airdrop rewards, and whitelist perks for holders of 200 ADA worth of $COCK.     OLI Partnership:         Content Creation: Lux and the team are crafting engaging educational content about memes and MemeFi for OLi's platform.         Strategic Investment: The OLi Community Trust will invest in $COCK, distributing 100% of rewards to $OLI holders.         Community Reach: Over 22,000 learners will discover $COCK through OLi's gamified ecosystem.     Hi-Rez the Rapper: Expanding reach in marketing and entertainment.     KUNO, CALEB, CADEN, FITY, ROVER, WhaleInsider: Influential collaborators driving crypto adoption and growth.     Cardano Girls: Helping us understand and communicate effectively with ADA’s female audience.     WallStreetBets: Breaking barriers and increasing engagement.     Antonio Brown: Endorsing, supporting, and even playing in the casino and arena!     Advisors:         BERIS, HECKTHESNEK, RTB, CRYPTOGENIUS: Trusted names advising and supporting the project.  Future Partnerships:  More collaborations are in the pipeline to continue expanding engagement and bring new eyes to ADA and CNTs. 🔥 Unmatched Results in Just 20 Days      Supply Burned: 1.65%, worth 148K ADA!     Arena Fees Collected: 54M COCK, worth over 500K ADA, fueling rewards, burns, and partnerships.     Staked COCK-LOCK: 11M COCK-LOCK in the liquid staking platform, with more coming.     Casino Revenue: Skyrocketing profits directly rewarding holders and growing the treasury.     Top Blast Contests: Generated over 120K ADA in volume, rewarding participants with over 50K ADA in prizes.  🌍 Our Vision  To be the most decentralized, rewarding, and innovative token on Cardano while fostering cross-chain collaboration and onboarding the masses.      Breaking Barriers: We’re bringing BTC, ETH, SOL, and other chains into the fold.     Community-Driven: Focused on building bridges and showcasing that crypto can be fun, rewarding, and sustainable.     Expansion: This is just the beginning. With more burns, rewards, and partnerships on the way, $COCK is set to redefine what’s possible in the MemeFi space.  💎 Time in the arena &gt; Timing the market. The FLOCK is unstoppable. Let’s keep breaking walls for Cardano and onboard new users as we take $COCK to new heights.

CockCardano

The CockCardano community is rallying behind the project's real-world business integration through Cocky Wings LLC, which uses operational revenue to fuel token buybacks. Investors are actively discussing the project's long-term potential, passive income opportunities in the arena, and the strength of its community engagement.

KLA Corp. engages in the supply of process control and yield management solutions for the semiconductor and related nano-electronics industries. The company operates through the following segments: Semiconductor Process Control, Specialty Semiconductor Process, and PCB, Display and Component Inspection. The Semiconductor Process Control segment provides a comprehensive portfolio of inspection, metrology and data analytics products and related services. The Specialty Semiconductor Process segment develops and sells advanced vacuum deposition and etching process tools. The PCB, Display and Component Inspection segment enables electronic device manufacturers to inspect, test and measure PCBs, flat panel displays and ICs to verify their quality. Its products include manufactured chips, reticle, packaging, surface profilers, nanochemical testers, KT pro equipment, and compound semiconductors. The company was founded on July 9, 1975 and is headquartered in Milpitas, CA.

KLA Corp.

KLA Corp is drawing significant institutional interest as a high-conviction play on AI infrastructure, with large options volume and analyst upgrades signaling confidence in its critical role in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. The community remains focused on the company's dominance in process control and wafer inspection, which are essential for scaling 2nm fabrication and meeting the surging demand for AI-driven chip complexity.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company. It engages in the business of developing and commercializing novel therapeutics based on ribonucleic acid interference. The company was founded by Noble Laureate, David Bartel, Thomas Tuschl, Phillip Zamore, Paul R. Schimmel, and Phillip Allen Sharp on June 14, 2002 and is headquartered in Cambridge, MA.

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Inc

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals remains a focal point for investors as the biotech sector evaluates RNA interference leadership, with active community discussion centered on both the company's strong commercial pipeline and the broader competitive landscape of genetic medicine. Market participants are closely watching the companys ongoing clinical developments and potential strategic collaborations as catalysts that could influence its long-term growth trajectory.

Gilead Sciences, Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company, which engages in the research, development, and commercialization of medicines in areas of unmet medical need. The firm's primary areas of focus include human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, liver diseases, hematology, oncology, and inflammation and respiratory diseases. It offers antiviral products under Harvoni, Genvoya, Epclusa, Truvada, Atripla, Descovy, Stribild, Viread, Odefsey, Complera/Eviplera, Sovaldi, and Vosevi brands. The company was founded by Michael L. Riordan on June 22, 1987 and is headquartered in Foster City, CA.

Gilead Sciences, Inc.

Gilead Sciences is experiencing significant momentum driven by a combination of strong HIV portfolio performancehighlighted by its leading Biktarvy franchise and the rollout of Yeztugoand expanding interest in its oncology pipeline, including the acquisition of Repare's DNA-repair asset. The community is actively discussing its transition back into a growth narrative, though debate remains regarding the company's valuation versus competitive pressure in cell therapy and its ability to secure long-term HIV dominance.

