<div id="readability-page-1" class="page"><p><img width="1536" height="1024" src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://invezz-wp-media.lon1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2026/04/Ships-going-near-Strait-of-Hormuz.png?x-oss-process=image/auto-orient,1/interlace,1/resize,w_1440,h_1440/quality,q_95/format,jpg" original-src="https://imageproxy.pbkrs.com/https://invezz-wp-media.lon1.digitaloceanspaces.com/2026/04/Ships-going-near-Strait-of-Hormuz.png"/></p><p>Global markets remained on edge on Wednesday as geopolitical tensions and macro developments drove investor sentiment across asset classes. </p><p>The US and Iran are locked in a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of supply disruptions. </p><p>The European Union has approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after months of deadlock. </p><p>Bitcoin surged past $78,000 as risk appetite improved following a ceasefire extension. </p><p>Meanwhile, crude oil prices climbed back above $100 amid escalating tensions in key shipping routes.</p><h2>US-Iran deadlock over Strait of Hormuz</h2><p>The United States and Iran remain locked in a high-stakes standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz after failing to resume peace talks, with both sides using restrictions on the waterway as leverage during an extended ceasefire.</p><p>Washington has maintained a naval blockade on ships traveling to and from Iranian ports, a move Tehran has criticized as a violation of the truce. </p><p>Iran, in response, has effectively restricted international traffic through the strait and reportedly fired on commercial vessels.</p><p>The strategic waterway, which previously handled about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, remains largely disrupted, raising concerns about global supply shortages and inflation risks.</p><p>President Donald Trump extended the ceasefire but acknowledged divisions within Iran’s leadership. However, uncertainty persists, with no clear timeline for reopening the strait or resuming negotiations.</p><p>“As soon as they break this blockade, I think that the next round of the negotiations will take place in Islamabad,” Iran’s envoy to the United Nations said.</p><h2>EU clears €90 billion aid package for Ukraine</h2><p>The European Union has approved a €90 billion ($106 billion) loan package for Ukraine, ending months of political gridlock after Hungary lifted its veto.</p><p>The breakthrough came after Ukraine restored oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, addressing Hungary’s concerns over energy supplies. </p><p>The resolution allowed EU ambassadors to move forward with both the aid package and additional sanctions against Russia.</p><p>The funding is expected to provide critical financial support to Ukraine, which faces mounting fiscal pressure more than four years into the war with Russia.</p><p>The political shift in Hungary also played a role, with incoming leadership signaling stronger alignment with EU priorities and continued support for Ukraine.</p><h2>Bitcoin surges above $78,000 on risk-on sentiment</h2><p>Bitcoin climbed above $78,000, marking a fresh monthly high as investors embraced risk assets following the extension of the US-Iran ceasefire.</p><p>The rally was supported by strong institutional demand, including continued inflows into spot Bitcoin ETFs and buying activity from corporate players.</p><p>A short squeeze further accelerated gains, with more than $330 million in leveraged positions liquidated over the past 24 hours.</p><p>Analysts noted that the $80,000 level remains a key psychological threshold, with further upside dependent on sustained momentum and a decisive breakout above resistance levels.</p><h2>Crude oil climbs back above $100 amid supply fears</h2><p>Oil prices rebounded sharply, with Brent and WTI crude surging above 3%. Brent crude rallied above $100 per barrel as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz intensified.</p><p>Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly seized two container ships and opened fire on others in the region, highlighting escalating risks to global energy supply chains.</p><p>At the same time, the US blockade and stalled peace talks have added to uncertainty around future oil flows, pushing prices higher.</p><div><p>With both geopolitical risks and supply constraints in focus, energy markets remain highly sensitive to developments in the region.</p></div><p>The post Evening digest: Ukraine aid cleared, Iran Hormuz standoff deepens appeared first on Invezz</p></div>

GLXY

<p>Global markets are tense due to geopolitical issues, particularly the US-Iran standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens oil supply. The EU has approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine, easing previous political deadlock. Bitcoin has surged past $78,000, driven by improved risk appetite, while crude oil prices have risen above $100 amid escalating tensions in key shipping routes. The situation remains fluid, with significant implications for global supply and inflation risks.</p>

- Global markets are unsettled due to geopolitical tensions, particularly the standoff between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, which is disrupting oil shipments and causing supply fears.  
- The European Union approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine after resolving a veto issue with Hungary, which signals stronger alignment with EU priorities as Ukraine faces increasing fiscal pressure.  
- Bitcoin surged past $78,000 on improved risk sentiment, while crude oil prices rose above $100 amid escalating tensions and concerns about supply disruptions in the region.