Crude oil and the XLE energy-sector ETF would be buys on a pullback because uncertainty over a real military strike could hang over the US market from the midterms through year-end. Only an actual strike or a true peace deal would settle that uncertainty. x.com 

Rising oil worsens inflation and puts Fed rate hikes back in focus, making non-yielding gold and silver less attractive. Investors are also selling metals to meet margin calls. An estimated $1.83 trillion in combined value was wiped out over recent sessions; both metals remain under pressure as long as oil keeps rising and rate-hike expectations stay high. x.com 

Another interest-rate hike this year should bring crude oil prices down. The call responds to Fed official John Williams saying one more hike is appropriate this year. x.com 

Crude oil stays elevated as long as there is no deal with Iran, feeding a vicious cycle in which higher oil keeps inflation sticky and pushes rates higher, breaking the bond market. To bring yields down, Trump must either convince the market oil flows are normal or end the war. x.com 

A possible US strike on Iran poses near-term upside risk for crude oil. If Trump expects to lose the midterms, he may act between Israel's October 27 election and the November 3 US vote. Crude has filled the $101 gap and reached the rising channel's midpoint; if it keeps breaking higher, the next levels are $105, $110 and the channel top near $115. x.com 

The oil trade is over because crude can no longer make higher highs, even with Middle East crude exports back near their peaks. Oil is trading around its average price of the last eight months and set a lower high in September, so it is only a matter of time before the market gives up. Crude looks about to fall through the floor, with rates following and high-beta stocks then going vertical as every dip gets bought. x.com  x.com  x.com 

US stocks face a tougher stretch ahead, warranting patience. A hawkish Warsh caused a bear flattening of the yield curve, and the 30-year yield recently hit its highest since 2007. A Fed hike on September 16 looks likely because the October meeting falls just before the midterms. September has the worst seasonality, midterm years are worse than normal, and bipartisan pushback on data-center expansion pressures AI infrastructure. A Venezuelan oil deal may lower oil prices near term. x.com  x.com  … Show more

Crude oil looks set to rally sharply because yesterday's Russia-Ukraine deal was not the price-lowering move expected before the midterms. Trump's plans are unclear, but the anticipated pre-election relief now seems less likely; premium gasoline cost over $5 at one Texas pump yesterday. Middle East peace could still avert the rally. x.com  x.com 

Crude oil should keep moving lower even after the midterms, because 2027 economic projections point to lower inflation. Around $100, oil was a good short since policymakers wouldn't let it break out ahead of the midterms and risk voter confidence. Some volatility is likely at first. x.com 

Oil stabilizing or falling would ease inflation and open the door to lower interest rates, supporting a market rebound. At current oil levels, a few more painful months may give way to recovery; falling oil would accelerate it into an everything rally. If oil instead rises above $100 and stays there, the S&P 500 probably has a down year in 2027. x.com