On Monday, the crude oil market made a big move again. The US and Iran didn't reach an agreement over the weekend, and Trump directly took action to block Iran's maritime traffic, which immediately drove up crude oil prices. WTI crude oil opened up 9.4%, reaching $104.54 per barrel, a significant increase.

This surge in prices is actually driven by the risk premium from geopolitical tensions. Every time there's a disturbance in the Middle East, crude oil tends to fluctuate accordingly. In my opinion, the breakdown of US-Iran negotiations and the blockage of maritime routes have sharply increased market concerns over oil supply.

Interestingly, during such times, crude oil often acts as a barometer for the market. Geopolitical tension → crude oil rises → energy costs increase → inflationary pressure → the entire macroeconomic environment shifts. Therefore, many people pay attention to oil trends, not only in the energy sector but also as a reference for the overall market outlook.

The future direction depends on the developments between the US and Iran. If the situation continues to escalate, there is still room for crude oil to rise. Conversely, if there are signs of easing, a correction might occur. Tracking energy-related assets on Gate during such times is quite useful.