Oil prices open higher on concerns of continuous Middle East escalations

Oil prices jumped sharply at the open today, with Brent crude rising above $104 and WTI nearing $100 per barrel after President Donald Trump rejected Irans latest proposal to end the war, increasing concerns over supply disruptions and geopolitical risks.

In the U.S. Market, stock futures edged lower in early trading today after a strong week on Wall Street, as oil prices climbed following President Donald Trump‘s rejection of Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict. This decline comes after major U.S. indices posted strong gains last week and closing at fresh record highs after stronger-than-expected U.S. jobs data boosted investor confidence.

Investors are now focusing on upcoming U.S. inflation data from the US, including CPI and PPI reports, to assess the impact of rising oil prices and the Middle East conflict on inflation and Federal Reserve policy expectations. Global markets and governments are also closely watching this week's summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, as its outcome could shape the future of global trade, geopolitics, and economic growth.

In Chinas, inflation data came in stronger than expected in April, with producer prices rising at their fastest pace in more than three years as higher commodity and energy costs linked to the Iran conflict boosted inflationary pressures

Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed on Monday as rising oil prices and escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran influenced investor sentiment. South Koreas Kospi led regional gains, surging nearly 5% to a fresh record high, supported by strong gains in semiconductor stocks such as SK Hynix.

Gold prices declined on Monday as stalled U.S.–Iran peace negotiations pushed oil prices higher, increasing concerns that inflation could remain elevated and force central banks to keep interest rates higher for longer. The precious metal fell below $4,680, while the U.S. dollar strengthened, adding further pressure on gold prices.