Oil Prices Jump As U.S.-Iran Escalation Tests Market Calm

Oil prices jumped on Monday amid escalation of Middle East conflict as the U.S. challenged Iran's assertion of control over the Strait of Hormuz. With U.S.-Iran negotiations at an impasse over the key global shipping route and Tehran's nuclear program, Wall Street's assumption that flare-ups in fighting won't lead the sides back to war is being tested, but still holding firm. With Iran declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed, S&P 500 futures traded slightly lower, with APA, Occidental Petroleum and Devon Energy trading high on the index.