Middle East Ceasefire on Tenuous Hold; U.S. and Iran Negotiators to Meet in Pakistan Saturday; Strait of Hormuz Closed, May Re-Open Conditionally

An eerie calm has settled over the embattled countries of the Middle East Thursday morning (Thursday afternoon in the region).

Either the warring parties are honoring the principles of ceasefire or there's a large-scale media blackout in the region. Reasonable thinkers will be hopeful that the conditions are more of the former and less of the latter. Likely, it's a bit of both.

After Wednesday's barrage of assaults by both Iran and Israel against countries in the Gulf region and Hezbollah in Lebanon, respectively, there doesn't appear to be any follow-up. As best as can be determined, Iran did not retaliate against Israel with missile strikes and Israel hasn't attacked Iran in any noticeable manner. Iran, after opening the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, quickly reversed course and closed the chokepoint waterway, apparently in response to Israel's attacks in Lebanon. There's reason to believe that Iran will re-open the Strait conditionally if the ceasefire holds.

The most positive sign that the ceasefire is holding is that the U.S. has apparently halted military operations, with no airstrikes as of Thursday morning.

The main parties of interest, Iran and the U.S., were supposed to meet for more formal negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan on Friday, though it appears the meetings have been pushed back to Saturday. There were conflicting reports concerning Vice President J.D. Vance leading the U.S. delegation, though the most recent news is that he will indeed be in attendance.

With the ceasefire merely more than a day old, it does appear that all sides are taking a breather. On Wall Street, the mood is noticeably less positive than on Wednesday, when all markets worldwide shot significantly higher. It seems even the monied types aren't sure about the future of peace talks.

With U.S. markets set to open in less than half an hour, Dow futures are off by 162 points, the NASDAQ is lower by 62, and the S&P is down 17 points.

Gold and silver have flatlined for the most part, holding onto most of their Wednesday gains. Gold is steady around $4,740, with silver hugging $74 an ounce. WTI crude has settled into a range between $90 and $93 per barrel.

What happens next is anybody's guess, but the most likely outcome is for the U.S. to ease away from the region as gently as possible.

Elsewhere, the BLS is set to deliver March CPI figures Friday, prior to the opening bell.

Wait and see.

At the Close, Wednesday, April 8, 2026:
Dow: 47,909.92, +1,325.46 (+2.85%)
NASDAQ: 22,634.99, +617.14 (+2.80%)
S&P 500: 6,782.81, +165.96 (+2.51%)
NYSE Composite: 22,798.05, +548.42 (+2.46%)

Apocalypse Averted: Iran, U.S. Each Claim Victory in Last Minute Ceasefire; Vance, Rubio to Lead U.S. Delegation; Stock Futures, Gold, Silver Soar; Oil Lower

Tuesday's last minute, apocalypse-averting ceasefire deal was Taco Tuesday at President Trump's very best. The embattled, emotional U.S. president engineered an off-ramp to the Middle East conflict that the U.S. was losing, and losing badly.

By threatening Iran with complete annihilation via war criminality - destroying bridges, power plants and other civilian infrastructure - and then getting Pakistan to broker a two-week ceasefire, Trump, late Tuesday, prior to his 8L00 pm ET deadline, was able to claim victory, avoid public disgrace, and, unless he completely screws up the "deal", avoid the possibility of spending the estimated of his miserable existence somewhere like Spandau Prison.

There's little doubt that being branded a war criminal weighed heavily on the president's mind as negotiations dragged on until the dramatic end. Only an imbecile would not be troubled and frightened by the possibility, to say nothing about the weight of responsibility for countless lives that would have been lost and his own legacy.

The U.S. and Iran now can each claim a win while Israel and the Gulf countries receive participation trophies.

Framed in hockey terms, in the NHL system, teams earn two points for a win in regulation, overtime, or shootout or one point for a loss in overtime or a shootout. In that regard, Iran and the U.S. should each claim a point, though both sides will probably lobby for two. The final result definitely came in a shootout. Trump will claim he made the greatest stick save, and a beauty, of all time.

