Stock Market Impact: US Dow futures rose 399 points (+0.8%), S&P 500 futures added 70 points (+0.9%), and Nasdaq 100 futures jumped 407 points (+1.4%) by 03:44 ET (07:44 GMT). 30‑year Treasury futures gained one point, reflecting optimism over a possible US‑Iran peace deal.
Oil and Geopolitics: Reports that Washington and Tehran have agreed in principle to end their two‑month conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz pushed Brent crude down 4.7% to $95.54 per barrel, breaking the $100 level. Analysts note that even with an accord, oil may not revert to pre‑war levels due to a lingering geopolitical risk premium.
Inflation and Monetary Policy: The prospect of sustained higher energy prices has heightened expectations that central banks will keep rates elevated; the US Federal Reserve is now forecast to raise rates by 25 basis points at its Jan 27 meeting, reversing earlier expectations of cuts.
Gold and Currency: Spot gold climbed 1.0% to $4,555.21 per ounce, while the US dollar index slipped 0.2% to 99.02, indicating a modest shift toward safe‑haven assets amid rate‑rise expectations.
Corporate News – Delivery Hero: Delivery Hero SE shares surged 9.7% to €36.85, the highest level in 18 months, valuing the company at €11.2 bn ($13.04 bn). The rally followed a Financial Times report that Uber may raise its bid after a prior offer of €38 per share was rejected; shareholders are reportedly seeking offers above €40 per share.
Comments from Officials: An Iranian foreign‑ministry spokesperson said the memorandum of understanding lacks specifics on Hormuz management. US President Donald Trump said he told representatives “not to rush into a deal,” and that an American blockade on Iranian ports will remain until an agreement is “reached, certified, and signed.”
