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What happened: Brent Crude oil prices fluctuated significantly last week, dropping below $100 before surging back above that mark. This volatility was driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, specifically the U.S.'s announcement of a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint. Meanwhile, Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., is investigating the Trump administration's preparations for a Hormuz closure.

Market impact: Energy markets, particularly oil and gas producers and refiners, have been significantly affected. The potential closure of the Hormuz Strait could disrupt around 20% of global oil supply and 30% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade, pushing up prices. This impacts energy companies' valuations and profitability, with major players like ExxonMobil, Shell, and BP potentially facing increased production costs and demand uncertainty.

What to watch next: Investors should closely monitor the U.S.-Iran situation, with key catalysts being any diplomatic breakthroughs or escalations in military tensions. Additionally, upcoming earnings reports from major energy companies in Q2 2022 will provide insights into how these firms are navigating the current geopolitical and pricing environment.