Roundhill ETF Trust - Roundhill WeeklyPay Universe ETF

Roundhill WeeklyPay Universe ETF

Investors are actively debating the viability of the Roundhill WeeklyPay Universe ETF as they navigate significant NAV erosion and declining dividends that have left many early shareholders underwater. While some see the fund's weekly distribution model as a necessary component for their income-focused portfolio strategy, others are increasingly comparing it unfavorably to alternative ETFs, citing concerns over management performance and the overall sustainability of its leveraged structure.

Alumis, Inc. is a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company, which engages in identifying, acquiring, and accelerating the development and commercialization of transformative medicines for autoimmune disorders. It focuses on building a pipeline of molecules with the potential to address a broad range of immune-mediated diseases such as monotherapy or combination therapies. The company was founded on January 29, 2021 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA.

Alumis Inc.

Alumis Inc. is trending as the community reacts to positive Phase 3 results for its lead oral TYK2 inhibitor, envudeucitinib, which demonstrated strong efficacy in treating plaque psoriasis. Investors are actively discussing the stock's long-term potential against established competitors, with several analysts raising price targets and some speculating on a potential buyout given the clean data and massive addressable market.

|The Artificial Superintelligence (ASI) Alliance is the world’s largest open-source initiative dedicated to decentralized Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). Formed in April 2024, the ASI Alliance unites SingularityNET, Fetch.ai, and Ocean Protocol, with CUDOS joining as a network member shortly after. The ASI Alliance was established through a community-approved tokenomic merger—combining $AGIX, $FET, and $OCEAN into a single token: $FET. This unified token underpins a collaborative framework designed to scale open-source AI and stand as the largest open-sourced, independent entity in AI research and development. The Alliance is committed to accelerating the advancement of decentralized Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and, ultimately, Artificial Superintelligence (ASI). It provides a robust, open-source innovation stack, empowering developers, enterprises, and researchers globally to build ethical, scalable, and groundbreaking AI solutions. This ensures that advanced intelligence remains a shared, accessible resource, fostering innovation beyond centralized systems and promoting a future where AI benefits all.

Fetch.ai

Fetch.ai is trending as investors debate the potential for a recovery amid active discussions about its decentralized AI agent infrastructure and recent volatility. The community remains polarized, with some focused on long-term utility and accumulation opportunities while others express frustration over price performance and the ongoing fallout from the ASI merger.

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<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>The IEA said the Iran war has triggered the largest oil supply disruption on record and outlined additional steps for governments, businesses, and households to help limit the impact.</li><li>The agency said that encouraging a shift from private cars to public transport, along with measures such as alternating access for private vehicles in major cities, can help reduce congestion and lower fuel consumption.</li><li>Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering plans to either take over or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island, according to a report by Axios.</li></ul>The International Energy Agency (IEA) has issued a slew of recommendations to help people cope with rising crude oil prices as the war in Iran enters its 21st day.The IEA said the Iran war has triggered the largest oil supply disruption in history, and while some steps have already been taken to ease demand pressures, it outlined additional actions for governments, businesses, and households to help mitigate the impact.“In the absence of a swift resolution, the impacts on energy markets and economies are set to become more and more severe,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol.WTI crude futures expiring in May have gained around 42% since the Iran war began in February, while Brent crude futures expiring in the same month have soared about 48%.<h2 class="st-heading-2">IEA’s Top Recommendations To Deal With Oil Price Shock</h2>Some of the top recommendations outlined by the IEA include working from home to reduce commuting-related demand for petrol and diesel. The agency has also suggested that reducing speed by 10 kilometers per hour on the highway will cut fuel use across both passenger and freight segments.It said that encouraging a shift from private cars to public transport, along with measures such as alternating access for private vehicles in major cities, can help reduce congestion and lower fuel consumption.The IEA has also recommended reducing air travel, increasing carpooling, and shifting LPG use from transport to cooking as additional measures to ease demand for crude oil.“While the demand-side measures highlighted in the report cannot match the scale of disrupted supply, they can play a meaningful role in lowering costs for consumers, reducing market strains and preserving fuels for essential uses until normal flows resume,” the agency said.This comes amid a continued rise in crude oil prices. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures maturing in May rose nearly 1% to more than $96 a barrel. Brent crude futures expiring in May gained over 2% to hover around $111 a barrel.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">United States Oil Fund ETF</a> (USO) was up nearly 1% at the time of writing, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/UCO">ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF</a> (UCO) gained about 2%.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Trump Mulls Taking Over Or Blockading Iran’s Kharg Island</h2>Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering plans to either take over or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island, according to a&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/20/iran-invasion-kharg-island-strait-hormuz">report</a> by Axios.This is part of the Trump administration’s plans to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.“We can knock out their oil in Kharg Island. The only thing we didn’t take down was the oil, because if we knock out, I call them the pipes, very complex, but if you do that, it will take them forever to rebuild,” President Donald Trump said on Tuesday, according to a&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/19/why-targeting-kharg-island-could-backfire-on-trump-00834972">report</a> by Politico.Meanwhile, U.S. equities declined in Friday’s pre-market trade. At the time of writing, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF</a> (SPY), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, was down 0.35%; the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust ETF</a> (QQQ) fell 0.48%; and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/DIA">SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust</a> (DIA) fell 0.24%. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits regarding the S&amp;P 500 ETF was in the ‘extremely bearish’ territory.Also See:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/novo-nordisk-wegovy-hd-7-2-mg-approved-by-fda/cZ3aFJgRIhX">Novo Nordisk Receives FDA Approval For Higher Dose Of Its Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI)-grade of crude oil spiked over 2% in overnight trading on Sunday. 

