Happy Tuesday! Oil markets staged an unexpected reversal, defying geopolitical tensions with a sharp sell-off that caught many investors off guard. Dive into the full story to uncover what’s really moving oil, and what it means for your investments.

Also, shares of Tesla soared after the company debuted its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas. The event sparked excitement and skepticism about a driverless future. Will this fuel Tesla’s next big rally? Read on for the full breakdown.

Plus, if you’re interested in a transformative experience blending financial technology insights with unparalleled networking opportunities, check out Benzinga Fintech Deal Day & Awards 2025, scheduled for later this year in New York City — tickets available now.

In today's edition

• MARKET RECAP

• FIVE ZINGERS

• MARKET HISTORY

• ONE FOR THE ROAD

Oil Was Supposed To Soar On Iran Strikes — It Just Crashed Instead

Buy the rumor, sell the news?

Markets seemed braced for a surge in oil prices after a surprise U.S. military strike against Iran over the weekend.

Yet, when Iran responded with missile strikes on U.S. military bases in the Middle East on Monday, crude prices took a sharp nosedive instead, dropping more than 7% in a surprising twist. It was the largest single-day drop since August 2022.

This unexpected plunge raises a compelling question: Are oil prices finally shrugging off geopolitical tensions, or is this a sign that something more nuanced is unfolding behind the scenes?

Read on to see what’s next for oil — and your portfolio.

Join us on November 10, 2025, in New York City for a transformative experience that blends cutting-edge financial technology insights with unparalleled networking opportunities. This event is designed to showcase the latest advancements in fintech, celebrate industry achievements and foster connections that drive the future of finance. Join us for a powerhouse event designed to connect visionary leaders, ignite groundbreaking deals and celebrate the brightest stars in the financial technology industry.

Yesterday: U.S. indexes closed higher Monday, reversing early losses following U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend. Investors also looked past Iran’s retaliatory strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar on Monday after the country said that its air defense had intercepted the attack. No casualties were reported. In addition, oil prices plunged following the news that Iran’s attack was weak and the move was more “de-escalatory," designed to satisfy political pressure in Iran while avoiding direct military confrontation with the United States. Bond yields declined, with the 10-year Treasury yield falling to 4.34%. Meanwhile, the S&P Flash U.S. Services PMI fell to 53.1, missing expectations, while manufacturing PMI held steady at 52.0, slightly ahead of forecasts.

On Our Radar: Analysts will be monitoring the S&P Case-Shiller home price index for clues on the housing market, as well as the consumer confidence report for insight into Americans' economic outlook and potential spending trends. On the earnings front, all eyes will be on FedEx (FDX), which will report results after market close today, as well as General Mills (GIS), which reports before the market opens on Wednesday.

Tele-Boost: Shares of Teladoc Health surged after Citron Research dubbed the stock a “coiled spring,” highlighting transformative moves that could unlock new revenue streams and accelerate growth. Read on to see why Wall Street is buzzing about this former market darling.

Cyber Surge: With rising cyberattack threats across the world, combined with ongoing military strikes in the Middle East, CrowdStrike (CRWD) stands to benefit as demand for cybersecurity soars. Take a look at these options trades to help maximize your gains.

Making Moves: Ark Invest made some significant moves on Monday, including dumping $109 million of Circle stock. Discover why, what companies Cathie Wood loaded up on and which ones got trimmed.

Box Office Blues: Pixar’s newest release (Elio) just posted the weakest opening in the studio’s modern history, grossing only $21 million domestically. Read on to see why investors aren’t sweating it and why Wall Street remains bullish.

Crypto Rethink: Is crypto infrastructure stuck in the cloud while the real world races ahead? NodeOps’ CEO says it’s time to ditch token theatrics for real-world results. Click to find out why crypto’s future might depend on proof of performance, not just proof of stake.

The market is volatile, and global forces are in motion. Geopolitical risks, inflation and sector rotations are reshaping market leadership. Join Matt Maley this Wednesday, June 25, at 6:00 p.m. ET as he reveals his strategy for navigating these shifts—including which sectors he’s targeting and how he’s adjusting his portfolio. This live session will give you the real-time strategy you need to trade smart into July.

On This Day In 1902…

Target was founded as Goodfellow Dry Goods by George Dayton in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Originally a department store focused on value and service, the company evolved over the decades, eventually launching the first Target store in 1962. This marked the beginning of its transformation into one of the largest discount retailers in the United States. Today, the retailer has a market cap of $44 billion, and shares have risen more than 22,000% since its IPO in 1967 under the Dayton Corporation.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“The best stock to buy is the one you already own.”

— Peter Lynch

Tesla Shifts Into High Gear: What's Fueling The Surge?

Shares of Tesla put the pedal to the metal and surged on Monday after the company debuted its long-awaited robotaxi service in Austin, Texas.

It wasn’t a high-profile kickoff, as the automaker handed out invites to just a small group of riders, offering them a taste of what urban mobility could be in the near future. Buzz from the event has some investors and analysts calling it a watershed moment, with sky-high projections for a driverless future. One bullish analyst even compared the robotaxi’s performance to witnessing tomorrow in real time.

But not everyone’s revving their engines just yet. Others remain unconvinced, warning that lofty expectations are already baked into Tesla’s valuation — and the road to mass adoption will be more challenging than people think.

Will Tesla’s robotaxi rollout turbocharge its stock, or stall under pressure? Shift into drive and read the full story to see why this launch could either redefine the road ahead… or prove to be a detour.

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