Markets Mixed, Energy And Defense In Focus

STATE OF THE MARKETS

Markets mixed, energy and defense in focus. Major U.S. indices saw a more subdued and divergent session compared with the prior aggressive rebound. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped about 0.1–0.2% to close near 48,905, as weakness in some blue chips offset gains in energy and defense names. The S&P 500 edged up less than 0.1% to around 6,882, while the Nasdaq Composite gained roughly 0.4%, with select tech and growth names rebounding from early-session losses. The Russell 2000 outperformed the Dow but only modestly, rising about 0.9% as small‑caps caught a bid alongside cyclical and energy stocks. Overall risk tone was cautious but constructive rather than euphoric, with dip‑buyers more selective and focused on sectors tied to higher oil prices and defense spending.

The Dollar Index firmed intraday as safe‑haven flows picked up on geopolitical concerns and a jump in oil prices, contrasting with the earlier retreat from the highs that had eased pressure on high‑beta FX. Crude oil ripped higher, near $75/bl, hitting its highest level since mid‑2025 after supply fears linked to disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, which drove a sharp bid into the energy complex and helped oil and related equities lead the tape. Gold, which had previously softened on equity rotation and elevated real yields, found support around $5,280/oz as geopolitical risk and firmer inflation expectations kept haven demand alive, leaving the metal choppy rather than decisively lower into the close. Industrial metals stayed more range‑bound, with traders still waiting on clearer signals from Chinese demand and global growth before extending positions.

In FX space, the tone was less uniformly pro‑cyclical than during the prior “equities ripped higher while dollar dipped” session. The Canadian dollar saw conflicting forces, with safe‑haven demand boosting the U.S. dollar even as surging crude prices provided a cushion for the Loonie and limited USD/CAD upside. The Aussie dollar, typically a high‑beta proxy for global growth and commodities, struggled to extend any earlier rebound as the stronger dollar and lingering growth worries offset support from firmer commodity prices. Safe‑haven interest in the Swiss franc and Japanese yen remained underpinned by the geopolitical backdrop, while Sterling stayed constrained by domestic growth concerns and the Euro traded mixed, oscillating between softer regional data and shifting global risk appetite.

G8 CURRENCIES SENTIMENTS

** ST refers to Short-Term daily turnover, MT is Medium Term weekly 
and LT refers to Long-Term monthly turnover.

WALL ST. TOP FIVE INFLOWS

** tickers with total inflows but block orders outflows are not included

WALL ST. TOP FIVE OUTFLOW

** tickers with total outflows but block orders inflows are not included

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