Markets Remain Cautious Amid Ongoing Tensions and US Bond Buyback Speculation

Global markets continued to be cautious due to unresolved tensions between the U.S. and Iran. The market was also speculating on the impact of the doubled bond buyback by the U.S. Treasury, which had concerns about inflation, fiscal deficits, and corporate bond issuances lingering.

The Wall Street Futures gained around half a percent after suffering heavy losses on Thursday. Major European benchmarks were trading mildly positive, while Asian markets closed mixed earlier in the day. The six-currency Dollar Index declined by a quarter of a percent, with ten-year sovereign bond yields mostly easing.

Crude oil price benchmarks remained directionless and flat, but gold prices jumped nearly 2%. Cryptocurrencies extended their gains, with Bitcoin retreating after reaching almost $80,000. Thirty-year U.S. bond yields were trading near 5.26%, having previously reached a high of 5.337% on Tuesday.