Jocularity aside, Iran comes away the overall victor. They didn't start the conflict, but they sustained their defenses by bringing the U.S., the cooperating Gulf States and Israel to their collective knees with relentless, target missile and drone warfare. Iran proved itself to be a very capable adversary, crippling U.S. bases and naval prowess over the past 39-day war. Iran managed ot close the Strait of Hormuz after just one day of fighting and kept it closed to "unfriendly" nations. Their associates in Iraq, Lebanon, and Yemen provided additional strength, keeping shipping lanes closed, Israel on the back foot, and the U.S. more or less surrounded, facing the impossible task of either a long quagmire or a full-scale ground invasion, both options containing multiple points of failure and limited chance of success.

While Iran has been struck severely by Israeli and U.S. missile strikes and bombings, Iran easily kept pace, slamming Israel non-stop and demolishing most of the U.S. bases in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, and Qatar.

After the failed attempt over Easter weekend to capture Iran's enriched uranium - disguised by the propaganda of a "glorious" pilot rescue - the situation turned from dire to desperate for the U.S., Trump's future political livlihood, and the stature of America on the world stage.

Pakistan, which has emerged as a peacemaker and somewhat reliable broker for negotiations, has invited the warring parties to Islamabad on Friday, ostensibly to bring the U.S. and Iran to an ultimate agreement that would resolve the conflict along the lines of the U.S. 15-point plan and Iran's 10-point proposal, which are still far apart on a host of issues. The U.S. delegation will reportedly be led by Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, replacing the disingenuous and discredited duo of Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.

With a shaky two-week agreement in place, the United States should be able to pry itself away from the region where it has meddled for far too long. The charade of the U.S. winning had grown thin; mainstream media censorship of the reality on the ground was rapidly being supplanted by truth-tellers on social media. The lies were simply growing too big to be hidden by propaganda and simpish, lame, wistful proclamations by Trump on Truth Social, Caroline Leavitt at the white House press room podium, and various cheerleaders like Lindsay Graham. The U.S. was losing, a by a lot. The ceasefire offers the U.S. a means by which to exit gracefully.

The immediate reaction by the investment community was overwhelmingly on the side of peace over war. When the announcement that Trump had agreed to the ceasefire was made, stock futures exploded higher and the price of oil moved quickly in the opposite direction. Besides people with money in the stock market, peace is the likely choice of probably 90 to 95 percent of the world's population. It appears the only parties who prefer war are politicians in Israel and the United States and those associated with their deep state intelligence operations and military industrial complexes (MIC).

For now, saner parties have carried the day though the situation remains fluid. Many outcomes are possible. After the relationship between Iran and the U.S. are questions concerning Israel, Lebanon, and the entire region, not the least of which will concern the Gulf states which house now-uninhabitable U.S. military bases. The Gulf countries learned first hand that U.S. security guarantees are ineffective and will have to find new paths to securing their futures because U.S. influence in the region, if not altogether obsolete, will likely be severely diminished. If otherwise, there will be further conflict, more destruction, and even graver consequences.

It's still early, so there is no clarity if the Gulf states and Israel will be represented at the negotiations later this week, but their futures will certainly be shaped by the outcome.

With the opening bell in U.S. markets soon to ring, stock futures have maintained an overwhelmingly positive status. Dow futures ar up more than 1,200 points. NASDAQ futures are higher by 845 and S&P futures are ringing 175 points to the good. WTI crude oil is witnessing a relentless decline from an overnight price of $112/barrel to a hopeful $92. Even gold and silver are seeing gains with gold at $4,800 and silver above $77.

Peace appears to be vastly preferred over war. What took so long? God is good. Praise Allah.

At the Close, Tuesday, April 7, 2026:
Dow: 46,584.46, -85.42 (-0.18%)
NASDAQ: 22,017.85, +21.51 (+0.10%)
S&P 500: 6,616.85, +5.02 (+0.08%)
NYSE Composite: 22,249.63, -5.09 (-0.02%)

In Defiance of All Logic, Society and Economics Are Turned on Their Heads; Conditions Worsening in Middle East Conflict

On February 27, the very day before Israel and the United States attecked Iran for no reason other than they would not comply with their wholly unreasonable demands, the price of silver was above $93 an ounce and gold was roughly $5,365 on the spot market.

