Oil, gas, and job cuts are stacking up as a chaotic news cycle buries the bigger economic story — bad news for markets and for anyone paying at the pump.

• Oil jumped to around $115 a barrel and gas hit $4.29, the highest levels in months, as Iran threatens wider strikes on economic and civilian targets if the US attacks.
• American Express is cutting about 3,500 jobs (5% of its staff), following similar cuts already announced at Barclays and HSBC.
• Volvo's stock dropped sharply after saying its China sales are slumping faster than expected, a warning sign for how fast demand can fall apart.
• A new survey found corruption is now voters' top midterm issue, ahead of grocery prices, gas prices, and immigration — and some lifelong Trump voters say they're done supporting him over inflation and his conduct.
• Elon Musk is pouring money into both media (a large investment in Skydance) and politics (over $180 million in Texas attack ads), while a self-driving Tesla was involved in a fatal pedestrian accident in California.

Outlook: With oil and gas prices climbing and voter anger over corruption and the economy rising ahead of the midterms, expect continued pressure on markets and on Trump-aligned candidates.