Iran missile strikes leave US air base unscathed, Pentagon says

Fred Smith, the visionary who revolutionized global shipping by founding FedEx, has passed away at 80. His idea for overnight delivery—once dismissed as impractical—turned into a logistics empire that reshaped how the world moves goods. Smith was known for his bold leadership, especially during crises like the 2009 recession, when he famously gambled on fuel hedges to save the company.

Editor’s Note: Smith wasn’t just a CEO; he was a pioneer who made "absolutely, positively overnight" part of our everyday language. His death marks the end of an era for an industry he helped define. Beyond FedEx, his legacy includes influencing modern e-commerce—think of how reliant Amazon and other giants are on fast shipping. It’s a reminder of how one stubborn idea, against all odds, can change the world.

Iran launched missile strikes at a US air base in Iraq, but according to the Pentagon, the attack caused no significant damage. Meanwhile, oil prices dipped as markets interpreted the move as more of a symbolic gesture than a serious escalation—suggesting traders aren’t bracing for a wider conflict (at least for now).

Editor’s Note: Tensions between the US and Iran are always a big deal, but this incident seems to be more about posturing than actual warfare. The muted market reaction hints that investors aren’t panicking—yet. Still, it’s a reminder of how fragile the region is, and how quickly things could shift if either side decides to up the ante.

Oil prices dipped while stock markets edged higher as investors cautiously assessed the impact of recent strikes on Iran. The initial fear of a major supply disruption seems to have eased—for now—but traders are keeping a close eye on how tensions in the Middle East might escalate.

Editor’s Note: When geopolitical tensions flare up, especially in oil-rich regions, markets react fast. The slight drop in oil prices suggests traders don’t expect an immediate supply crunch, but the situation remains volatile. If things escalate, we could see prices spike, affecting everything from gas prices to inflation. For now, though, markets are taking a "wait and see" approach.

Stocks climbed and oil prices dropped today as markets digested Iran's missile strike on a U.S. base in Qatar—initially causing jitters, but the reaction cooled quickly. Investors seemed reassured by fading geopolitical tensions and comments from a top Fed official hinting at a potential July interest rate cut, which pushed bond yields lower.

Editor’s Note: Markets are walking a tightrope between Middle East tensions and hopes for easier monetary policy. The muted response suggests traders aren’t betting on a wider conflict—yet. But with oil prices swinging and the Fed still in the picture, investors are keeping one eye on headlines and the other on interest rates.

Neil Keegan, a venture capitalist and CEO of Marlinspike, thinks the U.S. is getting smarter about how it invests in military tech—and that’s creating fresh opportunities for investors. In a chat with Bloomberg, he highlighted how shifting priorities (like preparing for unpredictable "asymmetric threats") could open doors for startups and savvy backers.

Editor’s Note: Military spending isn’t just about tanks and jets anymore. As global risks evolve—think cyberattacks or drone warfare—the government’s shifting focus means new money flowing into cutting-edge tech. For investors, that’s a signal to pay attention. And for the rest of us? It’s a peek into how tomorrow’s conflicts might be fought (and funded).