"A reading above 30 signals that traders are pricing in meaningful near-term turbulence. Friday's close of 31.05, up 3.61 points on the session, follows four consecutive weekly closes above 25, the longest such stretch since 2022."
"The primary driver behind the stress is the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran have raised supply concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20% of global oil flows."
"Higher energy costs are feeding into transportation, production, and consumer prices. U.S. inflation data has shown energy-driven upticks, complicating the Federal Reserve's path forward."
"For now, safe-haven demand is winning. Gold has traded between $4,400 and $4,600 in late March, holding near the $5,000 target Citigroup set in January 2026."
The VIX, which measures expected volatility, closed at 31.05, indicating significant near-term turbulence. Elevated open interest in options markets reflects demand for downside hedges. The ongoing Middle East conflict has raised oil supply concerns, with Brent crude prices fluctuating between $99 and $115 per barrel. Higher energy costs are contributing to inflation, complicating the Federal Reserve's decisions on interest rates. Safe-haven demand for gold remains strong, with prices holding near Citigroup's $5,000 target amid these economic pressures.
Read at news.bitcoin.com
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