Market Insights

Geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran escalated sharply in April, triggering one of the largest global energy supply shocks in modern history. The disruption removed millions of barrels of oil from daily supply, tightening global markets almost immediately.

The war in Iran has heightened uncertainty in the global economy, with hostilities materially disrupting global trade, energy flows, and capital allocations. These effects have been particularly evident in commodity markets. Oil prices surged sharply, while gold prices declined, an unusual relationship that may reflect sovereign nations liquidating gold to finance rising energy costs. 

Recent geopolitical developments in the Middle East have unsettled global markets, particularly energy markets. A series of attacks against key US and Israeli sites, following earlier strikes on Iran that killed several senior leaders, effectively halted marine transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman along Iran’s southern coast.