Key Highlights
- President Trump announced a 10-day extension on halting U.S. attacks targeting Iran’s energy facilities, setting April 6 as the new deadline.
- Bitcoin experienced a decline exceeding 3% during Thursday’s session before bouncing back to levels slightly above $69,000.
- Technology-heavy Nasdaq index tumbled 2.4% Thursday, marking approximately 10% losses from its January high point.
- The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield climbed to 4.43%, fueling speculation that the Federal Reserve might increase rates instead of reducing them.
- Brent crude oil prices exceeded $103 per barrel amid heightened concerns about Strait of Hormuz shipping disruptions.
President Trump announced Thursday that he would extend the suspension of U.S. military strikes targeting Iran’s energy facilities, providing temporary relief to markets that had suffered significant declines throughout the trading session. The digital currency Bitcoin managed to recover a portion of its earlier losses following the announcement.
Through his Truth Social platform, Trump declared: “As per Iranian Government request… I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days.” The statement emphasized that diplomatic discussions are “ongoing” and “going very well.”
Tehran faces an April 6 deadline to meet Washington’s requirements before potential strikes on power facilities could resume.
The leading cryptocurrency had fallen over 3% during morning trading hours. Following Trump’s social media announcement, the asset gained approximately 1% from session lows, stabilizing just over the $69,000 threshold.
Alternative digital assets followed similar recovery patterns. Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano each rebounded from their daily lows while maintaining losses between 3% and 5% across the previous 24-hour period.
Equity Indexes Face Downward Pressure
The Nasdaq composite experienced a 2.4% decline during Thursday’s trading. This brings total losses from the late January peak to approximately 10%.
Friday morning brought modest gains to U.S. equity futures. Both Nasdaq 100 and S&P 500 futures contracts advanced roughly 0.2%, with Dow futures posting a 0.1% increase.
The upward movement remained constrained. Market participants maintained a cautious stance due to persistent questions surrounding the durability of any potential peace agreement.
Treasury Yields Rise Alongside Crude Oil
U.S. 10-year Treasury yields reached as high as 4.43% Thursday, climbing from levels below 4% recorded several weeks prior. The rate moderated slightly to 4.41% before session close.
This substantial increase has virtually eliminated market expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate reductions. Certain traders now anticipate potential rate increases instead. European bond markets across Western nations have experienced comparable movements.
Oil prices advanced in tandem. Brent crude contracts traded above the $103 per barrel mark. West Texas Intermediate approached $96. These increases occurred as Middle Eastern attacks persisted and anxieties intensified regarding potential interruptions to vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Market participants continue monitoring whether hostilities might persist throughout April.
Emerging reports indicate Iran’s governing officials remain hesitant to engage in direct negotiations with Washington, despite reviewing an American proposal. This persistent uncertainty continues influencing market sentiment heading into weekend trading.
