The volatility began earlier Thursday when a 1.1% jump in the producer price index signaled hotter wholesale inflation than economists projected. This reading strengthened the U.S. dollar, which traditionally weighs on commodities and pushed gold futures to their lowest close in over six months. Fears surrounding the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz had previously stoked concerns about global energy and fertilizer shortages, further chilling investor sentiment.

By pivoting away from military intervention, the administration’s focus on renewed negotiations provided the necessary catalyst for a recovery. The materials industry group within the S&P 500 managed to shrug off the week's earlier weakness, reflecting a swift shift in market appetite as geopolitical risk premiums began to evaporate.