Morning Business Report: Oil tensions, earnings season, and workplace trends

Global markets are facing renewed uncertainty after stalled peace talks with Iran prompted a strong warning from Donald Trump.

(LILAMAX) -Global markets are facing renewed uncertainty after stalled peace talks with Iran prompted a strong warning from Donald Trump.

The president is now threatening to use the U.S. Navy to control the Strait of Hormuz — a critical passage for global oil shipments. A potential blockade, expected to begin at 10 a.m. Eastern, could further strain the global oil supply and drive prices sharply higher.

The move comes as energy markets are already dealing with supply-and-demand challenges, raising concerns about rising fuel costs and broader economic impacts.

Meanwhile, investors are turning their attention to the start of first-quarter earnings season. Major financial institutions including JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Citigroup are all set to report in the coming days.

Despite a relatively quiet session on Friday, stocks closed out their second consecutive winning week, as investors prepare for key earnings reports that could shape the market’s direction.

Beyond Wall Street, shifting social and workplace trends are also making headlines.

A growing number of restaurants and bars are adopting phone-free policies to encourage social interaction and improve the dining experience. Businesses ranging from upscale venues to chains like Chick-fil-A are embracing the concept, with some locations even offering incentives like free ice cream to customers who put their phones away.

At the same time, hiring practices are evolving in the age of artificial intelligence. Some employers are moving away from virtual interviews and instead using in-person, multi-day work trials to better assess candidates’ real-world skills.

Experts say these hands-on evaluations help reduce reliance on AI during the hiring process and provide a clearer picture of a candidate’s abilities.