Oil prices retreat after midweek surge as ships pass through Strait

Mixed day for global equities as oil prices retreat

Brent fell to $96.78 (4% drop) after Houthi attacks spiked crude above $100; partial Red Sea transit eased blockade fears. Tech stocks retreated as Fed rate-hike odds hit 30% (from 13%) and earnings doubts mounted, pressuring IT capex decisions amid geopolitical volatility.