Middle East tensions dragged European markets down overnight.The...

Middle East tensions dragged European markets down overnight.

The FTSE fell 145 points (1.82%), the DAX fell 260 points (1.44%) and the CAC fell112 points (1.40%).

Market was muted in the US after yesterday's big falls.

The DOW actually managed to rise by 63 points (.17%), the NBI fell 27 points (.67%), the NASDAQ Composite fell 19 points (.12%) and the Russell small cap index fell 8 points (.42%).

US market was affected by US Fed chair Jerome Powell's comments that interest rates will be held at current levels for longer than previously indicated.

Powell indicated the Fed is leaning toward holding rates as they are, for now. The rate of price hikes remained higher than anticipated in the first quarter and did not reach the central bank's goal. This stickier-than expected inflation had Powell questioning whether the Federal Reserve would cut interest rates this year.
"The more recent data show solid growth and continued strength in the labor market, but also a lack of further progress so far this year on returning to our 2% inflation goal," he said at a policy forum on U.S.-Canada economic relations. He added: "The recent data have clearly not given us greater confidence and instead indicate that it is likely to take longer than expected to achieve that confidence."
Powell went on to say: "Right now, given the strength of the labor market and progress on inflation so far, it's appropriate to allow restrictive policy further time to work."
Stock Market Today: Dow Jones Leads S&P 500; Powell Give Comments As UnitedHealth Jumps | Investor's Business Daily (investors.com)

US Treasury 10 year bond yields are up significantly - 4.66%. Indicating that funds are leaving the stock market.

Oil price fairly steady at US90 - Brent crude at per barrel.

The gold price continues to set new records - currently at US$2,388 per oz

BITCOIN is currently sitting at US$62,838. BITCOIN is a quasi ponzi scheme and is seen as a risky investment. As investors become more risk averse, BITCOIN price seems to decline.