Tensions in the Middle East triggered major market fluctuations, with oil prices climbing sharply and global stocks taking a significant hit. Explosions in Tel Aviv on Friday night, following a wave of Iranian missile attacks, intensified fears of a broader regional conflict.
In response to Israel’s military strikes on Tehran, global investors rushed to safe-haven assets such as gold and the US dollar. This shift caused stock markets around the world to slump, while energy prices spiked amid fears of supply disruptions.
Read more: Oil Prices Jump Over 7% After Israel Confirms Attack on Iran
Brent crude oil surged over 13% during trading before settling 7% higher at $74.23 per barrel, while US crude closed up 7.6% at $72.98. Additionally, natural gas prices jumped—nearly 3% in the US and over 5% in Europe, reaching a 10-week high.
| Oil Type | Change | Closing Price |
|---|---|---|
| Brent Crude | +13% | $74.23 per barrel |
| US Crude (WTI) | +7.62% | $72.98 per barrel |
Gold prices rose 1.4%, reaching $3,431 per ounce—close to record levels, as investors sought safety amid escalating geopolitical risks.
Major stock indices experienced notable declines: the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 1.8%, the S&P 500 dropped 1.1%, and the Nasdaq lost 1.3%. European markets slid by 0.9%, hitting a three-week low, while Asian markets, including Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, also fell by more than 1%.
The growing conflict in the oil-rich Middle East has injected fresh volatility into already stressed global markets. Analysts caution that continued instability could further damage economic confidence and impact trade and investment flows worldwide. Investors are now watching the unfolding events closely for signs of broader economic fallout.
