breaking

Bonds, Stocks Rally on Middle East Peace Talks Progress

U.S. Treasury bonds and equities advanced Wednesday as negotiations toward resolving Middle East hostilities showed signs of movement. Oil prices declined on the optimism as investors rotated into defensive positions ahead of a long weekend. Secretary of State Marco Rubio signaled progress in talks, citing "good signs" that an agreement could materialize soon. European stocks extended a three-day winning streak on similar sentiment, with energy stocks benefiting from lower crude valuations. The Dow Jones Industrial Average posted record levels despite midday volatility. Market participants remain cautious, however, as unresolved disputes persist over uranium enrichment and Strait of Hormuz access. Traders continue monitoring diplomatic channels for further developments that could reshape energy markets and geopolitical risk premiums.