US existing home sales fell in June due to high mortgage rates and record prices, despite job gains. Inventory remains tight, pushing median prices to a new high of $440,600. Sales are strongest at the higher end of the market.
Brent crude oil surged above $126 per barrel, its highest level since 2022, after Donald Trump warned the US blockade of Iranian ports could last months. The 13% price jump in 24 hours comes as US-Iran peace talks in Islamabad failed to materialize and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Analysts warn a prolonged Hormuz crisis could send oil to $190 by August and trigger a global recession.
Brent crude oil surged above $126 per barrel, its highest level since 2022, after Donald Trump warned the US blockade of Iranian ports could last months. The 13% one-day surge came as US-Iran peace talks failed to materialise and Iran kept the Strait of Hormuz largely shut to oil tankers. Analysts warn a six-month blockade could push prices to $190, with economist Paul Krugman warning a global recession is more likely than not if the strait remains closed for three months.
