Oil Rises on Iran Unrest and U.S. Tariff Threats, Lifting Energy Stocks

Overview

• Brent settled at $65.47 (+2.5%) and WTI at $61.15 (+2.8%), the highest levels since November, as traders priced greater supply risk.
• President Donald Trump announced an immediate 25% tariff on countries that do business with Iran, a move seen as pressuring key buyers such as China.
• Reuters reported four Greek‑managed tankers were struck by unidentified drones in the Black Sea en route to load at the CPC terminal, adding to shipping concerns.
• Petrobras shares climbed as oil advanced, helping cushion losses on Brazil’s Ibovespa, while U.S. equity benchmarks slipped with energy the standout gainer.
• U.S. CPI rose 0.3% in December and 2.7% year over year, and interest‑rate swaps fully priced a Fed cut by June, even as a reported DoJ criminal investigation into Jerome Powell heightened policy uncertainty.