Prop firm news
Industry moves: rule changes, payouts, new launches, warnings.
41 updates
WarningMyFlashFunding suspended from Propfirmmatch over denied payouts
Propfirmmatch suspended MyFlashFunding after reports of denied and adjusted payouts. The firm blamed data feed issues for favorable trading conditions but denied payouts anyway. Propfirmmatch says responsibility lies with the firm, not traders. Major red flag for current and prospective traders.
NewsMyFlashFunding switches brokerage partner to ASIC-regulated FinesseFX
MyFlashFunding announced a new brokerage partner, FinesseFX (ASIC-regulated), for non-US clients on MT5. US clients will move to Match-Trade platform. Broker changes can affect spreads, execution, and platform stability—traders should monitor for any differences in trading conditions.
Rule changeApex Trader Funding mandates 2-day trade recording or no payout
Apex CEO announces new security systems requiring traders to record trading sessions for two days before payout approval. Firm cites fraud detection as reason for delays. Policy adds compliance burden but may reduce payout denials if rules are clear; watch for implementation details.
PayoutThe Funded Trader traders wait six months for payouts, firm settles 30% of debt
TFT reports paying only 30% of trader arrears and 55% to affiliates after payout freeze since March. Some traders accepted 10-30% settlements of original amounts owed. Prolonged delays signal cash flow stress; traders should avoid new challenges until full resolution confirmed.
NewsFTMO expands into futures trading as CFD restrictions bite
Leading CFD prop firm FTMO launches futures offering following MetaQuotes platform restrictions. The5ers and FundedNext already made similar moves. Expansion gives traders alternative asset class but still simulation-based capital. Watch rule differences versus established futures-only firms.
NewsVest Markets raises $13M to build prop firm that doesn't bet against traders
Vest Markets secured $13M led by Portal Ventures, claiming a trader-friendly model on cross-asset exchange. The platform hit $1M daily revenue in September with 27,000 users. Growth signals investor appetite for transparent prop models, but traders should watch if execution quality matches the marketing amid industry consolidation.
NewsUS regulators step up prop firm oversight as Europe deprioritizes
Major US prop firms are registering as CFTC Introducing Brokers while European regulator ESMA has dropped prop trading from its priority agenda. This divergence creates a compliance arbitrage opportunity but also signals tighter US scrutiny, potentially raising operational costs and forcing rule changes for US-facing firms.
NewsFTMO acquires retail broker OANDA, blurring prop-brokerage lines
Prague-based prop giant FTMO purchased regulated broker OANDA, joining a wave of firms merging prop evaluation funnels with live retail trading. This vertical integration could shift risk models and regulatory scrutiny as traders migrate from sim to live accounts under one roof, potentially changing payout economics and oversight.
NewsFXIFY launches futures platform, draws 100,000 waitlist registrations
The forex prop firm is expanding into futures trading with a new platform and instant funding program. Over 100,000 traders registered for the open beta, signaling strong demand and potential new competition in the futures prop space. Launch timing and rule structures will determine whether it captures market share from established futures firms.
WarningThe Funded Trader halts payouts, launches self-imposed internal audit after complaints
The Funded Trader suspended all payouts and initiated a self-imposed internal audit following a surge in complaints on Trustpilot and social media. Comparison site Propfirmmatch suspended the firm from its listings due to payout denials. The firm claims it's verifying payouts comply with rules, but no timeline for resolution was provided.
NewsFinancial Commission launches first self-regulatory framework for prop firms
The Financial Commission introduced voluntary Prop Firm Certification, offering independent review of transparency, fair enforcement, and payout practices. The framework includes external dispute resolution to protect traders when firms fail. This marks the first structured self-regulatory oversight for the prop trading industry.
Rule changeHola Prime launches consolidated Rulebook, removes three funded account restrictions
Hola Prime released The Rulebook, consolidating all account requirements and rules in one location with transparent change logs. The update removed three previously enforced funded account restrictions, making trading conditions clearer. This follows the firm's reputation for 1-hour payouts and transparency efforts.
WarningFlatiron Futures to pay $759k disgorgement over alleged CME rule violations
Prop trading firm Flatiron Futures Traders will pay $759,000 in disgorgement following alleged violations of CME rules. The enforcement action highlights regulatory scrutiny facing prop firms operating in exchange-traded futures markets. No details on specific violations were disclosed in available content.
