American economic growth decelerated to 1.5% in the second quarter, missing consensus expectations as rising energy costs and import demand weighed on the economy.

National gas averages have climbed above $4 a gallon amid renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities and a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The price spike highlights growing global supply concerns as shipping volumes through the vital maritime chokepoint drop to three-week lows.

Record margin debt and heavy reliance on leveraged derivatives are fueling concerns that the U.S. stock market is vulnerable to a liquidation cycle. Analysts warn that this aggressive rally is becoming disconnected from underlying economic and fiscal realities.