As Oil Prices Surge Amid Iran War, IEA’s Advice Is Simple — Work From Home, Ease Off The Pedal, Skip That Flight

WTI crude futures expiring in May have gained around 42% since the Iran war began in late February, while Brent crude futures expiring in May have soared about 48%.

Equity

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>The Treasury Secretary stated that the U.S. could do another release of its Strategic Petroleum Reserves to keep a lid on crude oil prices.</li><li>He also denied that the U.S. Treasury would intervene in the oil futures market.</li><li>Bessent also added that he expects a global coalition to eventually escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, pointing to NATO allies and others in Asia.</li></ul>Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly stated on Thursday that the United States will use Iranian crude oil barrels against the country to tame rising crude oil prices.During an interview with Fox Business, Bessent stated that Iran currently has about 140 million barrels of crude oil loaded on ships on the seas.“In the coming days, we may unsanction the Iranian oil that’s on the water. We will be using the Iranian barrels against the Iranians to keep the price down for the next 10 or 14 days as we continue this campaign,” he said during the interview.Bessent’s remarks come amid a continued rise in crude oil prices. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures maturing in May were up more than 1%, hovering around $96 a barrel at the time of writing. Brent crude futures expiring in May gained about 3% to hover around $111 a barrel, after inching close to the 52-week high of $119.5 per barrel.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">United States Oil Fund ETF</a> (USO) fell about 2%, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/UCO">ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF</a> (UCO) was down by nearly 1% at the time of writing.<h2 class="st-heading-2">US Could Do Another SPR Release, Says Bessent</h2>The Treasury Secretary stated that the U.S. could do another release of its Strategic Petroleum Reserves to keep a lid on crude oil prices. He also denied that the U.S. Treasury would intervene in the oil futures market.Bessent stated that following the release of 400 million barrels of crude oil from strategic reserves in coordination with the International Energy Agency (IEA) last week, other countries could do additional releases.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Bessent Expects Global Coalition For Strait Of Hormuz Escorts</h2>Bessent also added that he expects a global coalition to eventually escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, pointing to NATO allies and others in Asia. “It would be very disappointing for those who benefit the most not to do something,” he added.The Treasury Secretary also stated that the U.S. is not attacking Iran’s energy infrastructure on the Kharg island, while only undertaking precision strikes against military targets in the area.Meanwhile, U.S. equities declined in Thursday morning’s trade. At the time of writing, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF</a> (SPY), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, was down 0.4%; the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust ETF</a> (QQQ) fell 0.47%; and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/DIA">SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust</a> (DIA) declined 0.58%. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits regarding the S&amp;P 500 ETF was in the ‘extremely bearish’ territory.Also See:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/csiq-stock-declines-canadian-solar-misses-q4-estimates-prolonged-downturn/cZ3akNxRIhd">Canadian Solar Pins Q4 Miss On Prolonged Downturn In The Sector, Regulatory Headwinds — CSIQ Stock Tumbles Over 20% Pre-Market</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

 US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visits "Kudlow" at Fox Business Network Studios on August 12, 2025, in New York City. 

Bessent Says US May 'Unsanction' Iran Oil On The Water To Tame Crude Oil Prices: Report

The Treasury Secretary’s remarks come amid surging crude oil prices, with Brent crude futures inching close to the 52-week high of $119.5 per barrel.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>An adviser to the new Supreme Leader of Iran stated that a new regime will be put in place following the end of the war, according to the report.</li><li>The adviser stated that this will allow the Iranian regime to apply maritime restrictions on countries that sanctioned it.</li><li>Analysts at ING Think stated in a note on Thursday that the risks to energy markets from the Iran war are no longer limited to the Strait of Hormuz.</li></ul>Iran is reportedly considering charging a toll for ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz in a bid to monetize the crucial waterway.According to a Reuters&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-considers-levying-transit-fees-ships-hormuz-strait-lawmaker-says-2026-03-19/">report</a>, an Iranian lawmaker stated that the country’s parliament was considering charging tolls and taxes to countries using the Strait of Hormuz for shipping, energy ‌transit ⁠and food supplies. Nearly a fifth of the global crude oil supply flows through the strait.This comes amid a continued rise in crude oil prices. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures maturing in May were up more than 1%, hovering around $97 a barrel at the time of writing. Brent crude futures expiring in May surged about 5% to hover around $113 a barrel, after inching close to the 52-week high of $119.5 per barrel.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">United States Oil Fund ETF</a> (USO) and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/UCO">ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF</a> (UCO) were down by about 1% at the time of writing.<h2 class="st-heading-2">New Regime For Strait Of Hormuz After War, Says Adviser</h2>According to the report, an adviser to the new Supreme Leader of Iran stated that a new regime will be put in place following the end of the war.The adviser stated that this will allow the Iranian regime to apply maritime restrictions on countries that sanctioned it. This includes the U.S., which first placed sanctions on Iran in 1979 before lifting them subsequently."So far, the domination-seeking powers would sanction and limit us. But, at the end of current imposed war, with drawing a new regime for the Strait of Hormuz, Iran will turn its position from a sanctioned country to an enhanced power in the region and the world,” said Mohammad Mokhber, member of the Iranian Expediency Council, according to a&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://en.mehrnews.com/news/242750/Iran-to-draw-ban-regime-for-Strait-of-Hormuz-after-war">report</a> by the Mehr News Agency.President Donald Trump reimposed restrictions in 2018, which were subsequently ramped up over the years. The U.K., Australia, and the United Nations have also imposed sanctions on the Middle Eastern country.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Looking Beyond The Strait</h2>Analysts at ING Think stated in a note on Thursday that the risks to the energy markets due to the Iran war are no longer limited to just the status of the Strait of Hormuz.“Damage to the LNG facilities means that the troubles for global gas markets aren't just about when flows through the Strait of Hormuz resume, but how long repair work at the sites might take,” the firm stated, following the Israeli attack on Iran’s South Pars gas field.ING Think analysts added that even if the LNG facilities on the field are untouched, there would be a higher risk premium to consider going forward.Meanwhile, U.S. equities declined in Thursday’s opening trade. At the time of writing, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF</a> (SPY), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, was down 0.71%; the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust ETF</a> (QQQ) fell 0.9%; and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/DIA">SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust</a> (DIA) rose 0.47%. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits regarding the S&amp;P 500 ETF was in the ‘extremely bearish’ territory.Also See:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/tesla-fsd-probe-nhtsa-3-2-million-vehicles-over-fsd-degradation/cZ3aLptRIWv">Tesla FSD Probe Expands To Millions Of Vehicles: Here’s What The NHTSA Is Investigating</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

