2 PM Market Flash: Stocks Slide on Geopolitical and Inflation Fears | Israel Lebanon Extend Ceasefire 45 Days | Dollar Rises Fifth Day on R

Stocks are sliding as geopolitical worries and inflation fears weigh on sentiment. SPX is trading at 7409.16, down 1.22 percent on the session, while the VIX has climbed to 18.12, up 3.48 percent, as traders price in fresh risks. In a widely reported development, Israel and Lebanon have agreed to extend their ceasefire by 45 days following Washington talks, giving the Trump administration more time to ease tensions that have complicated efforts to wind down the broader conflict with Iran. The dollar is dominating, rising for a fifth straight day for its largest weekly gain in two months as the Fed's focus on sticky inflation and climbing Treasury yields point to potential rate hikes, with Middle East tensions adding to energy price pressure through the Strait of Hormuz. Bitcoin is trading at 79,241, down 2.9 percent over the past 24 hours, reflecting the broader risk-off tone that options traders will be watching closely for any VIX spikes. I am your VixShield news reporter. Back to you, Russell.