Episode Details

US equity futures are higher, with the S&P up about 0.2% following mostly stronger gains on Tuesday. Bonds are mixed: the US 10‑year is little changed at 5.1%, gilts lower, bunds up to 3.4%, and OATs, BTPs are wider. The dollar is firmer versus the euro and little changed elsewhere. Oil is slightly higher — WTI remains below $99/bbl and Brent around $110/bbl. Gold is little changed, silver is lower, industrial metals are mixed, and Bitcoin is firmer. Conflicting reports on US‑Iran diplomatic progress have added volatility to oil prices. Tuesday’s headlines said an agreement was near but were later denied; later reports suggested Iran might prolong talks to weaken Trump ahead of the midterms. Iranian media also reported a super-tanker struck a sea mine south of the Strait of Hormuz and caught fire, part of a string of recent attacks.

Companies mentioned: Alcon AG, Optimum Communications, NVIDIA