As of this morning, April 7, silver is $72.10 and gold is $4,660. Conversely, WTI crude oil, which was trading on futures markets at $67.02 per barrel at the close of trading in New York on February 27, is this morning $114.60. Understandably, the flow of oil from the Persian Gulf has been severely curtailed, but that's an increase of 41.52% while gold has declined in "value" by 13.14%, and silver by 22.47% over the same period.

The price of silver is perplexing in that many weapons have been deployed by all three sides of the Middle East malaise, all of which contain varying amounts of silver in their manufacture. Is the world to believe that while silver is being depleted at an advanced rate to an unrecoverable state that the price should decline? Gold, always and everywhere a safety net against the madness of markets, kings, and destabilizing, unconscionable acts should also become more affordable?

All of this defies basic logic, just as casualties suffered by Iran and Israel number in the thousands, the United States has officially announced only 13 or 15 deaths in the war. None of it makes much sense other than the idea that the world has been caught up in the grip of evil, duplicitous men with power to move markets, deny peace and wage war against multitudes of people, whose main objectives are to seize power, and steal the fortunes of others.

U.S. President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and their top commanders and political appointees are nothing more than criminals who pledge allegiance only to themselves, mammon, and money and not the countries they are supposed to represent, protect and serve. They would be more fitting clothed in orange jumpsuits at maximum security prisons than wearing expensive tailored suits while occupying the highest offices.

There have been many voices expressing disgust and desperation, saying nothing can be done against these madmen and they have a point. Americans and Israelites have neither the courage nor the will to oppose these tyrants in any meaningful ways. Quiet resistance, at once the preferred position of people of clear conscience, is ineffective. Violent opposition is unthinkable and in between those extremes, people carry on with their daily lives until the harsh realities shake them from their complacency, though even then, most remain powerless, becoming more accustomed to living in chains than freeing themselves and their brethren from the slavish dictates of the ruling elites.

By this time tomorrow, conditions are likely to be severely worse for everyone. Iran continues to attempt to negotiate with the U.S. through various proxies, but all sides are far apart with a Tuesday, April 7, 8:00 pm ET deadline for Iran to fall into line or risk a massive assault on its infrastructure and it seems Trump is not bluffing, already having struck Kharg Island for a second time overnight.

Already this morning, oil prices have spiked higher (WTI, $116). Stock futures have reversed course and are sliding at 9:00 am ET with Dow futures off 173 points, NASDAQ futures lower by 153, and S&P futures shedding 31 points.

Trump's latest neocon screed, issued at 8:06 am ET on April 7 (today) suggests mass annihilation.

This is not likely to end well for anybody.

It's easy to become distraught and even depressed over the ongoing insanity that has engulfed humanity. Burying one's head in the sand or looking the other way does not change conditions. Whatever occurs, it's important to remember who started this war: Israel, with the U.S. in complete agreement and support.

At the Close, Monday, April 6, 2026:
Dow: 46,669.88, +165.18 (+0.36%)
NASDAQ: 21,996.34, +117.14 (+0.54%)
S&P 500: 6,611.83, +29.14 (+0.44%)
NYSE Composite: 22,254.72, +60.82 (+0.27%)

WEEKEND WRAP: Middle East Dilemma Unlikely to Be Soon Resolved; Oil Spikes to $110, Highest in Nearly Four Years; U.S. Average Gas: $4.09

Happy Easter.

On a day celebrated worldwide as one of hope and peace, that hardly seems to apply across the Middle East nor in the heart of President Trump, who is threatening Iran with total obliteration, targeting energy and other critical infrastructure if a ceasefire or "deal" is not agreed to by Monday afternoon. Mr. Trump would do well to heed a bit of biblical learning about what real peace looks like.

