US Iran crisis not over

On Sunday the United States President Donald Trump in a tweet stated that he “couldn’t care less” if Iran comes to the table for a discussion with the U.S. or not, and repeatedly threatened the Iranian administration not to “kill” its demonstrators. However, one analyst cautioned that U.S. interference may damage the demonstrators. Trump said on Twitter Sunday, that “National Security Adviser suggested today that sanctions and protests have Iran ‘choked off’, will force them to negotiate,” “Actually, I couldn’t care less if they negotiate. Will be totally up to them but, no nuclear weapons and ‘don’t kill your protesters.’” Protests have increased over Iran since last Saturday, following the Iranian administration confirmed that its armed forces had accidentally shot down a Ukrainian passenger plane leaving from Tehran, killing all the 176 passengers on board.

Week that was

Last Friday U.S. stock index futures pushed higher while world markets rally on the support of decreasing pressures in the Middle East. Dow futures rose more than 80 points, recording a positive open of more than 90 points. S&P and Nasdaq moved went higher. U.S. equities secured record tops last Thursday on the back of the reducing tensions. Tech shares outperformed with Apple surging more than 2%. Chinese data revealed yesterday that iPhone sales surged more than 16% in December in the country. The House passed a resolution to limit President Donald Trump’s war rules versus Tehran on Thursday, with many lawmakers concerned regarding the possibility of another increase following the U.S. killing of Iran’s top general Qasem Soleimani.

Main Focus This Week

It was a notable week for the markets the past week with Iran’s rocket strikes in retaliation to the assassination of Soleimani triggering several warnings. The uncertainty over what’s next will give the markets a more sensitive tone and respond more quickly to any chatter from Iran and the U.S. New penalties will provide Tehran more reasons to act with a more aggressive tone.

Trump supports Iranian demonstrators

US Iran crisis not over

Week that was

Main Focus This Week