PayoutHola Prime hires Deloitte to audit payouts as trust gap widens across prop trading sector
Hola Prime commissioned Big Four firm Deloitte to audit its payout claims, an unusual move in a sector where most payout totals rely on internal dashboards or unverified blockchain data. The audit lands amid persistent payout complaints elsewhere in the industry and growing competition for transparency among firms seeking trader trust.
Rule changeFundedNext launches 'Labs' to test experimental challenge rules on live traders
FundedNext opened a limited-seat experimental track where traders pay $99.99 for a one-step challenge with no daily loss limit. The firm will use live trading data from Labs participants to decide which rule changes roll into its main product line. The approach mirrors E8 Markets' Zero program, which dropped consistency and trailing drawdown rules.
NewsTradeify launches retail brokerage arm, partners with Kraken-owned NinjaTrader for clearing
U.S. futures prop firm Tradeify is expanding beyond evaluations by launching a retail brokerage. The firm signed an exclusive clearing and technology agreement with NinjaTrader, now owned by Kraken, which will handle trade execution and client funds. The move signals prop firms diversifying revenue streams beyond challenge fees.
NewsATFunded discloses only 6% of traders reach funded status in June performance data
ATFX's prop arm revealed stark challenge success rates, with just over 6 in 100 evaluation buyers ultimately securing funded accounts. The firm is launching ATFunded Pro, a new one-phase evaluation program this week. Low pass rates are now becoming public data points as the industry faces growing scrutiny over trader success metrics.
PayoutGoat Funded Trader discloses $26 million paid to 22,279 traders out of 1.2 million participants
Goat Funded Trader opened payout data showing $26.16 million paid to 22,279 traders from a total user base of 1.2 million. The firm added QR codes to verify payout certificates. Only 1.86% of traders received payouts. The disclosure comes as firms compete on self-reported payout figures.
NewsFundedNext launches Labs to test experimental prop challenges on live traders
FundedNext unveiled Labs, a sandbox for testing rule variants on live accounts before rolling changes firmwide. The initiative aims to prevent retroactive rule-change backlash like FundingTicks faced. The firm joins E8 Markets and Pipcy in stripping out controversial rules like consistency targets and trailing drawdowns to attract traders frustrated by hidden fail conditions.
NewsPipFarm launches multi-currency accounts in USD, EUR, GBP
Prop firm PipFarm introduced multi-currency account support (USD, EUR, GBP) to attract international traders beyond Western markets. The expansion addresses growing global demand but risk management remains a core challenge as the industry scales internationally.
NewsFundingPips introduces Tradovate and copy trading for futures traders
FundingPips (parent of FundingTicks) rolled out Tradovate platform access and enabled copy trading across multiple funded accounts—up to six 50K or three 100K accounts. The changes aim to expand trader flexibility in futures markets and automate trade replication strategies.
PayoutFundedNext reports cumulative trader payouts exceed $350 million
FundedNext announced it has paid out over $350 million to traders cumulatively, positioning itself among the largest payout contributors in the prop trading space. The milestone follows FTMO's $450 million disclosure and reflects intensifying competition around payout transparency and scale.
Rule changeFundingTicks faces backlash over retroactive rule changes
Futures prop firm FundingTicks triggered trader outrage after applying new trading rules—including a one-minute minimum hold time for scalpers—retroactively to existing accounts. The move sparked trust issues and highlights the risk of sudden rule shifts that invalidate trader strategies.
NewsTrue Forex Funds announces relaunch plans after operational troubles
Beleaguered prop firm True Forex Funds revealed it plans to relaunch operations next week following a period of disruption. The firm joins others facing regulatory and partnership challenges in the prop trading sector, with FPFX Technologies recently terminating its agreement with Funded Engineer.
Rule changeApex Trader Funding requires 2 days of recorded trades before payouts
Apex Trader Funding now mandates traders record their trades for two days before receiving payouts, part of new fraud detection systems. CEO Darrell Martin says the security upgrades aim to improve payout processing. The move comes amid widespread industry complaints about delayed payments.
NewsFTMO launches FTMO Futures trading arm for prop traders
Prague-based FTMO has quietly launched FTMO Futures, a new unit offering futures prop trading. Still in beta, it offers three account tiers from $50K to $150K priced between $119 and $229 monthly. The expansion diversifies FTMO's product line beyond its core forex offerings.