A MarineTraffic map showing ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz. Taken in Brussels, Belgium, on March 15, 2026. (Photo by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Iran Reportedly Mulls Transit Fees In Strait Of Hormuz, Targeting A Fifth Of Global Energy Flow As Crude Oil Surges

Brent crude futures expiring in May surged about 5% to hover around $113 a barrel, after inching close to the 52-week high of $119.5 per barrel.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the waiver is aimed at mitigating short-term disruptions to the oil market amid the ongoing war in Iran.</li><li>She added that the waiver will allow commodities like oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal to flow freely to U.S. ports for 60 days.</li><li>The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly called the Jones Act, is a U.S. federal law that regulates maritime commerce within the United States.</li></ul>The Trump administration on Wednesday issued a temporary 60-day waiver for the Jones Act as crude oil prices continue to rise amid the Iran war.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/trump-suspend-jones-act-crude-oil-breaches-100-per-barrel-again/cZduJuhRI98">Jones Act waiver</a> has been issued to lower the cost of transporting oil, gas, and other commodities.“President Trump’s decision to issue a 60-day Jones Act waiver is just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market as the U.S. military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/PressSec/status/2034267144477614178">post</a> on X.She added that the waiver will allow commodities like oil, natural gas, fertilizer, and coal to flow freely to U.S. ports for 60 days.<figure class="image"><img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Leavitt_post_jpg_8bb5ae935f.webp" alt="Karoline Leavitt's post on X" width="585" height="419"><figcaption>Karoline Leavitt's post on X | @PressSec/X</figcaption></figure><h2 class="st-heading-2">What Is The Jones Act?</h2>The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly called the Jones Act, is a U.S. federal law that regulates maritime commerce within the United States. It is named after its sponsor, Senator Wesley Jones.According to Section 27 of the Jones Act, goods transported between two ports in the country must be carried on ships that are built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens or U.S. companies, registered under the U.S. flag, and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.Waiving the Jones Act would allow foreign ships to carry fuel between U.S. ports, potentially increasing delivery speeds while lowering costs.This comes at a time when crude oil prices have continued to gain after crossing the $100-per-barrel mark.U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures maturing in May gained nearly 2% per barrel to hover around $97 a barrel. Brent crude futures expiring in May surged nearly 5% to $109 per barrel, gaining nearly 19% over the past week.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">United States Oil Fund ETF</a> (USO) gained nearly 2%, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/UCO">ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF</a> (UCO) was up about 4% at the time of writing.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Trump Voices Frustration With Allies On Strait Of Hormuz</h2>President Donald Trump voiced his frustration with U.S. allies over their reluctance to help with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Iran war.President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he wonders what would happen if the U.S. let the countries using the Strait of Hormuz be responsible for it.“I wonder what would happen if we ‘finished off’ what’s left of the Iranian Terror State, and let the Countries that use it, we don’t, be responsible for the so called ‘Strait?’ That would get some of our non-responsive ‘Allies’ in gear, and fast!!!,” he said in a&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://truthsocial.com/">post</a> on Truth Social.<figure class="image"><img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Trump_post_jpg_71a23f4206.webp" alt="President Donald Trump's post on Truth Social" width="573" height="218"><figcaption>President Donald Trump's post on Truth Social | @realDonaldTrump/Truth Social</figcaption></figure>This came a day after the president stated in another&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/116245182325726375">post</a> on Truth Social that the U.S. does not need allies to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.“Speaking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere in the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!” he said.Meanwhile, U.S. equities declined in Wednesday’s opening trade. At the time of writing, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF</a> (SPY), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, was down 0.62%; the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust ETF</a> (QQQ) fell 0.54%; and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/DIA">SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust</a> (DIA) declined 1.01%. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits regarding the S&amp;P 500 ETF was in the ‘extremely bearish’ territory.Also See:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/us-trade-deficit-china-down-30-past-year-jamieson-greer/cZ37Q0wRIgZ">US Trade Deficit With China Down 30% Over Past Year, Jamieson Greer Reportedly Says: ‘It Would Be Very Helpful If…’</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

 U.S. President Donald Trump participates in a meeting with fellow G7 leaders during a meeting at the G7 Leaders' Summit on June 16, 2025 in Kananaskis, Alberta. 

