U.S. regulators have initiated a $2.6 billion short-selling investigation following significant market shifts driven by geopolitical tensions and policy announcements from Trump. The ongoing U.S.-Iran rivalry, particularly the unresolved Strait of Hormuz blockade, has heightened volatility in oil prices and global risk assets. This geopolitical backdrop, coupled with Trump's policy influence, has led to notable market swings, with traders capitalizing on his unpredictable policy shifts. The crude oil market has seen substantial "front-running" trades, with hundreds of millions in short positions placed just before ceasefire announcements or policy changes, prompting the investigation into potential insider trading. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Justice has dropped its investigation into Powell, paving the way for Walsh to become Fed chair, who has pledged not to be a "tool for rate cuts." Amid these developments, asset performance has varied, with oil prices rising sharply, while gold and silver have declined, and U.S. stocks have reached new highs despite volatility.