With markets closed for Good Friday, the March Non-farm payroll report was issued on April 3rd, showing a gain of 178,000 jobs for the month. With BLS monthly jobs reports, it's important not to focus on a single month at a time because they always are revised and a single month alone is not a trend.

For February, expectations were for +50K, revised to -133K. For March, expectations were for +59K and it's at +178K.

Putting these together, you have +109K expected vs +45K actual. Across the last two months, Health Care & Social Assistance were +62K, meaning the U.S. lost a totla of 17K jobs in the remaining economy. For the last four years, nearly 200% of net full-time jobs were taking care of aging Baby Boomers, indicating anything but growth, more likely the signs of a sick population and even sicker work force.

The Household survey was noisier, but with the labor force dropouts it showed a loss of 249K jobs in the last 2 months and 661K over the past year.

Stocks

Equity markets experienced a relief rally on the false hope that the conflict in the Middle East would be soon resolved. That seems less likely, and even if the war ended today, the damage to the global economy and to oil and gas-producers in the Persian Gulf region already would not be quickly nor easily resolved. Repairs to oil and gas production takes months if not years, depending on the levels of damage. Even the most optimistic among us would likely admit that a quick cessation of hostilities wouldn't produce a meaningful recovery. Rather, any improvements would be spotty and sporadic, affecting emerging nations the most. Wall Street would likely have a different point of view, believing that an end to the Middle East war would green-light ascension back to all-time highs.

That's their job. Makes for poor investment decisions longer term because eventually the market adjusts. Trust in math. Someday, the most irrational markets in centuries will revert to the mean, or worse.

These gains may prove to be insignificant longer term. The Dow, NASDAQ, and S&P indices remain below both their 50-and-200-day moving averages. The NYSE Composite is in between both, and the Dow Transports have snuck above both.

For the Week:
Dow: +1338.03 (+2.96%)
NASDAQ: +930.82 (+4.44%)
S&P 500: +213.84 (+3.36%)
NYSE Composite: +561.36 (+2.59%)
Dow Transports: +913.82 (+5.03%)

Beyond Trump's threats and his ultimate actions, there will be a few economic events of some importance in the week ahead, the most impactful possibly being Friday's CPI report. While inflation isn't exactly top of mind for economists currently, it matters more to people who buy luxuries like food and fuel, so there will be widespread interest, though it's unlikely to spark any major market moves. Putting the release on a Friday is extremely political and devious.

The calendar at Trading View has a deeper dive into global economic events.

Treasury Yield Curve Rates

Date	1 Mo	1.5 mo	2 Mo	3 Mo	4 Mo	6 Mo	1 Yr
02/27/2026	3.74	3.73	3.73	3.67	3.67	3.60	3.48
03/06/2026	3.75	3.74	3.72	3.69	3.67	3.66	3.55
03/13/2026	3.75	3.74	3.71	3.72	3.69	3.70	3.66
03/20/2026	3.73	3.71	3.72	3.74	3.73	3.79	3.80
03/27/2026	3.74	3.73	3.72	3.73	3.72	3.75	3.77
04/03/2026	3.71	3.73	3.73	3.71	3.71	3.73	3.72

Date	2 Yr	3 Yr	5 Yr	7 Yr	10 Yr	20 Yr	30 Yr
02/27/2026	3.38	3.39	3.51	3.72	3.97	4.57	4.64
03/06/2026	3.56	3.59	3.72	3.93	4.15	4.74	4.77
03/13/2026	3.73	3.74	3.87	4.07	4.28	4.89	4.90
03/20/2026	3.88	3.90	4.01	4.20	4.39	4.97	4.96
03/27/2026	3.88	3.94	4.06	4.25	4.44	4.99	4.98
04/03/2026	3.84	3.88	3.99	4.17	4.35	4.91	4.91

Along with stocks, treasuries got a bit of relief for the week, sending 30-year bond yields down seven basis points and yields on 10-year notes down nine. Based entirely on false hope, these yields are not likely to last. The game is seriously rigged in case you haven't noticed. If yields reflected the true condition of U.S. finances, yields would be one to two percent higher (5-6% on 10s and 6-7 on 30s). May actually get there someday, though probably not before President Trump stops insisting that the U.S. is the "hottest" country on the planet. What an ignorant, false assessment.