Trump Administration Reportedly Issues Jones Act Waiver As Crude Oil Continues To Soar

Brent crude futures expiring in May surged nearly 6% to rise to $110 per barrel, gaining nearly 19% over the past week.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>The $50 billion in supplemental funding would be used to replace the weapons used in recent conflicts, including the one in the Middle East.</li><li>Expenses in the ongoing Iran war have crossed $11 billion in the first week, according to a Reuters report citing people familiar with the matter.</li><li>Senator Elizabeth Warren said the $50 billion being sought for the Iran war could fund ACA tax credits for a year and still leave $20 billion remaining.</li></ul>Economist Peter Schiff on Tuesday warned that the debt risk is a greater threat than Iran amid reports that President Donald Trump may seek $50 billion to replenish the weapons stockpile of the U.S.“If Trump is serious about short-term pain for long-term gain, he should ask for $50B in other spending cuts or tax hikes to pay for it,” Schiff said in a&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://x.com/PeterSchiff/status/2033890405456978368">post</a> on X.<figure class="image"><img src="https://news.stocktwits-cdn.com/Schiff_post_jpg_9e9ef88236.webp" alt="Peter Schiff's post on X" width="585" height="202"><figcaption>Peter Schiff's post on X | @PeterSchiff/X</figcaption></figure>Schiff’s warning comes amid a Reuters&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/defense-executives-plan-meet-white-house-strikes-iran-diminish-stockpiles-2026-03-04/">report</a> that the Pentagon is working on a supplemental budget request of nearly $50 billion. These funds would be used to replace the weapons used in recent conflicts, including the one in the Middle East.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Iran War Expenses Cross $11B, Senator Warren Warns Of Spiraling Costs</h2>Expenses in the ongoing Iran war have crossed $11 billion in the first week, according to a Reuters&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-administration-estimates-iran-war-cost-over-11-billion-six-days-source-2026-03-11/">report</a> citing people familiar with the matter.The $11 billion cost estimate does not include the complete cost of the war, but it comes amid a lack of public disclosure from the Trump administration.Meanwhile, Senator Elizabeth Warren last week warned that the Iran war costs are spiralling.“Now, this war is costing American lives and a lot of money. Money that could instead be spent lowering costs like health care,” she said during a hearing of the Director of the Congressional Budget Office (CBO).She added that with the $50 billion that the Trump administration is seeking to fund the Iran war, it could extend the ACA’s enhanced premium tax credits by a year and still have $20 billion left over.“It seems to me that when we're talking about money here, that the way that we can save the most money would be to stop bombing Iran now, and just as a side benefit, we could also save a lot of lives,” Warren added.<h2 class="st-heading-2">US’ Current Debt</h2>According to data from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the current national debt stands at $37.64 trillion. Adjusted for inflation, the U.S. national debt stood at $321 billion in 1929 and $14.85 trillion in 2008.In a conversation with Andrew Ross Sorkin in November 2025, Bridgewater Associates founder Ray Dalio&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/ray-dalio-warns-parallels-between-economic-bubbles-1929-2008-now-striking/cLPo0TVREBM">warned that</a> the parallels between the economic bubbles of 1929, 2008, and now are “striking.”“In 1929 and 2008, there was a lot of debt — but most of it was owned by the private sector. Today, the government sector has a lot of the debt,” he said.On Tuesday, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures maturing in May were up more than 2%, hovering around $94 a barrel. Brent crude futures expiring in May rose about 2% to hover around $102 a barrel.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">United States Oil Fund ETF</a> (USO) gained nearly 2%, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/UCO">ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF</a> (UCO) was up more than 3% at the time of writing.Meanwhile, U.S. equities gained in Tuesday’s opening trade. At the time of writing, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF</a> (SPY), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, was up 0.63%; the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust ETF</a> (QQQ) rose 0.7%; and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/DIA">SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust</a> (DIA) gained 0.93%. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits regarding the S&amp;P 500 ETF was in the ‘extremely bearish’ territory.Also See:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/jeremy-siegel-market-10-correction-iran-war-rising-crude-oil-prices/cZ3EEiTRIXI">Wharton's Jeremy Siegel Warns Markets Could Face 10% Correction Risk Due To Iran War, Crude Oil Spike</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

 U.S. President Donald J. Trump sits at a table monitoring military operations during Operation Epic Fury against Iran. (Photo by The White House via X Account/Anadolu via Getty Images)

As Iran War Costs Mount, Peter Schiff Says America’s Biggest Enemy Is Debt – Even As Trump’s Pentagon Eyes $50B Funding

The economist said that if President Donald Trump is serious about short-term pain for long-term gain, he should ask for $50B in other spending cuts or tax hikes.

