Evercore founder and senior chairman Roger Altman has issued a stark warning about the potential impact of rising crude oil prices on the U.

S. stock market.

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In a CNBC interview on Monday, Altman said that surging energy costs could trigger a massive inflation shock, disrupting the market's recent resilience.

The warning comes after President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday, urging Iran to act quickly.

This statement fueled a rise in energy prices, with Brent crude oil climbing 1.4% to top $110 per barrel on Monday.

West Texas Intermediate crude also rose 1.3%, surpassing $106 per barrel, according to FactSet data.

Market Resilience Under Threat

The broader stock market has shown remarkable strength in recent weeks.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite both hit record highs last week, driven by investor confidence in corporate earnings, artificial intelligence spending, and a robust economy.

However, Altman expressed deep concern about the trajectory of crude oil and its potential to destabilize global financial markets.

He described the situation as "the second big inflation shock of this decade after COVID."

Altman warned that if crude futures continue to climb deeper into triple-digit territory, equity markets would face severe challenges.

"I would have a hard time seeing markets just shrugging that off," he said.

Despite the warning, Altman acknowledged the possibility that Wall Street might continue to display unusual endurance amid mounting macroeconomic pressures.

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The stock market has historically shown resilience in the face of geopolitical tensions and rising commodity prices.

The recent oil price surge is largely attributed to geopolitical risks in the Middle East.

President Trump's comments on Sunday added to the uncertainty, prompting investors to price in a higher risk premium for crude oil.

Brent crude has already risen significantly this year, with the latest jump pushing it above $110 per barrel for the first time in months.

Similarly, WTI crude has crossed the $106 mark, levels not seen since earlier in the decade.

Altman's warning highlights the delicate balance between energy prices and stock market performance.

While the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have been buoyed by strong corporate earnings and AI optimism, rising oil prices could erode profit margins and consumer spending.

The potential for a second major inflation shock adds to the challenges facing the Federal Reserve.