Post

Wall St futures slide as oil extends surge amid Middle East war U.S. stock index futures fell on Sunday evening as escalating tensions in the Middle East drove crude oil prices above $100 a barrel, raising concerns about potential economic slowdowns and inflationary pressures in the United States. The S&P 500 Futures dropped 1.7% to 6,632.75 points, while Nasdaq 100 Futures declined 1.8% to 24,234.0 points. Dow Jones Futures also fell 1.7% to 46,696.0 points. The decline followed a surge in oil prices, fueled by fears of supply disruptions and risks to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil trade. The spike in crude prices has intensified worries that a renewed energy shock could push inflation higher and dampen consumer spending. Analysts noted that sustained oil price increases could complicate the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook by keeping inflationary pressures elevated even as economic growth slows. The U.S. energy secretary described the current oil rally as a “fear premium” driven by geopolitical tensions, suggesting it is likely to fade as the situation stabilizes. Geopolitical developments over the weekend further unsettled markets. Iran announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as the country’s new supreme leader. Mojtaba, viewed as a hardliner, is expected to maintain Iran’s confrontational stance toward Western nations. Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump tweeted that the rise in oil prices was an acceptable consequence of military action against Iran’s nuclear program, calling the short-term price increase a “very small price to pay” for addressing the perceived nuclear threat. The conflict has also disrupted oil exports, with Iraq reporting a 60% drop in output due to attacks on tankers by Iranian forces.#iran #middle_east #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #mohammad_khamenei

Japan, Korea Stocks Rebound From Market Rout After Iran Attack Japanese stocks recovered on Thursday from a sharp decline caused by the US-Israeli strike on Iran, as improved sentiment from strong US economic data propelled gains. The blue-chip Nikkei 225 Stock Average and the broader Topix index both rose by 1.9%, reaching 55,278.06 and 3,702.67 respectively. The banking and electric appliance sectors were the main drivers of the upward movement. The rebound followed a market downturn triggered by the attack, which had unsettled global investors. However, optimism was bolstered by positive economic indicators from the United States, which helped restore confidence in riskier assets. The recovery marked a shift from the previous day’s volatility, as markets adjusted to the geopolitical tensions and their potential impact on global trade and energy prices. The Nikkei’s rebound came amid broader regional trends, with South Korean stocks also showing signs of stabilization. Analysts noted that the recovery was partly fueled by short-term technical rebounds and renewed expectations of policy support from central banks. However, lingering concerns over the conflict’s long-term economic consequences kept volatility in check, with traders closely monitoring further developments in the Middle East.#japan #us #iran #south_korea #nikkei_225

Japan Stocks Could Keep Rising Amid Government Plans and Foreign Interest Japan's stock market has taken a brief pause due to the ongoing Iran war and rising oil prices, but analysts believe the market is positioned for further gains. The new government's growth initiatives, corporate reforms, and renewed interest from foreign investors are seen as key factors that could support the market. However, valuations are not as low as in previous years, which presents a cautionary note for investors. Since 2023, investors have been optimistic about Japan's stock market, driven by the belief that the country's long-slow economy was improving, earnings growth was reasonable, valuations were attractive, and dividends and stock buybacks were increasing. Over the past five years, the Tokyo Stock Price Index, or TOPIX, has risen 99% in yen terms, while the Nikkei 225 has gained 95%. The Morningstar Japan Index has also seen significant growth, rising 86% in yen terms and 42% in USD terms. Despite the overall positive trend, the market has experienced fluctuations. In August 2024, shares fell as the Bank of Japan raised interest rates, and the yen's rise hurt the carry trade, which involves borrowing in the cheap yen to fund more expensive investments elsewhere. The market then saw a recovery, but continued to fluctuate due to concerns about tariffs, monetary tightening, and elections. The market surged again in February after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party secured a supermajority in the House of Representatives. The Iran war poses a challenge for Japan, as liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies are being disrupted. LNG accounts for 36% of Japan's electricity production, and the country relies heavily on imported fossil fuels. Since February 27, the TOPIX has fallen 4.2%, and the Nikkei 225 has dropped 4.#japan #toxico #nikkei_225 #toypix #prime_minister_sanae_takaichi

Japan's Nikkei set to plunge over 7% as oil breaches $100 mark Asia-Pacific markets were expected to experience significant declines on Monday, continuing the volatility seen in the previous week as oil prices surpassed $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022. The surge in oil prices was driven by major Middle Eastern producers, including Kuwait, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates, which reduced output following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This development sent Brent crude futures soaring 16.1% to $107.61, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures rose nearly 17.7% to $107.02. The sharp increase in oil prices also triggered a sharp reaction in global stock markets. Japan’s Nikkei 225 was projected to fall nearly 6% based on futures data, with the Chicago contract at 51,760 compared to the previous close of 55,620.84. The Osaka futures contract was even lower, at 51,660, indicating a drop of over 7% against the last closing price. Similarly, Hong Kong Hang Seng index futures were at 25,328, below the index’s previous close of 25,757.29. U.S. stock futures also declined sharply, with Dow Jones Industrial Average futures down over 800 points or 1.75%, while S&P 500 futures fell 1.59% and Nasdaq-100 futures dropped 1.6%. The broader impact of rising oil prices was evident across the Asia-Pacific region, with Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 falling 3.1% in early trade. The surge in oil prices coincided with a fire that broke out at the Shahran oil depot in Tehran, Iran, following U.S. and Israeli attacks. The incident left numerous fuel tankers and vehicles in the area damaged or unusable, further disrupting regional oil supply chains. U.S.#oil_prices #donald_trump #strait_of_hormuz #japan_nikkei #shahran_oil_depot