WarningProp firm FundingTicks begins winding down after profit cuts and trading limits
FundingTicks is closing operations following backlash over retroactive rule changes, profit cuts, and trading restrictions. The firm, launched earlier this year by the same team behind FundingPips, faced massive complaints from traders after implementing changes that affected already-funded accounts.
WarningFutures prop firm FundedSeat closes citing platform limitations
FundedSeat, launched two years ago, is shutting down operations, blaming restrictions from major trading platforms that blocked its growth. The firm will pay out pending withdrawals and positive balances. It previously reported $700,000 monthly payouts before closure.
WarningThe Funded Trader pauses all operations, promises relaunch with 'different look and feel'
The Funded Trader has halted operations entirely, posting a 21-day countdown timer on its website. CEO Angelo Ciaramello promises a relaunch with a new brand identity but provided no clear timeline. The pause comes amid months of payout delays and customer complaints.
WarningSurgeTrader shuts down one week after losing Match-Trader license
Florida-based prop firm SurgeTrader ceased operations just seven days after Match-Trade Technologies terminated its platform license. The firm was unable to secure alternative trading infrastructure and has closed its doors permanently. Traders with active accounts are now left in limbo.
WarningAlpha Capital bans 150 traders over group trading allegations, pledges to restore wrongly banned accounts
Alpha Capital Group suspended over 300 accounts linked to alleged coordinated trading violations. The firm says it will finalize its investigation this week and reverse bans on traders caught incorrectly. The move highlights tightening enforcement across prop firms as they crack down on rule violations.
PayoutHola Prime claims 33-minute average payout after winning MEA speed award
Hola Prime won 'Fastest Payout Prop Firm - MEA 2026' and published data showing 33-minute 48-second average payout times. The firm moved compliance and KYC checks earlier in the account lifecycle rather than compressing them at payout, reducing multi-day industry standard delays.
PayoutTopstep reports 12.4% pass rate, 28.3% of funded traders get payouts
Topstep disclosed that only 12.4% of traders passed evaluation in 2024, and just 28.3% of funded traders received payouts. The data underscores the difficulty of prop firm challenges and the low probability of sustained profitability, even after funding. Traders should weigh these odds before purchasing challenges.
WarningFundingTicks winds down operations after rule backlash
FundingTicks began shutting down in January 2026 following December 2025 rule changes that sparked trader backlash. The firm introduced a one-minute minimum trade duration and other restrictions that tanked its Trustpilot rating. The closure highlights how aggressive rule tightening can destroy trust and collapse a firm.
PayoutHola Prime wins fastest payout award, publishes operational metrics
Hola Prime received 'Fastest Payout Prop Firm - MEA 2026' recognition and disclosed backend data showing how it moved compliance checks earlier in account lifecycle. The firm claims sub-hour payouts by front-loading KYC, rule audits, and funds allocation rather than compressing them at withdrawal. Payout speed is becoming a competitive differentiator.
NewsHola Prime adds cTrader platform for its traders
Hola Prime partnered with cTrader to offer its 11M+ user platform to prop traders. The integration gives Hola Prime traders access to an alternative execution platform alongside MT5. The move reflects broader platform diversification after MetaQuotes restrictions forced many firms to adopt multiple solutions.
NewsTradeify launches retail brokerage, partners with Kraken-owned NinjaTrader for clearing
U.S. futures prop firm Tradeify expanded beyond evaluations by launching a retail brokerage. The firm signed a clearing and technology agreement with NinjaTrader (acquired by Kraken), which will handle trade execution and client funds for the new business line.
NewsFinancial Commission launches prop firm certification program with dispute resolution
The Financial Commission introduced an independent certification program for prop firms, extending external dispute resolution services to the sector. Firms meeting standards after review can display the certification badge. The program aims to add third-party oversight to an industry plagued by payout disputes and unclear operating standards.
New firmDojoTraders launches multi-asset prop firm covering forex, futures, crypto, and equities
New prop firm DojoTraders entered the market offering traders access to forex, futures, crypto, and equities under one evaluation program. The firm aims to simplify cross-asset trading by consolidating multiple markets into a single platform, eliminating the need for traders to work with separate firms for different instruments.
