France deploys troops to Saudi Arabia as bond selloff hits markets
Markets are falling as bond yields climb and oil keeps rising, and European troops are now heading to the Gulf — bad news for consumers, investors, and anyone hoping the Middle East conflict stays contained.
- Bond yields hit new highs, dragging stocks down for a third day.
- Oil is above $100 and US gas prices are heading toward $5, with mortgage rates back at 7%.
- France is sending troops, radars, and air defenses to protect Saudi oil facilities from Houthi missiles, following the UK.
- Russia may be preparing to mobilize 300,000 more troops, according to European and US intelligence.
- Starbucks is closing 250 North American stores, a sign that tariffs and thinner wallets are biting.
Outlook: With oil and borrowing costs still climbing and more countries drawn into the Gulf, the pressure on prices and markets looks set to continue.