Spreads:

2s-10s
2026
1/2: +72
1/9: +64
1/16: +65
1/23: +64
1/30: +74
2/6: +72
2/13: +64
2/20: +60
2/27: +59
3/6: +59
3/13: +55
3/20: +51
3/27: +56
4/3: +51

Full Spectrum (30-days - 30-years)
2026
1/2: +114
1/9: +112
1/16: +108
1/23: +104
1/30: +115
2/6: +113
2/13: +97
2/20: +100
2/27: +90
3/6: +102
3/13: +115
3/20: +123
3/27: +124
4/3: +120

Oil/Gas

WTI Crude Oil finished the week at $112.06, the highest in nearly four years (June, 2022, $118.87). Like everything else, it's tied to the ongoing military conflict in the Middle East and presidential "tweetage." Prices should remain on the volatile side, with higher prices expected near term. Depending on the degree of stupidity and bellicosity displayed by the warring parties, the price of crude oil could skyrocket as high as $200. A quick - and lasting - end to the conflict might take prices down below $90, but that's not a speculation on which many associated with the energy field would bank.

Average price for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline in the U.S. was $3.94 last Sunday and $4.09 this week. It's likely to remain above $4.00 for some time, possibly many months, though certain politicians would be best served by a reversion back towards $3.25 by fall.

Prices in key states:

California (leader): $5.91 (+0.05)
Washington: $5.39 (+0.09)
Oklahoma (lowest): $3.23 (+0.02)
Florida: $4.19 (+0.35)
Illinois: $4.28 (+0.08)
Pennsylvania: $4.14 (+0.21)
New York: $4.03 (+0.13)
Maryland: $4.07 (+0.08)
Texas: $3.81 (+0.25)
Georgia: $3.69 (+0.14)

As of Sunday, April 5, there are 17 states with average prices above $4.00, and two above $5 (California, Washington), and 31 below the $4 threshold. The Midwest has supplanted the Southeast as the lowest-priced region, with prices averaging 15-20 cents lower in states like South Dakota, Iowa and Kansas than Tennessee, Georgia and Mississippi.

Bitcoin

This week: $66,937.81
Last week: $66,408.8668,913.54
2 weeks ago: $68,913.54
6 months ago: $123,857.10
One year ago: $83,332.85
Five years ago: $59,778.52

Bitcoin has been essentially cut in half from its peak in October, 2025 ($124,310.60). "Hodlers" can take comfort in the fact that other crypto "shitcoins" have preformed similarly.

Anybody who bought bitcoin from November 2024 into the present, a period of nearly 18 months, has lost money and lost even more to inflation.

Why don't people point out that as an investment, bitcoin offers no yield or dividend, like stocks or bonds? The usual people who say that about gold and silver, never mention it in terms of bitcoin. Probably a good thing, since bitcoin in no way, shape, or form is similar to gold or silver.

Precious Metals

Gold:Silver Ratio: 64.05; last week: 64.42

Futures, per COMEX continuous contracts:

Gold price 3/6: $5,181.30
Gold price 3/13: $5,023.10
Gold price 3/20: $4,492.00
Gold price 3/27: $4,521.30
Gold price 4/3: $4,702.70

Silver price 3/6: $84.69
Silver price 3/13: $80.64
Silver price 3/20: $67.81
Silver price 3/27: $69.77
Silver price 4/3: $73.17

SPOT:
(stockcharts.com)
Gold 3/6: $5,144.28
Gold 3/13: $5,022.11
Gold 3/20: $4,494.00
Gold 3/27: $4,495.05
Gold 4/3: $4,677.28

Silver 3/6: $84.33
Silver: 3/13: $80.60
Silver 3/20: $67.79
Silver 3/27: $69.77
Silver 4/3: $73.02

Both gold and silver produced solid gains for the week, another possible indication that last week (w/e 3/27) was a significant bottom. The likely condition is that most, if not all, U.S.-based bullion banks had finally exited their short positions and gone long. The COMEX cartel haven clearly taken the lead in price-setting once again, global conditions are ripe for a sstained rally in precious metals, both of which have been manipulated lower in recent weeks.