Rule changeProp firms tighten news trading rules, restrict profits around major economic releases
Multiple prop firms introduced new restrictions on trading around major news events, with some banning news trading during challenges and funded phases. MyFundedFX and others now limit profits earned during high-impact releases. This directly impacts scalpers and news traders who rely on volatility spikes around NFP, CPI, and Fed decisions.
Geopolitical news
Wars, sanctions, elections, and political shocks moving the markets you trade.
14 updates
GeopoliticsIran war impact splits markets: Europe hit harder than US on energy exposure
Europe faces amplified vulnerabilities from Iran conflict due to energy dependence, ECB warns. UK activity dropped as input costs jumped. US less affected—self-sufficient in oil/gas and AI investment surging—but gasoline hit $4.56/gallon. Defense and energy indices outperform; gold rises on safe-haven demand.
GeopoliticsUS-Iran tentative deal sends oil down 4.8%, global stocks rally
Brent crude fell to $83.17 after US-Iran ceasefire deal, down from $100+ peaks but still above pre-war $70. Lower energy costs ease pressure on households and businesses. Stocks worldwide rallied on reduced geopolitical risk. Gold safe-haven demand may reverse as uncertainty fades.
GeopoliticsOil surges, stocks drop as Iran conflict disrupts Strait of Hormuz tanker traffic
Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed to near-zero amid war-risk insurance spikes and shipping suspensions. JPMorgan warns Brent could hit $100-$120 if Gulf producers max out storage and shut in output. Expect volatility in oil, equity indices (energy-weighted), and safe havens like gold.
GeopoliticsOil futures rise as Saudi attacks and U.S.-Iran risks persist, Brent climbs above $110
Brent crude rebounded near $110 per barrel, a five-month high, on mounting concerns over fresh escalation in the Middle East conflict. Attacks on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port and energy facilities by Houthi militants have increased geopolitical risk premiums. Traders should watch for further volatility in oil, equity indices, and USD pairs.
GeopoliticsU.S. stocks tumble as Iran war impact can no longer be ignored by investors
Major U.S. indexes fell sharply as 12 consecutive nights of U.S. strikes on Iran drove oil and Treasury yields higher. S&P 500 had previously brushed off war risks, staying flat while oil jumped. Market now pricing in prolonged conflict consequences after weeks of denial.
GeopoliticsU.S. futures slump, oil surges 8%+ on Iran conflict; markets eye Hormuz disruption risk
Oil jumped over 8% (Brent to $79.48, WTI to $72.51) as the U.S.-Iran conflict escalated, raising fears of Strait of Hormuz closures that could disrupt 20% of global crude flows. Stock futures tumbled (Dow -551 pts). Traders priced in inflation risk and potential Fed hawkishness if oil stays elevated. Expect continued volatility in energy, indices, and safe havens like gold until geopolitical clarity emerges.
GeopoliticsOil surges as U.S.-Iran tensions price in real supply disruption risk
Crude rallied sharply as direct U.S.-Iran military engagement shifted market focus from hypothetical risk premium to active supply threat. Brent jumped 51% in March, one of the largest monthly surges on record. Traders should watch oil, energy equities, and safe-haven flows (gold, Treasuries) as conflict escalates.
GeopoliticsUkraine Hits Russian Oil Terminal; Ship Attacks Escalate in Persian Gulf
Ukraine struck a Russian oil terminal while ship attacks in the Persian Gulf intensified, rattling energy markets and equity futures. S&P 500 and Nasdaq-100 futures rose despite the escalation, but traders are monitoring oil volatility and broader geopolitical risk as both Russia-Ukraine and U.S.-Iran conflicts impact energy infrastructure.
GeopoliticsGlobal Markets Rally on Reports of U.S.-Iran Peace Deal; Oil Prices Drop
Oil prices fell and global stock markets rose sharply after reports emerged of diplomacy aimed at ending the U.S.-Iran war. European bourses remain below pre-conflict levels, but the S&P 500 has climbed over 1%. Gas prices, which had soared during the Strait of Hormuz closure, also eased on peace deal speculation.
GeopoliticsExpanded US sanctions on Iran and Russia flip oil market focus from glut to squeeze
New US sanctions on Iran and Russia reversed trader sentiment overnight from oversupply fears to supply-squeeze anxiety. Markets initially moved lower, pricing economic pressure as less risky than kinetic action, but residual premium persists as Iran retains ability to disrupt shipping routes.
