The Ibovespa shed about 0.5% to trade below 177,000 on Thursday on escalating Middle East tensions. Oil prices surged after renewed attacks heightened concerns over global energy supplies. Houthi rebels said they had struck two Saudi oil tankers as part of a naval blockade, adding to disruptions caused by Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The spike in oil prices reignited inflation concerns, fueling expectations that interest rates could remain higher for longer. Financials traded lower, with Ita