US Secretary of State Rubio says Thursday strikes were separate from Operation Epic Fury; if missiles are fired at the US, we're going to respond

The comments from Secretary of State Rubio emphasize a robust stance on US military readiness, signaling a potential escalation in geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning missile threats. The reference to operations and a clear policy on China and Taiwan may imply a stable yet vigilant approach by the US, which could influence market sentiment, especially in defense and commodity sectors. Watch for how this impacts oil prices and safe-haven assets, as heightened tensions typically lead to increased volatility in these areas.