GeopoliticsIran conflict drives oil to $119, stocks whipsaw on supply fears
Brent crude spiked from ~$70 to as high as $119 per barrel since the Iran war began, driving sharp stock market swings. Investors toggle between hopes for a quick resolution and fears of prolonged supply disruptions from the Persian Gulf. Elevated oil fuels inflation risk; traders should monitor crude for directional cues on indices and FX.
GeopoliticsUS-Iran ceasefire framework sends oil down, stocks rally—but experts question durability
Oil prices dropped and equities surged on MoU framework to end US-Iran war, but analysts warn optimism may be premature. Practical issues remain: vessel backlog, mine clearing, and 14M barrel/day shortfall from Hormuz closure. Traders should watch for volatility if implementation stalls—ceasefire risk premium may deflate too quickly in crude and indices.
GeopoliticsIsrael-Iran war sends oil above $90, threatens 20% of global supply through Hormuz Strait
Escalating Israel-Iran conflict triggered sharp oil price spikes as traders price real supply disruption risk. Roughly 20% of global crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz, now under threat. Refinery shutdowns and export constraints in Iran are already impairing regional supply flows, pushing Brent toward $95.
Markets & central banks
Rate decisions, inflation prints, recession signals, and major index moves.
21 updates
MarketsFed hikes rates 25bp to 3.75-4% range in first increase since 2023
Federal Reserve raised key rate by 25bp, first hike in over three years, targeting inflation driven by oil shocks. FOMC voted 12-0; another hike signaled ahead. Bond market reaction contained; 30-year Treasury yield fell slightly. Borrowing costs for consumers and businesses now rising.
MarketsOil market cushion evaporates as IEA releases fail to offset Hormuz disruption
The global oil market absorbed the Hormuz supply shock for four weeks using spare capacity and IEA releases, but those buffers are now exhausted. With low inventories and thin spare capacity, the market is exposed to sharp upside price moves if the conflict persists or another disruption hits.
MarketsFederal Reserve faces rate-hike decision as strong jobs data and 3.4% inflation persist
The Fed could hike rates 25 basis points at next week's meeting after stronger-than-expected jobs data and inflation holding at 3.4%. Markets price in a one-in-three chance of an immediate hike, with a 25bp move fully priced by September. Rate hikes typically pressure equities and strengthen the dollar.
MarketsFed holds rates at 3.5–3.75%, Warsh's credibility questioned after market reaction
Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged in July meeting, voting 9-3 to hold. Markets sharply lowered odds of future hikes after Chair Warsh's press conference, suggesting communication disconnect. Rate stability supports risk assets short-term, but persistent inflation talk from officials keeps hike risk alive, creating uncertainty for equity and bond traders.
MarketsOil surges near $117 on Middle East conflict, dragging stocks and bonds lower
Brent crude hit $117 as Iran war escalation threatens Persian Gulf supplies. S&P 500 fell, chipmakers posted longest weekly drop since November, Treasuries gave back gains. For traders: expect continued volatility in energy, indices, and flight-to-safety flows into gold. Oil supply disruptions could sustain elevated prices and inflation pressure.
MarketsHedge funds and high-frequency traders merge strategies, hold positions longer
Major market-makers like Citadel Securities now warehouse risk for weeks instead of intraday offsets, blurring the line between prop trading and HFT. This shift reflects changing liquidity dynamics and could impact execution quality and slippage for retail and prop traders entering crowded positions.
MarketsWTI nears $99, five-week highs on escalating Middle East supply risks
WTI crude approached $99 per barrel, a five-week high, as geopolitical tensions intensified in the Middle East. Reports of potential U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure and attacks on Saudi facilities are fueling fears of supply disruptions. Rising oil prices pressure inflation expectations and could weigh on equity indices.
MarketsOil prices rally on geopolitical tensions; U.S. crude inventories fall 3.06M barrels
Oil prices climbed after EIA reported U.S. crude inventories dropped 3.06 million barrels to 412.5 million in the week ending Oct. 16, 2026. Supply concerns tied to geopolitical tensions are supporting the rally. Higher oil often pressures equity indices and boosts USD, while energy sector equities and oil futures benefit directly from sustained price strength.
MarketsOil markets remain volatile as Hormuz closure and Iran war disrupt global supply flows
Oil and LNG prices stay elevated despite pullbacks from wartime highs as Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, blocking 20% of global oil and gas shipments. Physical supply disruptions persist even as paper prices fall on Trump's de-escalation rhetoric. Traders face continued volatility as war drags on with no clear end.
