🌎 MARKET CONTEXT Market focus: Oil • Treasury Yields • Fed Policy • AI • Earnings 🔴 PRE-MARKET SENTIMENT: RISK-OFF U.S. stock futures are pointing lower Thursday morning as rising oil prices, elevated Treasury yields, and concerns about inflation pressure equities. Wednesday's session ended with the Dow down 0.66%, the S&P 500 down 0.22%, and the Nasdaq down 0.22%. Small caps underperformed, with the Russell 2000 falling approximately 1.3%. The broader concern is that higher energy prices and borrowing costs could interrupt the technology-led rally. AI investment remains a major long-term theme, but investors are becoming more selective about valuations and financing costs. Sources: https://www.reuters.com/business/wall-st-futures-slip-yields-oil-rebound-fed-minutes-focus-2026-10-07/ https://www.reuters.com/world/china/global-markets-global-markets-2026-10-08/ 🔥 MAJOR MARKET CATALYSTS 1️⃣ OIL SURGES — ENERGY BACK IN FOCUS Crude oil is climbing sharply as attacks on shipping in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz raise supply concerns. Hurricane Isaias has also disrupted U.S. offshore production. The combination of geopolitical uncertainty, shipping disruptions, and reduced production is renewing interest in energy companies while increasing inflation concerns. Stocks affected: 🟢 XOM | CVX | VLO 🟡 OXY | SLB | HAL Higher crude prices can benefit oil producers, but they can also increase costs for airlines, transportation companies, and consumers. Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-rises-middle-east-supply-concerns-persist-amid-shipping-attacks-2026-10-08/ 2️⃣ FED MINUTES — HIGHER RATES REMAIN A CONCERN Minutes released Wednesday from the Federal Reserve's September meeting showed policymakers remain concerned about persistent inflation.