With the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East continuing to be unresolved, the prevailing price-setting mechanism is being shaped by an increasing number of factors, not the least of which being geo-political tensions. This is a period in which holding gold and silver in one's possession may be among the best decisions for all investors, large or small. The levels of insecurity, especially in the West, ave risen significantly since the beginning of the Israel-U.S. assault on Iran which commenced on February 28.

Prices are certain to remain volatile, though there seems to be a nagging impetus back toward reecent all-time highs. Money and one's own well-being have become key focal points over the past month, to a level that even at highly elevated prices from just two years ago, the level of global uncertainty has fomented a large and growing movement into precious metals. This condition should remain intact for years as most indications are suggestive of a multi-year bull market in commodities in general, and precious metals in particular.

Here are the most recent prices for common one ounce gold and silver items sold on eBay (free shipping included, numismatics excluded):

Item/Price	Low	High	Average	Median
1 oz silver coin:	81.00	99.99	88.42	88.00
1 oz silver bar:	79.90	101.39	87.57	86.98
1 oz gold coin:	4828.90	5,018.46	4907.52	4892.14
1 oz gold bar:	4842.90	4828.90	4874.94	4875.92

The Single Ounce Silver Market Price Benchmark (SOSMPB) took a leap forward through Sunday, April 5, to $87.74, a gain of $3.12 from the March 29 price of $84.86 per troy ounce.

WEEKEND WRAP

Markets aren't about to become more rational any time soon. Preparing for the worst while hoping for the best remains the most productive strategy. This is currently one of the more challenging times to make investment decisions. Trimming both winners and losers, moving to cash, precious metals and maybe real estate seems a prudent undertaking.

At the Close, Friday, April 3, 2026:
Dow: 46,504.67, -61.03 (-0.13%)
NASDAQ: 21,879.18, +38.23 (+0.18%)
S&P 500: 6,582.69, +7.37 (+0.11%)
NYSE Composite: 22,193.86, +13.14 (+0.06%)

For the Week:
Dow: +1338.03 (+2.96%)
NASDAQ: +930.82 (+4.44%)
S&P 500: +213.84 (+3.36%)
NYSE Composite: +561.36 (+2.59%)
Dow Transports: +913.82 (+5.03%)

Disclaimer: Information disseminated on this site should not be construed as investment advice. Downtown Magazine Inc., Money Daily and it's owners, affiliates and/or employees are not investment advisors and do not offer specific investment advice. All investments have risk. You should consult a professional investment advisor or stock broker or use your individual judgement when making investment decisions. By viewing this site, you hold harmless Downtown Magazine Inc., Money Daily, its owners, affiliates and employees against any and all liability. Copyright 2026, Downtown Magazine Inc., all rights reserved.

The Bad Clown Show Continues, as Does the War In Iran and the Rigged Casino on Wall Street

Had enough winning yet?

Are you weary of seeing politicians get elected to seats in congress from places like Des Moines, Iowa, or Rochester, New York as middle class earners and returning four, six or eight years later at multi-millionaires?

Are you tired of everybody from the president on down to the local city council lying about everything, all the time?

Have you had your fill of incessant political posturing from governments from local to federal, promising everything and delivering nothing?

Skyrocketing gas prices, food prices at least 40% higher over the last seven years, politicians and their contributors making millions and billions while you wonder how to pay the mortgage, the utility bills, and the taxes are exacting a heavy price on the American psyche. Topping it all off, Americans have been graced with the most ridiculous, out-of-touch and maybe out of his mind president possibly ever in the 250 years of the once great republic.