Peter Schiff Warns Debt Tops Iran Risk As Trump Pushes For $50B Funding

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Siegel explained that the core issue is not crude oil itself, but gasoline, which he said is the most visible price in the economy for consumers.</li><li>In the short term, the economist stated that he is more cautious because of the potential for higher crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty that are putting pressure on stocks.</li><li>Crude oil prices have soared since the beginning of the Iran war, with WTI crude surging more than 40%.</li></ul>Jeremy Siegel, professor emeritus of finance at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business, on Tuesday warned that the Iran war and rising crude oil prices could result in a correction in U.S. equities.“I could see the markets experiencing a 10% correction from the recent highs. We are not anticipating a major decline for the S&amp;P 500, but the mood has clearly changed,” he said, adding that the Iran war has added a new layer of uncertainty.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Crude Oil Prices Soar Since The Start Of Iran War</h2>Crude oil prices have soared since the beginning of the Iran war, with WTI crude surging more than 40%.On Tuesday, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures maturing in May were up more than 3%, hovering around $95 a barrel. Brent crude futures expiring in May rose more than 2% to hover around $103 a barrel.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">United States Oil Fund ETF</a> (USO) gained nearly 3%, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/UCO">ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF</a> (UCO) was up more than 4% at the time of writing.Siegel explained that the core issue is not crude oil itself. “It is gasoline, the most visible price in the economy for consumers, and when that price jumps it hits psychology immediately. That matters, even if the broader economic effect is more balanced than the headlines,” he added.<h2 class="st-heading-2">‘Sand In The Gears Of Global Economy’</h2>Siegel added that he is concerned about the accumulation of friction across the economy. He highlighted that travel is being rerouted, shipping continues to be at risk, and that the Strait of Hormuz is an “obvious” pressure point.“These disruptions put sand in the gears of the global economy. They do not necessarily end the expansion, but they can weigh on sentiment, delay activity, and create a generally sourer mood in markets,” he said.In the short term, Siegel stated that he is more cautious because of the potential for higher crude oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty that are putting pressure on stocks. He concluded that while equity markets are facing near-term shocks, the long-term foundation remains in place.Meanwhile, U.S. equities gained in Tuesday’s opening trade. At the time of writing, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF</a> (SPY), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, was up 0.37%; the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust ETF</a> (QQQ) rose 0.31%; and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/DIA">SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust</a> (DIA) gained 0.34%. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits regarding the S&amp;P 500 ETF was in the ‘extremely bearish’ territory.Also See:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/iran-supreme-leader-khamenei-rejects-ceasefire-with-us-crude-oil-prices-rise/cZ3Ec2ARIQM">Iran's New Supreme Leader Reportedly Rejects Proposal For Ceasefire With US – Crude Oil Prices Rise Amid Growing Tensions</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

American and Iranian flags displayed on a phone screen are seen in this multiple exposure illustration photo.

Wharton's Jeremy Siegel Warns Markets Could Face 10% Correction Risk Due To Iran War, Crude Oil Spike

The economist said he is concerned about the accumulation of friction across the economy.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Mojtaba Khamenei said that now was not the right time for peace with the U.S. and Israel until they accept defeat and pay compensation, according to the report.</li><li>Meanwhile, a report by the Tasnim News Agency citing an Iranian official stated that claims of Iran seeking talks with the U.S. are false.</li><li>The report also stated that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed reports of Iran requesting a ceasefire.</li></ul>Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on Tuesday reportedly rejected proposals for a ceasefire with the U.S. or reducing tensions with the country amid an intensifying conflict in the Middle East.According to a Reuters&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/irans-new-supreme-leader-rejects-proposals-reducing-tensions-with-us-senior-2026-03-17/">report</a> citing a senior Iranian official, Khamenei had a “very tough and serious” stance on revenge against the U.S. and Israel as the Iran war entered its third week.Rising tensions sent crude oil prices rising on Tuesday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures maturing in May were up more than 4%, hovering around $96 a barrel. Brent crude futures expiring in May surged nearly 3% to hover around $103 a barrel.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">United States Oil Fund ETF</a> (USO) gained nearly 4%, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/UCO">ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF</a> (UCO) was up about 6% at the time of writing.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Not The Right Time For Peace, Says Khamenei</h2>Khamenei said that now was not the right time for peace with the U.S. and Israel until they accept defeat and pay compensation, according to the report.Meanwhile, a&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.tasnimnews.ir/en/news/2026/03/17/3542548/report-on-iran-seeking-to-communicate-with-us-pure-lie-source">report</a> by the Tasnim News Agency citing an Iranian official stated that claims of Iran seeking talks with the U.S. are false. The report also stated that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi dismissed reports of Iran requesting a ceasefire.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Israel Says Iran’s Security Chief Killed</h2>Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Tuesday said that the Iranian security chief Ali Larijani had been killed, according to a&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/trump-criticises-allies-over-rejection-hormuz-request-iran-israel-trade-2026-03-17/">report</a> by Reuters.This comes amid a spate of attacks by the Iranian and Israeli sides, with the Israeli army stating that it has launched a “wave of extensive strikes” across Iran, according to a&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://aje.news/zt6qcd?update=4408621">report</a> by Al Jazeera.Iran, on the other hand, stated that it targeted Israel’s weapons manufacturing facilities and cyber-tech centers. The Middle Eastern country also stated that it has confiscated hundreds of Starlink devices made by Elon Musk-led SpaceX.Meanwhile, U.S. equities were mixed in Tuesday’s pre-market trade. At the time of writing, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF</a> (SPY), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, was down 0.01%; the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust ETF</a> (QQQ) fell 0.13%; and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/DIA">SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust</a> (DIA) rose 0.07%. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits regarding the S&amp;P 500 ETF was in the ‘extremely bearish’ territory.Also See:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/why-is-glsi-stock-rising-today-phase-iii-immunotherapy-breast-cancer-trial/cZ3ERK8RIQs">Why Is GLSI Stock Rising Today?</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei

Iran's New Supreme Leader Reportedly Rejects Proposal For Ceasefire With US – Crude Oil Prices Rise Amid Growing Tensions

