While energy equities cooled, oil futures maintained a modest upward trajectory. Markets remain sensitive to ongoing military strikes involving the United States and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global petroleum transit. This persistent regional friction has kept crude prices elevated for months.

Despite the current rotation, the energy sector remains the year’s clear leader among the 11 major industry groups. The SPDR Select Energy exchange-traded fund has climbed 42% year-to-date, reflecting a broader trend of investors hedging against the economic fallout of the conflict. Whether this pullback signifies a lasting trend or a temporary reallocation of assets remains the central question for portfolio managers tracking the sector's resilience.