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The early morning hours in New York, specifically around 6:50 am, are typically quiet in the trading world. Yet, on this particular day, the West Texas Intermediate May futures market witnessed an unexpected frenzy. Within just 60 seconds, over $800 million was exchanged in oil futures transactions, sparking interest and speculation among traders.
This sudden activity coincided with a significant announcement from then-President Donald Trump. He revealed, “I am pleased to report that the United States of America, and the country of Iran, have had, over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East.”
Trump’s statement went on to detail that the discussions had been both extensive and constructive, with plans to continue throughout the week. In light of these positive developments, he instructed the Department of Defense to delay any planned military actions against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. This pause was contingent upon the success of the ongoing diplomatic talks.
In response to these developments, the S&P 500 futures saw a sharp rise, while crude oil prices experienced a significant drop. The market’s reaction underscored the potential impact of diplomatic breakthroughs on global economic indicators, leaving traders to ponder the future implications of these unfolding events.
The S&P 500 futures market surged and crude oil prices dropped through the floor.
And whoever made those trades made an incredible amount of money.
A White House spokesperson brushed off the suspicious activity.
“The White House does not tolerate any administration official illegally profiteering off of insider knowledge, and any implication that officials are engaged in such activity without evidence is baseless and irresponsible reporting,” Kush Desai told FT.
“No negotiations have been held with the US, and fake news is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped,” he said.
“Iranian people demand complete and remorseful punishment of the aggressors.
“All Iranian officials stand firmly behind their supreme leader and people until this goal is achieved.”
Today’s future market trades are not the first time eyebrows have been raised at suspicious bets before a Trump decision.
Meanwhile on Polymarket, 150 accounts bet more than a million dollars that the US would strike Iran the next day.
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