 ## Macroeconomic Storm: What's Happening in Markets on May 11, 2026 Oil breaks $98, the dollar strengthens, gold corrects, and Chinese exports hit records — I break down the key events of this week. Main Driver — Iran President Trump rejected Iran's peace proposal, calling it "TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE." Market reaction was immediate: WTI jumped 3% to $98 per barrel. The dollar rose to 98 points — investors are moving into safe-haven assets. Gold, on the other hand, slipped slightly below $4,700 — profit-taking after the recent rally. Record Chinese Exports The April figure surged 14.1% year-on-year to $359.44 billion — an all-time high. Particularly interesting is the rebound in shipments to the US: Chinese manufacturers are adapting to geopolitical risks faster than expected. US Labor Market — Surprise Non-Farm Payrolls showed +115K jobs versus a forecast of 62K. Healthcare (+37K) and transportation are the main drivers of hiring. This reduces the likelihood of an imminent easing of Fed monetary policy. Food Risk Fertilizer (urea) prices have soared due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. 70% of American farmers say they cannot afford fertilizers for the 2026 season. This is a direct threat to food security and an additional inflationary factor. What Does This Mean for Business? High volatility and rising costs — the perfect time for automation. Companies that reduce operational expenses through AI solutions gain a competitive advantage in times of uncertainty. I'm monitoring the situation — I'll continue the analysis this week.