Consider his post on his very own social media platform, TruthSocial, from yesterday:

Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE! We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!! President DJT

First off, it's a lie. Iran has never asked for a ceasefire. But, who talks like this, blasting Iran into oblivion, back to the stone age. It's not very presidential. It's not even remotely civilized. This is not how Americans want their elected officials to speak or act. Americans voted for Donald J. Trump for a variety of reasons. He was, as is usually the case in presidential races, the better of the two candidates presented by the completely corrupt two-party system. Supposedly. He promised plenty, delivered little. Immigration? He closed the border, but how many illegals have actually been deported since January 20, 2025?

600,000, maybe.

Considering that as many as 20 million crossed into the U.S. illegally during the Biden years. Maybe it was only 10 million. Maybe it was five million. Trump, for all the bluster and bragging, has removed somewhere between three and eight percent of the just the most recent illegals. He's failed to keep that promise.

The worst breach of trust comes with the current hostilities in the Middle East. There was no cause to attack Iran other than to protect Israel, who started the war, dragging the U.S. into the fray. Trump promised not to start more "endless" wars, and, since this one is only five weeks old, it's still somewhat embryonic. Judging by Trump's speech on Wednesday night - touting the usual destroyed their navy, destroyed their missile production, etc. - it's not about to end any time soon, with Trump using words like obliterate and annihilate repeatedly, saying the U.S. doesn't need their oil, as if America was the only country that mattered. If the U.S. doesn't need Iranian oil, why is it embroiled in a horrific military struggle? No answer to that. It was difficult to watch.

Just days ago, Trump sounded like he would pursue peace. Markets leapt for joy. After Wednesday night's tired rhetoric, stock futures are pointing lower, WTI crude oil futures are trading above $110/barrel. Stock futures are sliding into oblivion. An hour before the opening bell, Dow futures are down 680 points. NASDAQ futures are down 492. S&P futures are off 108 points. With stocks down, gold and silver are also taking a beating. Silver is down more than six percent, to $69.99. Gold is off 3.6%, $4,584. Makes perfect sense.

All the while, amid the noisy tweets and empty speeches, Trump, his sons, Howard Lutnick, Scott Bessent, and anybody else close to this gang of crooks are making money hand over fist, trading the market as if it were their own little toy and treating the barbarian assaults on Iran and the military hardware and personnel as playthings.

It's absolutely disgusting.

Anyone who has reached a certain age of maturity, say, 40, 50 years of age or beyond, has witnessed a steady parade of sleazy, dishonest presidents, senators and representatives that have seemed to be getting more craven and dirty with each passing election, but this current crop is by far the worst. Their only concerns are grifting money from the government's coffers and getting re-elected. Nothing for the American people. Nothing to stave off the coming collapse of the nation's economy. Nothing but lies, theft, and barbarism.

For those who haven't figured it out yet, Iran is not the enemy, not a problem. The federal government is the problem. Always was. It's just become more obvious these days.

It's pretty depressing.

Thankfully, markets are closed tomorrow for Good Friday. Here's how the major indices have fared this week, through Wednesday's close:

Dow: +1,399
NASDAQ: +892
S&P 500: +206

With apparently nothing better to do this morning, Trump posted this:

Bad, and very boring singer, Bruce Springsteen, who looks like a dried up prune who has suffered greatly from the work of a really bad plastic surgeon, has long had a horrible and incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome, sometimes referred to as TDS. The guy is a total loser who spews hate against a President who won a Landslide Election, including the popular vote, all Seven Swing States, and 86% of the Counties across America. Under Sleepy Joe and the Dems, our Country was DEAD, and now we have the “hottest” Country, by far, anywhere in the World. MAGA SHOULD BOYCOTT HIS OVERPRICED CONCERTS, WHICH SUCK. SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. AMERICA IS BACK!!! President DJT

No comment.

Happy Easter.

At the close, Wednesday, April 1, 2026:
Dow: 46,565.74, +224.23 (+0.48%)
NASDAQ: 21,840.95, +250.32 (+1.16%)
S&P 500: 6,575.32, +46.80 (+0.72%)
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