Stocks slide, Brent near $98 as Middle East tensions revive inflation and rate-hike concerns ahead of CPI

Global stocks fell and oil jumped, with Brent crude trading near $98 a barrel, as escalating Middle East tensions pushed energy prices higher and revived fears of persistent inflation and further Federal Reserve rate hikes. The moves come ahead of the August CPI report, which will be closely watched for signs of renewed price pressures. Earlier today, Treasury Secretary Bessent said inflation persists and energy prices will rise in the short term, and a New York Fed survey showed consumers expected higher gasoline prices in August. Asian markets had already slipped on the same concerns. 80 clean stories shaped this window, with sentiment bearish at 38/100. Also in focus: OpenAI: AI swarm solved Navier-Stokes Millennium Problem in 88 hours.