Oil Prices Surge Amid Stalled U.S.-Iran Talks, Tech Stocks in the Spotlight

On Monday, oil prices surged as U.S.-Iran peace talks remained deadlocked, raising concerns about disruptions in Middle East energy exports. Benchmark Brent crude futures jumped nearly 3%, reaching over $108.5 per barrel, sparking inflation worries and diminishing prospects of rate cuts in developed markets this year.

Global stock markets displayed varied trends, with Europe's STOXX 600 dipping slightly, while Asian markets in Tokyo and Seoul climbed on a wave of AI-driven optimism. Wall Street futures fell as investors braced for a busy week of tech earnings and central bank policy decisions, marking a crucial period for market movements.

U.S. President Donald Trump invited Iran to negotiate, while Iran's foreign minister sought Russia's support. Analysts at Goldman Sachs raised their year-end Brent oil price forecast, anticipating a return to normal Gulf exports by June. Meanwhile, equity investors shifted focus to tech sector opportunities amid AI enthusiasm, aligning with upcoming earnings reports from major firms.

(With inputs from agencies.)