CNBC Business News Update Market Close: Stocks Higher, Investors Hopeful A Ceasefire Is Possible With Iran, Jury Finds Meta And YouTube Liable In Social Media Addiction Trial 3/25/26
Mar 25, 2026
Rebecca Babin, market strategist at CIBC who tracks energy markets and maritime flows, breaks down crude-market signals from Strait of Hormuz shipping and IMO notices. She discusses how ship transits and fuel costs ripple through diesel, shipping, and food prices. The conversation also touches on market reactions to possible U.S.-Iran ceasefire communications.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Market Moves Tied To Strait Of Hormuz Activity
- Markets rose on hopes of communication that could lead to a U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
- Rebecca Babin highlighted that actual ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz, not headlines, will signal when crude trading can focus on fundamentals.
Stocks Rose Despite Middle East Tensions
- Oil and shipping disruptions drove market sentiment despite diplomatic signals; NVIDIA and major averages still climbed.
- Jessica Ettinger noted major indexes were higher while Rebecca Babin stressed watching maritime flows rather than rhetoric.
Diesel Spike Threatens Supply Chain Inflation
- Rising pump and diesel prices are squeezing consumers and the supply chain, with diesel above $5 and California past $7 per gallon.
- Jessica Ettinger emphasized diesel's role in trucking and agriculture, noting ripple effects on food and shipping costs.