This Friday morning, the markets are showing a mixed picture. While oil prices surged rapidly after Trump's statement on Iran, cryptocurrencies and stocks are facing significant losses. I am also observing these fluctuations in my portfolio, and honestly, it has become difficult to take positions in this tense environment.

WTI crude approached $90 per barrel, which pulled Nasdaq futures down by 1.8%. Bitcoin didn't follow suit — it is currently trading around $74,000 with a 5% decline. As I follow crypto news on Google, I see how quickly these geopolitical shocks can impact the markets.

But the real issue is this: in February, the US lost 92,000 jobs, and unemployment rose to 4.4%. As Heather Long also pointed out, the economy has been net losing jobs since April 2025. Normally, the Fed would cut interest rates at this point, but inflation is still above its 2% target. Markets are pricing in almost no chance of a rate cut in March — about a 4% probability. When geopolitical uncertainty, weakening employment, and high oil prices move together, risk assets are punished in this way. Caution is needed in the near term.