MarketsFed holds rates steady at 3.5%-3.75%, cites elevated inflation from Iran war impact
Federal Reserve kept rates unchanged citing elevated inflation driven by higher oil and energy costs from Iran conflict. Major indices fell: Nasdaq down 0.9%, Dow down 1.6%, S&P 500 down 0.7%. Gold rose 1.2% to $4,076/oz. Oil disruptions and war-related supply shocks keep inflation pressures high, delaying rate cuts traders hoped for.
MarketsFed holds rates as tighter financial conditions do tightening work; 30-year yield hits 5.25%
Fed acknowledged market-driven tightening in latest decision but offered little clarity, triggering selloff. U.S. 30-year Treasury yield climbed above 5.25%, near 20-year high. Stocks and dollar dropped as yield curve steepened. Markets doing Fed's job, but uncertainty around reaction function rattles traders.
MarketsWTI crude settles at $103.66, highest since mid-September, on Middle East tensions
WTI crude for November delivery closed $2.25 higher at $103.66 per barrel, the highest settlement since September 15, driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Houthi forces claimed attacks on Saudi energy and airport infrastructure, raising concerns about regional security and transport disruptions. Brent crude fell slightly to $109.55. Traders should prepare for continued volatility if Houthi or Iran-linked escalation persists.
MarketsChina's 1.3 Billion Barrel Oil Stockpile to Cushion Sanctions Impact on Market
China has built massive crude reserves—up to 1.3 billion barrels—expected to soften the blow from U.S. sanctions on Russian oil producers like Rosneft and Lukoil. Analysts say this inventory buffer will dampen oil price volatility and reduce the immediate market reaction to supply disruptions, stabilizing Brent and WTI in the near term.
Markets10-Year Treasury Yield Hits Fresh 2002 High as 'Fiscal Apocalypse' Fears Mount
The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to its highest level since 2002 at the start of the week, driven by inflation concerns and rising deficit fears. While analysts say surging yields don't yet signal a fiscal crisis, the move pressures equities and raises borrowing costs, with implications for indices, FX pairs, and rate-sensitive assets.
MarketsStrait of Hormuz and Red Sea oil route pressures deepen supply risks
Both the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea shipping routes face mounting pressure, amplifying oil supply risks. Traders reacted swiftly as geopolitical headlines outweighed US inventory data showing crude builds. Markets face crude availability but refined product shortages, with weekly EIA reports key.
MarketsFed raises rates in September 2026 to curb inflation, dollar surges
The Federal Reserve hiked interest rates for the first time since 2023 on Sept 16, pushing to rein in inflation. S&P 500 turned lower, long-term Treasury yields pared declines, and the dollar surged. Chair Warsh emphasized commitment to inflation control and noted strengthening economic growth.
MarketsOil falls 2.4% despite new Iran sanctions; traders bet on temporary disruption
Despite the US widening Iran sanctions, WTI crude fell 2.4% to $85.01 and Brent dropped 2.4% to $92.17. Markets appear to price sanctions as lower-risk than kinetic conflict and expect temporary supply impact. However, Iran retains capacity to disrupt shipping; residual risk premium remains in oil. Watch for sudden repricing if conflict escalates.
MarketsFed holds rates steady in split decision; three dissents signal tightening debate
The Federal Reserve held rates unchanged after a contentious meeting with three dissenting votes. Markets reacted by pushing 30-year yields above 5.25%, near 20-year highs, while stocks and the dollar fell sharply. Diverging short and long-term yields suggest traders are uncertain about next Fed move and worried about sticky inflation.
MarketsU.S. stock futures drop over 1% on Iran conflict escalation; oil rallies hard
S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures fell more than 1% Monday as the Iran-Israel war roiled global markets. Dow futures shed 551 points. Oil surged on fears the conflict will disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for energy supplies. Safe-haven flows and volatility spike expected.
MarketsECB hikes rates 25 basis points amid prolonged Middle East energy shock uncertainty
The European Central Bank raised its three key rates by 25 basis points, bringing the deposit rate to 2.50 percent. Energy price volatility from the Middle East conflict remains elevated and well above pre-crisis levels. The decision signals persistent inflation pressure and tighter monetary policy, negative for risk assets and supportive for the euro.