Daily Digest — 24 Apr 2026

Global markets held steady despite rising geopolitical tensions, as oil climbed above $106 per barrel following Trump’s declaration that US Navy permission would be required for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The energy surge came as the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was extended by three weeks, though broader regional tensions remain elevated with Iran and the US locked in a standoff over the critical waterway.

In an unusual move that rattled equity markets, a Bank of England deputy warned that stock markets are “too high and set to fall”, marking rare public commentary from a senior central banker on market valuations. Meanwhile, the AI race intensified as China’s DeepSeek released a preview of its V4 model, adding pressure to Western tech companies amid ongoing trade tensions between the US and China.

Regulatory scrutiny of prediction markets deepened after authorities arrested a US special forces soldier for allegedly making $400,000 on Polymarket bets using classified information about a Venezuela operation. Wisconsin joined the legal battle against major prediction platforms, arguing their language constitutes gambling rather than investing.

Trump threatened “big tariffs” on the UK unless it drops its digital services tax, escalating trade tensions just weeks into his presidency. Bitcoin and crypto markets weakened slightly as traders digested the mix of geopolitical risks and regulatory pressure, while gold retreated from recent highs despite the uncertain global backdrop.