Stocks Rebound Amid Rising Oil Prices and Geopolitical Tensions

Stocks are higher at midday, opening the week with a rebound after a volatile stretch driven largely by energy markets and geopolitical developments in the Middle East.Energy prices are still elevated amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, though reports suggest diplomatic and logistical efforts are underway to allow more tankers to pass through the Strait, which has helped cool some of the extreme volatility seen earlier in the month and supported risk appetite in early trading.Even with the modest improvement in sentiment, the broader macro picture remains fragile. Rising oil prices are feeding inflation concerns just as policymakers in the United States and Europe are preparing for upcoming rate-setting meetings.Strategists are increasingly warning that the path of oil will likely dictate the trajectory for risk assets in the near term. Some analysts have suggested that a severe and prolonged supply disruption could push equities materially lower if crude continues to climb, highlighting how sensitive the current market environment is to geopolitical headlines and energy prices.Get caught up quickly on the top news and calls moving stocks with these five Top Five lists.1. STOCK NEWS:Reuters reported Metais planning toby 20% or more to offset AI infrastructure costsSecretary of Energy Chris Wright directed Sable Offshoretoof the Santa Ynez Unit and Santa Ynez Pipeline SystemPublic Storageannounced an agreement toin an all-stock deal valued at an enterprise value of approximately $10.5BMicronof Powerchip Semiconductor's P5 site in Taiwan and plans to expand supply of leading-edge DRAM products, including high-bandwidth memory for AIDollar Treeshares are up afterthat show its strategy to introduce higher-priced items is helping the company increase sales2. WALL STREET CALLS:Circle Internetto Buy from Hold at Clear StreetSeaportQualcommto Sell on losing share in shrinking marketBarclaysKinderCareto Underweight after outlook missAdobeto Hold at Argus following CEO retirement announcementCitiof "emerging AI hyperscaler" Nebiuswith a Buy3. AROUND THE WEB:In a series of meetings with the White House, the CEOs of Exxon Mobil, Chevron, and ConocoPhillipshave warned that the disruption of energy flows from the Strait of Hormuz waterway due to the Iran war would continue to create volatility in global energy markets, WSJ saysAhead of its acquisition by Paramount Skydance, Warner Bros.led the 2026 Oscars with 11 wins, Engadget reportsOpenAI is in advanced discussions with private equity firms including TPG, Advent International, Bain Capital, and Brookfield Asset Managementto form a joint venture, Reuters saysTilman Fertitta's Fertitta Entertainment is negotiating a deal to acquire Caesars Entertainment, with the deal terms currently at $32 per share with an equity value of $6.5B and an enterprise value of $31.5B, CNBC saysJD.comis launching in the UK and other European countries as the company aims to draw customers to its Joybuy.com with the promise of fast delivery of products, Bloomberg says4. MOVERS:CytomX Therapeuticsgains afterand announcing the planned initiation of a Phase 1 expansion cohort for Varseta-MBitmine Immersionhigher after announcingNano Nuclear Energydeclines after announcing progress in the development of itsSealsqfalls in New York afterat $4.11 in direct offeringVNETlower in New York after5. EARNINGS/GUIDANCE:SAICand provided guidance for FY27, with CEO Jim Reagan stating he is "encouraged by the progress we are making and by the opportunities in front of us"WW, with EPS and revenue lower year over year.Telosand provided guidance for Q1 and FY26AirSculptreported, with revenue missing consensusVinFast Autoreported, with revenue up 138.9% year-over-yearINDEXES:Near midday, the Dow was up 0.89%, or 415.06, to 46,973.53, the Nasdaq was up 1.31%, or 288.81, to 22,394.17, and the S&P 500 was up 1.03%, or 68.54, to 6,700.73.