Oil rebounding hard (Brent ~$97-98 after $100+ peaks, WTI ~$92+) – why stocks are lagging

Oil prices are surging again amid escalating disruptions in the Middle East. Brent crude climbed over 9% in Asian trading to top $100 briefly before easing to \~$97.50, with earlier peaks hitting $119+ intraday in recent sessions. WTI followed suit, hovering around $92+ after similar spikes.

The main driver: ongoing attacks on shipping/energy infrastructure in the Gulf (multiple tankers hit, including cargo vessels), effective "de facto" closure risks in the Strait of Hormuz (IRGC threats targeting US/Israel-linked ships), and the broader US-Israel war with Iran (airstrikes since late Feb). About 20% of global oil flows through Hormuz, so even partial slowdowns create massive supply fears.

Despite this energy shock rippling to commodities, materials, and broader indices, stocks have been slow to react fully:

* S&P 500 and Nasdaq mostly range-bound or slightly down, not crashing like in past oil spikes.
* Why the lag? Markets often absorb initial shocks gradually (waiting for clearer direction), especially with mixed signals: IEA's record 400M barrel emergency reserve release (largest ever, more than double 2022 Ukraine record) acts as a "temporary buffer" to calm panic, but experts call it insufficient for prolonged disruptions. Traders see it as short-term relief, not a fix – prices stay elevated on "prolonged risk" sentiment.

**Leave the market or stay resilient?**

I’m noticing that traders using sotoks futures B.itget CFDs seem to be benefiting the most right now. A lot of attention is shifting toward energy stocks. Maybe it’s better to stay out of the market for now or focus only on short-term trades.
Everything seems uncertain and possibly manipulated. Your stock could still drop further, especially with Trump determined on his side and the Iranians unwilling to back down.

What do you think?