According to a Reuters report citing a senior Iranian official, Khamenei had a “very tough and serious” stance on revenge against the U.S. and Israel as the Iran war entered its third week.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Yardeni noted that even if the U.S. claims the war is over, Iran and Israel may not view it that way, with Iranians potentially continuing to cause disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.</li><li>Goldman Sachs last week cited the ongoing war in Iran as it lowered its fourth-quarter U.S. economic growth forecast.</li><li>The firm warned that the surge in crude oil prices caused by disruptions to flows through the Strait of Hormuz has become the main channel of economic risk for the U.S.</li></ul>Economist Ed Yardeni, president of Yardeni Research, on Monday reportedly stated that the contrarian stock buying strategy, “Buy the Dip”, may not work amid the fog of war due to the Iran conflict.During an&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-16/yardeni-turns-skeptical-of-trusted-contrarian-stocks-buy-signal">interview</a> with Bloomberg, Yardeni stated that, from a contrarian perspective, a declining sentiment increases the likelihood of a good buying opportunity ahead.“It’s worked very well for me in the past. It may not work now,” he said.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Why Is This Time Different?</h2>Explaining why this time may be different, Yardeni said past declines in investor sentiment were typically tied to weakening economic fundamentals, developments that often resulted in monetary or fiscal policy support.This time, however, the uncertainty stems from the Iran war, a geopolitical shock that policymakers have little ability to counter directly.“We’re talking about the fog of war, we’re not talking about something that US policymakers can respond to and turn around,” Yardeni added in the interview.The economist noted that even if the U.S. claims the war is over, Iran and Israel may not view it that way, with Iranians potentially continuing to cause disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Goldman Trims US Economic Outlook</h2>Goldman Sachs last week cited the ongoing war in Iran as it&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/goldman-us-gdp-growth-cut-iran-war-recession-risk-25-over-12-months/cZdu4NURI9Z">lowered</a> its fourth-quarter U.S. economic growth forecast, now expecting GDP to rise 2.2% year-over-year, down from its earlier estimate of 2.5%. The firm warned that the surge in crude oil prices, driven by disruptions to flows through the Strait of Hormuz, has become the main channel of economic risk for the U.S.Goldman also sees a 25% risk of a recession over the next 12 months.Analysts at ING Think stated in a note on Monday that energy markets are having to continuously price in a more prolonged disruption to oil and gas flows through the Strait of Hormuz, with little sign of de-escalation or a resumption in oil and LNG flows through the chokepoint.“Escorting commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz would leave naval ships vulnerable to attack, and so the US may hold off from such action until it feels that Iran’s ability to launch attacks on vessels has been eroded,” the firm noted.Crude oil prices continue to hover above the $100 per barrel mark, despite cooling down on Monday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures maturing in May are down 3%, hovering at $94.18 per barrel. Brent crude futures expiring in May declined 1% to hover around $101.89 a barrel.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">United States Oil Fund ETF</a> (USO) fell 2%, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/UCO">ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF</a> (UCO) was down about 1% at the time of writing.Meanwhile, U.S. equities gained in Monday’s opening trade. At the time of writing, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF</a> (SPY), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, was up 1.12%; the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust ETF</a> (QQQ) rose 1.19%; and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/DIA">SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust</a> (DIA) gained 1.04%. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits regarding the S&amp;P 500 ETF was in the ‘extremely bearish’ territory.Also See:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/hcwb-stock-soars-positive-research-results-car-t-cell-therapy/cZ32USYRIfm">HCWB Stock Soars Pre-Market On Positive Research Results For CAR-T Cell Therapy</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

The New York Stock Exchange stands on Wall Street in New York City

Yardeni Warns 'Buy The Dip' Strategy May Not Work Amid Fog Of War Due To Iran Conflict: Report

The economist highlighted that, unlike previous selloffs driven by economic cycles, this downturn risk is rooted in geopolitics, something policymakers may struggle to counter.

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>Bessent also mentioned that the Iran war had cost the U.S. about $11 billion so far.</li><li>The comments from the Treasury Secretary come as crude oil prices have breached the $100-per-barrel mark amid the war with Iran.&nbsp;</li><li>Meanwhile, a report from Business Insider said that a former IMF economist had said that oil prices could rise further amidst the war, possibly surging to $200 a barrel amid compounding risks.</li></ul>U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has reportedly said that the Navy will escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz “as soon as it is militarily possible.”According to a <a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://news.sky.com/story/us-navy-to-escort-oil-tankers-through-strait-of-hormuz-treasury-secretary-tells-sky-news-13518742">report</a> from Sky News, Bessent said in an interview on Thursday that the military escort would likely include an international coalition.“That was always in our planning, that there’s the chance that the U.S. Navy or perhaps an international coalition will be escorting oil tankers through,” Bessent said.The comments from the treasury secretary come as crude oil prices have breached the $100-per-barrel mark amid escalating tensions due to the war with Iran.Brent crude prices soared by over 10% to $101.48 at the time of writing, the highest since mid-2022 levels. Meanwhile, WTI Crude was trading around $96.44. The United States Oil Fund ETF (USO) closed 9.6% higher on Thursday, while the ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF (UCO) closed up by more than 10%.<h2 class="st-heading-2">War Impact</h2>In the interview, Bessent mentioned that the Iran war had cost the U.S. about $11 billion so far. He also noted that Iran had not mined the Strait of Hormuz.In addition, the Treasury Secretary also indicated how the rising oil prices have not impacted the economy, and the real thing to consider would be the duration of the elevated prices.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Oil Above $200?</h2>Meanwhile, a <a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/oil-prices-inflation-iran-trump-iea-imf-chief-economist-hormuz-2026-3">report</a> from Business Insider said that a former International Monetary Fund (IMF) economist had said that oil prices could rise further amidst the war, possibly surging to $200 a barrel amid compounding risks.Economist and former IMF official Olivier Blanchard reportedly wrote on Thursday on the factors that could further oil's volatile price moves. "I find it hard not to have as a central scenario where oil prices will remain very high for a long time, higher than the market current prices," Blanchard reportedly wrote on Thursday.Blanchard said ships can’t be fully protected in the Strait of Hormuz and that Iran has no incentive to stop threatening traffic, while adding that markets can’t rely on another “TACO (Trump always chickens out) trade” since the conflict’s outcome isn’t solely up to the U.S. president.Meanwhile, U.S. stocks were under pressure on Thursday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average closing at the lowest level in 2026 at 46,677.85. The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF (SPY), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, closed 1.52% lower, the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (QQQ) was down 1.72% at market close, and the SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) declined 1.54%.On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around the S&amp;P 500 ETF was in the ‘bearish’ territory at the time of writing.For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visits "FOX & Friends" at Fox News Channel Studios on November 12, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)

