The U. S. stock market began the day without a clear direction, as futures traded sideways while oil prices edged up to about $90 per barrel. A highly anticipated drop in U. S. crude inventories did not lift investor mood, partly because tensions over shipping lanes in the Middle East continued to l
The day began with a clear signal from the energy sector: crude oil prices pushed higher, nudging investors to sell some of their holdings in the Dow. The index slipped by about 0. 5 percent, reflecting worries that rising fuel costs could squeeze corporate profits across many industries. Meanwhile
Inflation data from February showed a steady 2. 5 % core rate, meaning food and energy costs were not driving the rise. The month’s figures rose only 0. 2 % from January, while grocery and restaurant prices climbed 3‑4 %. Energy costs went up modestly after a drop in January, but the recent spike in
The United States has announced a plan to insure maritime losses in the Gulf region, offering up to $20 billion in coverage. This move aims to give oil and gas shippers more confidence amid tensions with Iran. The initiative follows a halt in tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, where norma
The price of gasoline in the United States climbed once more, marking a new peak for a gallon that has risen by 34 cents—about an 11 percent jump—since the onset of military tensions between the U. S. and Iran. Gasoline averaged $3. 32 per gallon, its highest level since September last year, acco
The timber boom that once kept Alaskan towns alive has slipped into history, a slow decline driven by layers of rules and dwindling money. That story shows how easy it is for a vital industry to disappear when policy turns heavy and investment dries up. Oil, however, is the engine that keeps Alas
In February, Ford sold 149, 962 cars in the United States, a 5. 5% fall from last year’s 158, 675 units. Year‑to‑date sales reached 285, 324, down 5. 4% compared with the same period in 2025. Despite the overall decline, Ford’s large SUVs performed strongly: the Expedition grew 27%, the Explorer j
The Gulf’s waterway, a lifeline for global oil and gas, is now a hotspot as attacks on ships grow more frequent. A Bahamas‑flagged tanker near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port was struck by an Iranian explosive boat, while another anchored off Kuwait suffered a massive blast that leaked oil. These inciden
A new conflict that started three days ago has already pushed up oil and gas prices in the United States and around the world. The fighting began with attacks on Iranian targets, including its leader, and Iran has struck a range of sites in neighboring countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Tho
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow stretch linking the Persian Gulf to the wider world, has become a flashpoint after Iran’s recent moves have stalled tanker traffic. This choke point handles roughly 20 % of global oil flow, so any slowdown sends shockwaves through markets. When Iran threatened to ig
