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Key Takeaways Renewed US-Iran tensions pushed Brent crude briefly above US$80 , reigniting concerns over global energy supplies. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, Wall Street avoided a sharp sell-off , suggesting investors believe the conflict remains manageable for now. Higher oil prices have revived expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike , as markets worry about renewed inflation. Technology stocks remained relatively resilient , showing that AI continues to provide underlying support for equities. The next move in oil prices could determine whether market volatility returns. Market Insight When news broke that the  US had launched fresh strikes on Iran , investors immediately rushed into the oil market. Brent crude briefly climbed above US$80 a barrel , as fears grew that escalating tensions could disrupt supplies through the  Strait of Hormuz , one of the world's busiest energy shipping routes. Yet the reaction in equities was far more measured. Although the  S...

Key Takeaways Oil prices surged after fresh US airstrikes on Iran , raising concerns over global energy supplies. Asian stock markets remained relatively resilient , suggesting investors believe the geopolitical disruption is manageable for now. Markets are closely watching the Strait of Hormuz , a critical shipping route for global oil exports. Higher oil prices could reignite inflation concerns , potentially affecting central bank interest rate decisions. The market's calm response may change quickly if the conflict escalates further. Market Insight Fresh  US airstrikes on Iran  sent  Brent crude  up more than  2% , yet the reaction across equity markets was surprisingly muted. Normally, a military escalation in the Middle East would trigger broad selling across global equities. Instead,  Asian stocks were largely unchanged , while  US stock futures even edged slightly higher  after an initial bout of volatility. So why did oil jump while stocks...

Key Takeaways FBM KLCI slipped below its 2026 gains , pressured by renewed geopolitical concerns and regional market weakness. Foreign fund outflows and political uncertainty  continue to cap market sentiment ahead of upcoming state elections. Higher oil prices and elevated US interest rate expectations  could prolong market volatility. Analysts favour domestic, cash-generative companies , viewing market weakness as a selective buying opportunity. Market Overview Malaysian equities started the week on a weaker footing, with the  FBM KLCI  falling as much as  0.8%  to  1,655.28 , wiping out its gains for the year. The decline mirrored losses across major Asian markets as investors shifted their focus back to geopolitical tensions involving  Iran  and the broader Middle East. Financial heavyweights led the pullback, with  Public Bank  declining 1.5%, contributing significantly to the benchmark index's weakest level since December 2025...

Tensions in the Middle East are boiling over — again. But this time, it’s not just a regional issue. The U.S. could be pulled directly into the conflict. Here’s what you need to know: President Trump is  raising the pressure on Iran , fueling fears that Washington may soon  join Israel’s ongoing strikes  on Tehran. This conflict has already rattled oil markets — and it could be just the beginning. "Not a Ceasefire. An End." Trump didn’t mince words. After leaving the G7 meeting early, he told reporters: “An end. A real end. Not a ceasefire.” That comment sparked immediate speculation — was the U.S. about to join Israel’s military campaign? Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister declared that " very significant targets " in Tehran would be hit. The airstrikes have already stretched into their  fifth straight day , targeting Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure. Satellite images show that  Israel struck Iran’s Natanz uranium enrichment facility , one of the c...

Oil markets roared to life on Friday as crude prices logged their sharpest single-day gains since 2022, driven by a sudden spike in geopolitical tensions. The trigger? Israel launched air strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, marking a serious escalation in Middle East conflict risk. A Sharp Repricing of Risk Front-month WTI crude (CL1:COM) surged +7.2% to close at $72.98/bbl — its highest settlement since February 11 and the biggest one-day jump in more than three years. Brent crude (CO1:COM) wasn’t far behind, climbing +7% to $74.23/bbl. Traders had been pricing in a supply surplus for most of the year, with OPEC+ relaxing output cuts and production climbing in Brazil and Guyana. But that narrative flipped quickly. The latest strikes — although sparing oil infrastructure — have forced markets to consider worst-case scenarios, including potential disruptions at the vital Strait of Hormuz. What Analysts Are Saying J.P. Morgan warned that crude could hit $120/bbl if confli...

The Middle East just reminded global markets of a truth we often forget during bull runs: geopolitical risk doesn’t knock — it breaks the door down. On June 13, 2025, Israel launched coordinated airstrikes against Iran’s nuclear and military facilities, including the critical uranium-conversion site in Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran fired over 100 ballistic missiles into Israel in two waves. Explosions rocked Tel Aviv, forcing citizens into shelters, while internet blackouts swept through parts of Tehran. An explosion during a missile attack in Tel Aviv, on June 13. Photographer: Tomer Neuberg/AP Photo This is not business as usual. It marks a rare instance of immediate retaliation, a shift from Iran’s previous strategy of delayed response. Markets took notice — and so should investors. Markets React to Geopolitical Shock Crude oil prices surged on Friday as traders reacted to the heightened geopolitical risk and the potential for supply disruptions. Tanker shipping rates also spiked. M...

Has oil bottom? The oil price seems to have bottom after a 20-month collapse as the oil market shown some strength in its rally to go up as much as 6% on Monday. Speculation about the falling U.S shale output has been the main drive for the rally. Friday's U.S rig count data has been one of the reason for the market reaction as prices began the week with a rebound in Asian trade. The data points to a drop in the number of oil drilling rigs in operations to a December 2009 low after there have been nine consecutive weeks of cut. The statement by International Energy Agency, the world's oil consumer body in regards to U.S shale oil production to fall by 600,000 barrels per day this year and another 200,000 barrels per day in 2017 also helped the oil rally. U.S. crude futures settled up by $1.84, or 6 percent, at $31.48 a barrel, rallying above $32 at one point. Futures of Brent finished up $1.68, or 5 percent, at $34.69. HAS OIL BOTTOM? This is the difficult questio...

The oil madness is causing haywire in the market. Just look at the headlines of the financial news, journals, blogs, or research reports and you'll see how volatile the market is because of the oil price. Here's a recap of some of the causes of the oil movement recently... 1) Oil price gain as news on Russia-Saudi meeting to discuss on oil production were released. The subsequent decision to lead a freeze production encouraged the oil rally. 2) Oil price dropped as concern over the participation of Iran. If Iran chose not to join in the production freeze, it'll not be sufficient to control the overwhelming supply of oil and thus the oil price's drop might continue. 3) Oil rally again once Iran made a remark on "supporting" the Russia-Saudi led production freeze even though the market was not sure the "support" equivalent to "action". 4) Oil eases again now that a U.S. government report showing a rise in crude stocks underlined...

It is difficult to see oil recovering in the near term despite the investment in Phillips66 by Warren Buffett . The oversupply doesn't seem to deter anyone from going into oil business. With the economic sanctions lifted , Iran is ready to get back into oil business and Bloomberg reported chief analyst at CMC Markets in Sydney saying by phone,  “There is ongoing negative pressure on oil prices from oversupply." "Iran is not new, but we’ve arrived now at the point where sanctions have been removed and it’s going to be a key focus for the markets over coming weeks. The question is how much supply can come online in the short-term.” The Persian Gulf nation will only be able to increase oil production by 100,000 barrels a day, or 3.7 percent, a month after sanctions are lifted and by 400,000 in six months, according to the median estimate of 12 analysts and economists surveyed by Bloomberg. Iran is the fifth biggest OPEC producer. Saudi Oil Minister Al-Naimi dec...