Global Markets Remain Subdued Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Global markets remain subdued due to deteriorating macroeconomic and geopolitical scenarios. The looming US sanctions against Iran, potential spike in crude oil prices, and inflation concerns weighed heavily on market sentiment. Volatile bond markets and trade friction between the US and Canada also contributed to the gloomy atmosphere.

The Wall Street Futures are directionless around the flatline, while major European benchmarks trade mostly negative. Asian markets finished trading on a mixed note earlier in the day. The six-currency Dollar Index has edged up slightly.

Meanwhile, gold extended gains, and cryptocurrencies traded positively overall. However, both crude oil price benchmarks declined more than 1%.