US Funds Surge as Iran Deal Brings Hope for Oil Routes and Tech Boom

U. S. investors poured a record $38. 37 billion into equity funds last week, the biggest influx since mid‑November 2024. The surge followed a new U. S. –Iran agreement that extended a ceasefire by 60 days and promised full, free passage through the Strait of Hormuz – a key oil shipping lane that had been shut during hostilities, pushing crude prices up. Technology funds alone attracted $21. 46 billion, a peak for the sector, while small‑cap, multi‑cap and mid‑cap funds collected $6. 52 billion, $5. 02 billion and $1. 42 billion respectively. Large‑cap funds, however, saw a net outflow of $6. 55 billion as investors shifted focus to smaller companies and tech stocks.

Industrial, financial and metals‑and‑mining funds also benefited, drawing $2. 35 billion, $639 million and $586 million in new capital. Bond investors were not left out; U. S. bond funds received $9. 85 billion, with taxable fixed‑income and short‑to‑intermediate investment‑grade funds leading the charge at $3. 4 billion and $3. 09 billion. Money‑market funds flipped their trend, gaining $53. 25 billion in net purchases after a week of sales. The overall picture shows investors leaning into growth sectors while maintaining caution in larger, more established stocks, all amid hopes that the new deal will stabilize oil markets and curb inflation.

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