U.S. military tested device that may be tied to Havana Syndrome on rats, sheep, confidential sources say Since at least 2016, U.S. diplomats, spies and military officers have reported suffering from severe brain injuries. They described being hit by an overwhelming force that damaged their vision, hearing, sense of balance and cognition. However, the government has doubted their stories, calling them delusional. Now, 60 Minutes has learned that a weapon capable of causing these injuries was obtained overseas and secretly tested on animals at a U.S. military base. The investigation into this mystery has spanned nine years, with this being the fourth story in a series called "Targeting Americans." Despite official government skepticism, the reporting has continued due to the disturbing accounts from victims. Chris, a retired lieutenant colonel who worked on highly classified spy satellites, described experiencing an unseen force striking him five times in five months. The attacks occurred in his home in Northern Virginia, with his wife Heidi present for the last two incidents. Heidi reported severe joint pain and osteolysis, a condition where bones dissolve, requiring surgery. Chris now relies on neurological drugs to manage his symptoms, which include damage to multiple organ systems. Other victims, including an FBI agent, a Commerce Department official in China, and the wife of a Justice Department official stationed in Europe, described similar experiences. They reported intense ear pain, pressure in the head, and disorientation. Many have undergone multiple surgeries and suffer from lifelong disabilities. What is striking about these accounts is the consistency in how different individuals describe their experiences. Despite never meeting, they all report similar symptoms.#stanford_university #havana_syndrome #us_military #cnn #fbi

Former CIA Officer Criticizes Agency's Handling of Havana Syndrome Investigation A former CIA officer has publicly criticized the agency’s investigation into Havana Syndrome, a mysterious illness affecting U.S. intelligence personnel. Marc Polymeropoulos, who served the agency for nearly three decades, alleges that the CIA failed to provide adequate medical care after he was struck in 2017 during a mission in Moscow. He claims the agency dismissed his symptoms as psychosomatic and refused to acknowledge the severity of his condition, leaving him with long-term health issues and a sense of betrayal. Polymeropoulos described the incident as a “terrifying” experience, noting he woke up with vertigo, a severe headache, and tinnitus. He emphasized that the symptoms were unlike any physical trauma he had endured in combat zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Despite his medical needs, he says the CIA did not offer proper treatment, leading to his eventual retirement due to disability. “I did some very interesting things for the U.S. government, always with the idea that they would have my back if I got jammed up,” he said. “I just needed to get medical care when I came back, and they wouldn’t even do that.” The former officer is among a group of victims who have long sought vindication for their conditions, which they attribute to a previously unknown weapon linked to Havana Syndrome. Polymeropoulos claims the CIA’s investigation into the incidents essentially ended in 2022, with officials pushing a conclusion that the illnesses were psychosomatic or caused by environmental factors. He alleges that some superiors mocked the victims, which he found deeply troubling after witnessing the personal impact of the syndrome on fellow officers during a posting in Central Asia. Dr.#white_house #cia #marc_polymeropoulos #stanford_university #david_relmann

Four-peat denied: Gamecocks fall to Texas in SEC title game, 74-59 South Carolina’s quest for a fourth consecutive Southeastern Conference title ended in a 74-59 loss to No. 4 Texas in the SEC tournament championship game on Sunday. The Longhorns, led by their strong offensive performance, capitalized on 14 turnovers by the Gamecocks and shot 54% from the field to secure the victory. Texas’s dominance was evident early, as the Longhorns surged to a 14-0 run in the first four minutes, fueled by five key plays that set the tone for the game. Despite a brief rally by South Carolina, which narrowed the gap to nine points in the second quarter, Texas quickly extended its lead. A 10-0 run midway through the period pushed the deficit to double digits, marking the Gamecocks’ largest halftime deficit in an SEC tournament game since 2008. The Longhorns maintained control in the third quarter, though a late 6-0 surge by South Carolina cut the lead to 13 points heading into the final period. However, Texas held firm, converting five of its last six field goals to seal the win. For South Carolina, the loss ended their bid for a fourth straight SEC title. Joyce Edwards led the Gamecocks with 13 points but also committed five turnovers, tying for the most individual turnovers on the team. Maddy McDaniel added 10 points, while Texas forward Madison Booker dominated with 18 points. Both teams are projected as No. 1 seeds in the NCAA Tournament, with Texas likely to compete in the Fort Worth region and South Carolina in the Sacramento region. The full NCAA Tournament bracket will be announced on March 15.#south_carolina #texas #madison_booker #sec_tournament_championship_game #maddy_mcDaniel

SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Finals: South Carolina vs. Texas in 2026 Showdown The 2026 SEC Women's Basketball Tournament concludes with a high-stakes matchup between No. 1 seed South Carolina and No. 3 seed Texas. The Gamecocks, led by their undefeated regular-season record, face off against the Longhorns, who entered the tournament as last year’s runners-up. South Carolina’s victory over LSU earlier in the season solidified their position, while Texas’ win against Ole Miss secured their place in the championship. The rivalry, marked by a dramatic 20-point loss to South Carolina in the 2025 final, adds tension to the contest. The final game will take place on Sunday, March 8, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. The matchup between the top-ranked Gamecocks and third-seeded Longhorns begins at 3 p.m. EST. ESPN will broadcast the championship game live, with streaming options available through the network. Fans can tune in for a rematch of teams that split their regular-season meetings, with South Carolina claiming the last encounter on January 15 and Texas securing an earlier win on November 27. The historical rivalry between the two programs highlights the stakes. South Carolina holds a 6-4 series edge overall, with a 2-0 record in Columbia and a 3-2 advantage at neutral sites. Texas, however, has dominated games played in Austin, winning both matchups. The Longhorns’ last victory over South Carolina came on November 27, 2025, with a score of 66-64, while the Gamecocks’ most recent win was on January 15, 2026, by a margin of 68-65. The final showdown promises to be a defining moment for both teams, with the SEC title on the line.#south_carolina #texas #sec_womens_basketball_tournament #bon_secours_wellness_arena #espn

Texas Claims First Women's SEC Tournament Title with Dominant Win Over South Carolina The Texas Longhorns secured their first women’s SEC tournament championship with a decisive 78-61 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday. The game, played in Greenville, South Carolina, saw Texas take control early, building a 14-0 lead within the first five minutes and never allowing the Gamecocks to reclaim the momentum. The Longhorns’ dominance extended throughout the contest, with their lead never dropping below double digits as they claimed the title. South Carolina, the three-time defending SEC tournament champion, faced its most significant defeat in the tournament’s history. The Gamecocks, who had dominated the conference for the past three years, struggled to respond to Texas’ early aggression. Coach Vic Schaefer’s team, ranked No. 4, showcased resilience and precision, with standout performances from key players. Tournament MVP Madison Booker led the charge, scoring 18 points and averaging 20 points on 61% shooting across the tournament. Booker’s second-half contribution of 14 points on 6-of-11 shooting underscored Texas’ ability to maintain its intensity. The victory marked a historic moment for Texas, as Schaefer became the first coach to win a women’s SEC tournament title at two different schools. His previous success with Mississippi State in 2019 now joins this milestone, highlighting his impact on the program. Schaefer emphasized the team’s focus on toughness and resilience, noting that Texas’ early dominance set the tone for the entire game. “We belong in the SEC,” Booker said, reflecting the team’s confidence in their ability to compete at the highest level. South Carolina’s coach, Dawn Staley, acknowledged the challenge of overcoming Texas’ early lead.#south_carolina_gamecocks #texas_longhorns #vic_schaefer #madison_booker #dawn_staley

Red Wings recall John Leonard from Grand Rapids under emergency conditions The Detroit Red Wings have recalled forward John Leonard from the American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins under emergency conditions. Leonard, 27, has recorded four points (2-2-4) in nine games with the Red Wings during the 2025-26 season. The 5-foot-11, 192-pound forward has also skated in 34 games with the Griffins this season and ranks among the team leaders with 27 goals (1st), 41 points (1st), three power play goals (T5th), three shorthanded goals (1st), eight game-winning goals (1st), 116 shots (3rd), and a 23.3 shooting percentage (1st). Leonard spent the entire 2024-25 campaign with the AHL’s Charlotte Checkers, tallying 61 points (36-25-61), a plus-21 rating, and 22 penalty minutes in 72 regular-season games. He represented the club at the 2025 AHL All-Star Classic and earned a place on the AHL’s Second All-Star Team. Leonard also recorded 14 points (8-6-14) and 18 penalty minutes in 18 postseason contests, helping the Checkers reach the 2025 Calder Cup Finals. Originally selected by the San Jose Sharks in the sixth round (182nd overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Leonard has registered 21 points (8-13-21) and four penalty minutes in 79 regular-season games with the Sharks, Nashville Predators, Arizona Coyotes, and Red Wings since 2020-21. He has also compiled 212 points (110-102-212) and 72 penalty minutes in 283 AHL games with the San Jose Barracuda, Milwaukee Admirals, Tucson Roadrunners, Checkers, and Griffins. Leonard is the older brother of Ryan Leonard, who was selected by the Washington Capitals in the first round (8th overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft. A native of Westwood, N.J.#detroit_red_wings #john_Leonard #grand_rapids_griffins #american_hockey_league #calder_cup_finals