Oil Extends Decline As Rubio Rules Out New Strikes, Iran-Oman Transit Deal Nears Finalization

Global Inflation Scare: Chinese Exporters Hike Prices As Iran War Triggers Ethane Shortage, Plastics Crunch Chinese exporters are finally passing on the pain - right as they're experiencing a major shortage of a key industrial material. After years of cutting prices amid overcapacity and cutthroat competition, manufacturers are now raising prices on everything from swimsuits and ski suits to medical syringes and air conditioners. The culprit: the Iran war’s energy shock, which has sent oil-linked input costs skyrocketing and is now rippling straight through to global store shelves. Customs data compiled...

Palantir Develops IRS Tool To Flag "Highest Value" Audits, Are Crypto Bros Next? Crypto bros and those of you with 'creative' accountants, heads up - the IRS is beefing up its ability to flag accounts for audits. Not only is this the first year that major US-based custodial crypto brokers are reporting gross proceeds to the agency, the IRS is getting aggressive elsewhere. Last year they paid Palantir $1.8 million to identify cases for audits, collections, and potential criminal investigations with a high probability of success. The contract was the latest...

Brent Nears Iran War Highs After Trump Orders "Extended Blockade", Threatens "No More Mr. Nice Guy" Summary Trump warns Iran to "get their act together" and to "get smart" - and for the second time writes "no more Mr. Nice Guy". Brent Crude nears Iran war high of $115 per barrel & highest since June 2022. Trump in 4am Truth Social post: "Iran can't get their act together. They don't know how to sign a nonnuclear deal. They better get smart soon!" Fresh White House statement indicates communication still open with Tehran, but still says "Iran...