The situation in the Middle East has triggered global shock
The escalation of tensions in the Middle East, especially Israel's military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, has caused crude oil prices to soar, safe-haven assets such as gold and the Swiss franc have been sought after, while Asian stocks and Wall Street stock index futures have fallen sharply.
Global financial markets are experiencing a violent shock caused by a geopolitical storm. The escalation of tensions in the Middle East, especially Israel's military strike on Iran's nuclear facilities, has caused crude oil prices to soar, safe-haven assets such as gold and the Swiss franc have been sought after, while Asian stocks and Wall Street stock index futures have fallen sharply. Investors have adjusted their investment strategies against the backdrop of increasing uncertainty, and market sentiment seems to be uneasy.
Middle East conflict escalates: Israel's "preemptive strike" has attracted global attention
Israel's military action against Iran
On Friday (June 13), Israel announced a so-called "preemptive strike" against Iran, targeting Iran's nuclear facilities, ballistic missile factories and military commanders. Israel claimed that the action was aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and warned that the military action would last for a long time. In response to possible retaliation from Iran, Israel has declared a state of emergency. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio publicly stated that Israel's action was a unilateral action taken out of self-defense, showing its tough attitude towards the situation in the Middle East.
Iran's tough response
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard responded quickly and issued a statement saying that Israel would pay a "heavy price" for killing the Revolutionary Guard Commander-in-Chief Salami. This statement further exacerbated market concerns that the situation in the Middle East might get out of control. Analysts pointed out that Iran's possible retaliatory actions, including missile and drone attacks, would further escalate regional tensions and bring more uncertainty to the global economy and energy markets.
Crude oil prices soared: supply risks pushed up oil prices
Oil prices once soared 14%, hitting a recent high
Directly affected by the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, the global crude oil market responded quickly. Brent crude oil futures prices once rose by $8 to $78.47 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate oil prices rose 14% to $77.62 per barrel, the highest since January 21. Market concerns about oil supply disruptions in the Middle East are the main driving force behind the surge in oil prices. Charu Chanana, chief investment strategist at Saxo Bank, pointed out that if geopolitical tensions continue to intensify, crude oil prices may continue to rise.
Outlook for the energy market
As a key region for global energy supply, any escalation of conflict in the Middle East could lead to disruptions in oil production and transportation. Analysts warn that if Iran retaliates, it could further push up oil prices and even trigger a global energy crisis. This not only poses a challenge to countries that rely on imported energy, but may also increase global inflationary pressures.
Safe-haven assets are hot: gold approaches historical highs, Swiss franc and yen strengthen
Gold prices approach record highs
Against the backdrop of rising risk aversion in the market, gold has become the focus of investors' pursuit. Spot gold prices once rose 1.7% to about $3,444 per ounce, just one step away from the all-time high of $3,500.05 set in April. As a traditional safe-haven asset, gold is often favored when geopolitical and economic uncertainties intensify.
Swiss franc and yen appreciate
In addition to gold, safe-haven currencies are also sought after by the market. The Swiss franc rose about 0.58% against the U.S. dollar (CHF=EBS) to 0.8072; the yen appreciated 0.4% against the U.S. dollar, but now both have given up their gains due to the rise in the U.S. dollar. The U.S. dollar index fell first and then rose, and is now up 0.5% to 98.36, indicating that the market demand for the U.S. dollar as a safe-haven asset is also increasing.
U.S. Treasuries are in demand
The U.S. Treasury market also reflects the rising risk aversion. The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield fell 1% to 4.31%, a one-month low, indicating that investors prefer to hold low-risk assets in turbulent times.
Global stock markets are under pressure: Asian stocks and U.S. stock futures fell sharply
Asian stock markets plunged
Asian stock markets generally fell on Friday, dragged down by the sharp drop in Wall Street stock index futures. Japan's Nikkei index fell 1.6% at one point, South Korea's benchmark stock index fell 1.7% at one point, and Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index fell 1% at one point. MooMoo strategist Jessica Amir said that global stock markets have continued to rise since April, and the MSCI global market stock index hit a record high this week, but the market is ready for a correction, and the escalation of the situation in the Middle East is just a catalyst to trigger the decline.
US and European stock index futures plummeted
US S&P index futures fell 2% at one point, Nasdaq index futures fell 2.1% at one point, and the pan-European STOXX 50 index futures fell 1.6%. Market analysts pointed out that investors tend to cut risk positions before the weekend to cope with the uncertainty that the situation in the Middle East may further deteriorate.
Market Outlook: Dual Pressures of Geopolitics and Trade Policy
Geopolitical risks continue to ferment
Charu Chanana of Saxo Bank pointed out that the escalation of geopolitics has added new uncertainties to the already fragile market sentiment. If the situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate, crude oil and safe-haven assets will continue to be sought after, and global stock markets may face greater downward pressure. Investors need to pay close attention to Iran's response and Israel's subsequent military actions.
Uncertainty in trade policy
At the same time, US President Trump's trade policy has also added pressure on the global economy. Tariff barriers and trade restrictions may further weaken global economic growth expectations, and combined with geopolitical risks in the Middle East, they may have a more far-reaching impact on financial markets.
Summary: Investment strategies in market turmoil
The sudden escalation of the situation in the Middle East has plunged global financial markets into turmoil, with soaring crude oil prices, strengthening safe-haven assets, and sharp declines in stock markets, reflecting investors' high sensitivity to uncertainty. In the coming days, Iran's response and the mediation efforts of the international community will become the focus of market attention. For investors, in a highly volatile market environment, it would be a wise choice to remain cautious, pay attention to safe-haven assets, and closely follow geopolitical developments. At the same time, the trade and energy challenges facing the global economy also remind us that future uncertainties may be far from over. FX:XAUUSD VELOCITY:GOLD ICMARKETS:XAUUSD VELOCITY:GOLD
