The U.S.-Iran war has driven massive short-term gains in the energy sector, with ExxonMobil and Chevron reporting significant quarterly profit surges. However, experts warn that holding onto these gains for too long could be a mistake, as oil prices are volatile and driven by geopolitics rather than long-term fundamentals.
Oil prices dropped after reports emerged that Pakistan, backed by China, is seeking to restart talks between the U.S. and Iran. This comes as U.S. forces continue strikes on Iran-linked targets and former President Trump threatens a "massive attack" on Iran, further escalating Middle East tensions.
U.S. stock indexes tumbled as investors priced in a prolonged Middle East conflict, with Brent Crude futures topping $100 and 10-year Treasury yields exceeding 4.7% after new attacks on tankers, raising concerns about inflation and borrowing costs.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts a 1 million b/d decline in global oil demand for 2026, the first since 2020. This contraction is attributed to the Iran war's disruption of Middle East production and exports, particularly via the Strait of Hormuz.
Despite Donald Trump's announcement of a peace deal with Iran, key members of his administration, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have reportedly expressed doubts about Tehran adhering to the agreement. CIA Director John Ratcliffe has allegedly gathered intelligence suggesting Iran's intentions are not aligned with its commitments.
South Korea and Ecuador held high-level policy consultations in Seoul to discuss expanding cooperation in energy and defense, particularly in light of the U.S.-Iran war and the need for energy security.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung stated the US-Iran war makes North Korea less likely to abandon its nuclear program. In an interview with The Economist, Lee also expressed confidence in President Trump's ability to facilitate dialogue with North Korea and reaffirmed South Korea's commitment to nonproliferation.
European stocks declined Wednesday as investors reacted to U.S. proposals for new tariffs on 60 countries. Akzo Nobel shares plummeted 17.2% after a takeover bid failed, while Inditex saw gains. Partners Group shares dropped 16.3% due to withdrawal restrictions.
European stocks fell Wednesday as investors reacted to U.S. proposals for new tariffs on 60 countries over forced labor concerns. Akzo Nobel shares dropped 18% on a failed takeover bid, while Inditex saw gains. Partners Group shares plunged due to restricted investor withdrawals.
European stocks declined Wednesday as investors assessed U.S. proposals for tariffs on 60 countries over forced labor goods. Akzo Nobel shares plunged 18% on a failed takeover bid, while Inditex reported in-line earnings. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer cited an unlevel playing field for American workers.
The OECD has slashed its global growth outlook, warning that the U.S.-Iran war could cause severe economic damage. A prolonged conflict could reduce global growth to 2.1% in 2026 and 1.8% in 2027, tipping economies into recession and increasing inflation.
European stocks rose Tuesday, with the Stoxx 600 up 0.7%, as markets awaited economic data on the U.S.-Iran war's impact. Investors also watched for euro zone inflation figures and ECB rate hike expectations.
European stocks rose Tuesday as investors awaited inflation data and U.S.-Iran war developments. The Stoxx 600 gained 0.7%, with major indices also higher. Investors are focused on the impact of the Middle East conflict on May inflation figures.
European equities futures indicate a positive opening on Tuesday, with investors closely watching euro zone inflation data for May. The figures will reveal the economic impact of the U.S.-Iran and Russia-Ukraine conflicts, particularly on energy prices.
Consumer sentiment in the US has fallen to a record low in May, driven by fears of rising prices due to the U.S.-Iran war and elevated oil costs. Inflation expectations have increased, impacting bond yields and the Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates.
European stocks advanced Friday, with the Stoxx 600 up 0.6%. Investors focused on U.S.-Iran war tensions impacting oil prices and a mix of economic data from the UK, Germany, and France. Puig shares fell sharply after M&A talks ended.
European stocks are poised for a higher open Friday, tracking gains in futures markets. Investors are focused on U.S.-Iran tensions impacting oil prices and key economic data releases from the UK, Germany, and France.
European stocks are poised for a higher open on Friday, with futures indicating gains across major indices. Investors are watching U.S.-Iran tensions and upcoming economic data from Germany, the UK, and France.
European stocks dipped Monday as investors reacted to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, which sent oil prices surging and bond yields to multi-month highs. Ryanair shares fell despite reporting a 40% profit increase.
European stocks opened lower Monday amid rising oil prices and bond sell-offs, driven by U.S.-Iran tensions. Ryanair shares dropped despite reporting a profit increase.
European stocks opened lower on Monday, with the Stoxx 600 down 0.7%, as investors reacted to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. President Trump's warning to Iran to "get moving, FAST" on a peace deal contributed to market jitters, though energy stocks saw a slight rise.
Global companies have incurred at least $25 billion in losses due to the U.S.-Iran war, with rising oil prices and disrupted supply chains impacting industries worldwide. Airlines and automakers are among those warning of reduced profits.
European stocks are expected to open lower as investors react to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. President Trump issued a stark warning to Iran, while oil prices rose and major European indices are predicted to fall.
The S&P 500 has rebounded to all-time highs despite the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, fueled by strong company margins, tech companies' insulation from the war's impact, and the US economy's reduced reliance on oil.
