Trump releases 172M Barrels from the SPR
Chubb to lead Hormuz shipping insurance effort
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Chubb leads Hormuz shipping insurance effort
Chubb has emerged as the lead underwriter for a U.S. government-backed reinsurance program to cover tankers in the Persian Gulf amid the Iran war, with the $20 billion initiative aiming to restart stalled oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Chubb leads underwriting: U.S. insurer Chubb is the primary underwriter for the DFC’s $20 billion reinsurance program covering hull, cargo, and environmental risks in the Gulf.
Coverage details released: Program provides up to $20 billion in rolling coverage for war-related damages to ships and cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil prices remain high: Brent crude trading above $91 per barrel despite the insurance program as tanker crews still refuse to sail through the conflict zone.
Military escort needed: Insurance addresses financial risks but crew safety concerns require U.S. Navy protection to fully resume commercial traffic.
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The 1970s Called. Stagflation Is Back. Gold Went Up 2,000% Last Time.
The last time America faced stagflation — inflation running hot while the economy slowed — it was the 1970s. Gold went up over 2,000%.
Here’s what’s happening right now: U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz — the chokepoint for 20% of the world’s oil. Brent crude spiked 13% in a single session. Oil is now up roughly 74% in three weeks.
The Fed is now trapped. Cut rates and inflation accelerates. Hold rates and the economy slows. That’s the stagflation box — and it’s exactly the environment gold was built for.
The S&P 500 is negative on the year. Gold is up 22%. JPMorgan’s 2026 target is $6,300, with an upside case of $8,500 if the conflict prolongs.
Most retirement accounts are 95%+ in stocks and bonds — the two assets hit hardest when inflation and slow growth arrive together.
See what the Iran war, oil shock, and stagflation risk mean for a stock-heavy IRA here.
The free 2026 Info Guide covers:
Why stagflation is gold’s strongest historical environment
What oil at $80+ means for inflation, the Fed, and stock valuations
How to add physical gold to your IRA or 401(k) — no penalties, no tax hit
Click here to see how Americans are protecting retirement savings from stagflation risk.
Trump to release 172M barrels from SPR
President Trump announced the U.S. will release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve over 120 days to lower domestic energy costs, with deliveries starting next week amid the Iran war’s supply disruptions.
Release timeline detailed: The U.S. will start releasing oil from the reserve next week but full delivery will take about 120 days according to Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
Current reserve levels: The U.S. strategic petroleum reserve currently holds 415 million barrels representing about 58 percent of its authorized 714 million barrel capacity.
Replacement plan outlined: Wright said the administration will replace the released oil with 200 million barrels within the next year at no cost to taxpayers.
Gas prices surge: Average U.S. gasoline prices have risen to $3.58 per gallon up 22 percent from $2.94 last month due to the supply disruption.
Oil prices jump on Iran threats
Oil prices surged after Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei declared the Strait of Hormuz must remain closed, with markets doubting the IEA’s 400 million barrel reserve release will provide meaningful relief.
Hormuz closure reaffirmed: Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei stated the Strait must remain shut to pressure the U.S. despite ongoing attacks.
IEA release doubted: Markets express skepticism that the record 400 million barrel IEA reserve release will lower prices significantly.
Brent above $99: Brent crude futures rose 8.71% to $99.99 per barrel as WTI climbed 9.13% to $95.22.
Supply gap persists: The release covers only up to a quarter of the current daily supply shortfall from the Strait closure.
Netflix pays $600M for Affleck AI
Netflix is acquiring Ben Affleck’s AI moviemaking company InterPositive for up to $600 million, marking one of the largest AI deals by a Hollywood studio as it seeks to integrate artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
Deal value disclosed: Netflix will pay as much as $600 million for the acquisition with additional earnings tied to performance targets.
AI tools integration: InterPositive’s technology allows filmmakers to modify existing footage like removing items or changing backgrounds.
Hollywood AI adoption: The deal highlights growing use of AI by studios to reduce production costs and enhance content creation.
Job loss concerns: Industry worries include potential employment impacts and unauthorized use of creative work for AI training.
Stryker hit by Iran-linked cyberattack
Medical device company Stryker suffered a global network disruption from a cyberattack possibly linked to a pro-Iranian group, affecting employee access to Microsoft systems and leading to a 3.59% stock drop.
Network disruption reported: Stryker experienced global outage to Microsoft suite starting Wednesday, with no ransomware or malware found.
Pro-Iran group claims: Hacktivist group alleged the attack, claiming to affect 200,000 systems and extract 50 terabytes of data.
Stock price impact: Stryker shares fell 3.59% to $345.78 following the cyber incident announcement.
Similar attacks noted: Same group claimed a breach of Verifone, though the company denied any disruption.
Gold stagnant amid Iran conflict
Gold prices have remained largely unmoved since the Iran conflict began despite initial surges, with markets now forecasting potential rises to $6,300 per ounce by end-2026 if tensions persist.
Initial price surge: Gold rose from $5,296 to $5,423 per ounce after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began.
Recent price drop: The metal fell over 6% to $5,085 by March 3 and now trades at $5,175 per ounce.
Bank forecasts bullish: J.P. Morgan predicts $6,300 per ounce by end-2026, while Deutsche Bank targets $6,000.
Factors suppressing gains: Stronger U.S. dollar and higher yields offset safe-haven demand from the conflict.
Google sells Fiber stake
Google has sold a partial stake in GFiber and will become a minority owner in the new independent venture formed with Astound Broadband, with Stonepeak as majority owner, to accelerate high-speed internet expansion.
New venture formed: GFiber combines with Astound Broadband in a new entity majority-owned by investment firm Stonepeak.
Google minority owner: Alphabet retains partial stake but steps back from day-to-day operations.
Leadership continuity: Existing GFiber executive team including CEO Dinni Jain will lead the new company.
Expansion focus: Deal aims to enable nationwide growth in high-speed fiber internet services.
Trump released SOR to help world economy shole the demented BiDum
did d it gor f ed lectionary putposes after wasting trillions on green energy failures and closing oil and gas production — typical
Drmoc rats BS
The United States thanks to President Trump is energy dependent. We have the reserves and should use them to make gasoline affordable for US Citizens.