US Navy Will Escort Vessels Through Strait Of Hormuz Soon, Bessent Reportedly Says As Oil Surges Past $100 Again

According to a report from Sky News, Bessent said in an interview on Thursday that the military escort would likely include an international coalition. 

<ul class="summary-bullets"><li>The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly called the Jones Act, is a U.S. federal law that regulates maritime commerce within the United States.</li><li>The law requires that domestic shipping between U.S. ports be done only by American-built, American-owned, and American-crewed ships.</li><li>Meanwhile, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said that the U.S. Navy is not ready yet to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz amid an intensifying Iran war.</li></ul>The Trump administration is reportedly planning to issue temporary waivers for the Jones Act amid soaring crude oil prices due to the Iran war.According to a Bloomberg&nbsp;<a class="st-link-external" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-03-12/trump-administration-set-to-suspend-jones-act-to-tame-oil-prices">report</a> citing people familiar with the matter, the waivers would be valid for 30 days, allowing foreign tankers to supply East Coast refiners with fuel from the Gulf Coast and other parts of the U.S.This comes at a time when crude oil prices have once again soared past the $ 100-per-barrel mark.U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures maturing in April soared more than 10% per barrel before shedding some of the gains to hover around $96 a barrel. Brent crude futures expiring in May surged more than 10% to $101.53 before losing some steam to hover around $101 a barrel.The&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/USO">United States Oil Fund ETF</a> (USO) gained over 9%, while the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/UCO">ProShares Ultra Bloomberg Crude Oil ETF</a> (UCO) was up about 8% at the time of writing.<h2 class="st-heading-2">What Is The Jones Act?</h2>The Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly called the Jones Act, is a U.S. federal law that regulates maritime commerce within the United States. It is named after its sponsor, Senator Wesley Jones.According to Section 27 of the Jones Act, goods transported between two ports in the country must be carried on ships that are built in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens or U.S. companies, registered under the U.S. flag, and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.Waiving the Jones Act would allow foreign ships to carry fuel between U.S. ports, which could increase the delivery speeds while potentially lowering costs.<h2 class="st-heading-2">Iran’s New Supreme Leader Says Strait Of Hormuz Will Stay Closed</h2>Mojtaba Khamenei&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/iran-supreme-leader-strait-of-hormuz-closed-warns-us-bases-will-be-attacked/cZdu4KpRI9k">stated</a> on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed, in his first remarks as Iran’s new Supreme Leader.He also warned in a televised address that Iran will attack all U.S. bases in the region if they are not shut.Meanwhile, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/energy-secretary-navy-escorts-strait-of-hormuz-not-ready-oil-100-iran-war/cZdud7SRI9a">said</a> that the U.S. Navy is not ready yet to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz amid an intensifying Iran war.“We’re simply not ready. All of our military assets right now are focused on destroying Iran’s offensive capabilities and the manufacturing industry that supplies their offensive capabilities,” he said.U.S. equities declined in Thursday’s opening trade. At the time of writing, the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/SPY">SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF</a> (SPY), which tracks the S&amp;P 500 index, was down 1.03%; the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/QQQ">Invesco QQQ Trust ETF</a> (QQQ) fell 1.26%; and the&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/symbol/DIA">SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust</a> (DIA) declined 1.01%. Retail sentiment on Stocktwits regarding the S&amp;P 500 ETF was in the ‘bearish’ territory.Also See:&nbsp;<a href="https://stocktwits.com/news-articles/markets/equity/iran-supreme-leader-strait-of-hormuz-closed-warns-us-bases-will-be-attacked/cZdu4KpRI9k">Iran's New Supreme Leader Says Strait Of Hormuz Will Stay Closed, Warns US Bases In The Region Will Be Attacked If Not Shut: Report</a>For updates and corrections, email newsroom[at]stocktwits[dot]com.

President Trump signed executive orders which included the renaming of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)

Trump Administration To Suspend Jones Act As Crude Oil Breaches $100 Per Barrel Again: Report

Brent crude futures expiring in May surged more than 10% to $101.53 before losing some steam to hover around $101 a barrel.

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