8 AM Market Flash: Stocks Steady as VIX Jumps on Geopolitical Risks | Bitcoin Holds Near 80K Level | IMF Warns Hong Kong on Middle East Ris

US stocks are holding steady as traders weigh geopolitical risks from the Middle East. SPX is trading at 7501.24, up 0.01 percent on the session, while the VIX has jumped to 19.23, up 9.82 percent from the previous close, signaling rising options demand. Bitcoin is trading at 80,606 dollars, up 1.7 percent over the past 24 hours and sitting within 2 percent of the 80,000 dollar level, reflecting persistent risk appetite even as tensions escalate. In the Asian market, the IMF praised Hong Kong's resilient economy but warned of risks tied to the Middle East conflict and urged medium-term reforms including a goods and services tax. Iran's foreign minister told News18 that negotiations with the US will only proceed once Tehran is convinced Washington is committed to a fair and balanced deal. South Korea has deployed a 4,400-tonne destroyer to its Cheonghae unit amid the ongoing Iran conflict. For US options traders, the VIX spike and Bitcoin move near 80,000 dollars highlight how Middle East headlines are feeding volatility expectations. I am your VixShield news reporter. Back to you, Russell.