The dollar index: The rising dollar reflects the strength of the US currency amid expectations that interest rates will remain high. This movement is putting particular pressure on precious metals, with gold and silver declining as the cost of holding non-yielding assets increases, along with the cost of purchasing them for holders of other currencies.

Key levels for the dollar index: The US dollar index is approaching the 101 level. A break above this level would strengthen the dollar's upward momentum and increase pressure on gold, silver, and other assets sensitive to the strength of the US currency. The most important level remains at 101.80 ; surpassing it would mean the dollar index would reach a new high in over a year , potentially signaling continued dollar strength and tightening financial conditions.

Oil: Meanwhile, Brent crude's return above $100 a barrel is reigniting inflation concerns. If oil remains at these levels, energy, transportation, and production costs will rise, potentially making it more difficult for central banks to bring inflation back to target.

Stock markets: The combination of a strong dollar and high oil prices is putting double pressure on equities. Higher oil prices could squeeze corporate profit margins and raise inflation expectations, while a strong dollar and rising yields reduce the appeal of high valuations, particularly in the technology and growth sectors .

Despite the continued strength of some technology and artificial intelligence stocks, the markets face a more difficult equation: oil above $100 + dollar near 101 points + higher interest rate expectations for a longer period .

Today, the markets are not only facing the problem of rising oil prices, but its simultaneous rise with the strength of the dollar and tightening monetary expectations increases the pressure on gold, silver, and stocks, and makes the movements of the dollar and oil among the most important indicators that should be monitored during the upcoming sessions.

Optimism quickly dissipated: The optimism that gripped markets yesterday, fueled by hopes surrounding the US-Iranian meetings on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, proved short-lived, as caution and uncertainty returned to dominate asset movements. This reflects our earlier warnings that the absence of clear and decisive outcomes would leave markets vulnerable to sharp and rapid fluctuations in both directions, especially given the continued sensitivity of oil, stock, and gold prices to any new developments or statements concerning the diplomatic process and the future of the conflict.