MONEY MASTER

Global markets slipped back into  risk-off mode  as renewed hostilities between the US and Iran unsettled investors, overshadowing positive economic data and reinforcing geopolitical-driven volatility. Asian Stocks Slide Amid Renewed Tensions The  MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan Index  fell  0.8% , reflecting broad regional weakness: Nikkei 225   -1.3% Kospi   -2.0% The decline follows a  sell-off on Wall Street , where the  S&P 500  dropped  0.7% . Oil and Geopolitics Drive Market Sentiment Markets were shaken after  fresh exchanges of fire between the US and Iran , raising concerns over: Energy supply disruptions Prolonged instability in the  Middle East While Brent crude initially surged, it later eased to around  US$97 per barrel , reflecting  conflicting signals on ceasefire progress . Economic Data Takes a Back Seat Stronger US data failed to lift sentiment: ISM services PMI improved , indicating resilient d...

US markets are set for a weaker open as  geopolitical tensions escalate sharply , following the US decision to impose a  naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz , a key global energy artery. Futures Drop as Risk Sentiment Deteriorates US stock futures declined in early trading: Dow Jones Industrial Average  futures  -0.9% S&P 500 Index  futures  -0.9% Invesco QQQ Trust futures  -1.1% The pullback follows a  strong rally last week , as investors now reassess risks tied to the Middle East conflict. Oil Prices Surge on Supply Disruption Fears Energy markets reacted sharply to the blockade announcement: US crude surged ~8% to US$104.40 per barrel Brent crude rose ~7% to US$102.51 The Strait of Hormuz is a  critical chokepoint , handling roughly  20% of global oil flows , making any disruption a major driver of prices. Blockade Escalates Geopolitical Tensions Donald Trump  confirmed that the US Navy will  blockade all vessels ent...

Global markets shifted back into  risk-off mode  after US-Iran peace talks ended without a deal, reigniting concerns over  energy supply disruptions and inflation risks . Oil Spikes as Supply Risks Intensify Brent crude surged 8% to above US$103 per barrel , reversing recent declines as the collapse in negotiations raised fears of prolonged disruption. The US move to  block Iranian ports and restrict flows through the Strait of Hormuz  — a critical global energy chokepoint — has heightened concerns over supply. Analysts warn that up to  2 million barrels of Iranian-linked oil flows  could be affected, with further risks if military tensions escalate. Dollar Strengthens, Risk Assets Retreat The US dollar strengthened broadly, reflecting safe-haven demand: Euro fell ~0.5% to US$1.1672 Yen weakened to ~159.78 per dollar Risk-sensitive currencies like the  Australian dollar and sterling declined Meanwhile,  S&P 500 futures dropped 1% , signal...

Oil prices extended their rally, climbing to the  highest levels since 2022 , as escalating geopolitical tensions and a  US ultimatum over the Strait of Hormuz  heightened fears of a prolonged global energy disruption. Oil Prices Spike Amid Escalation Risk Global benchmark oil surged: Brent crude rose above US$113 per barrel , marking a  fifth consecutive day of gains WTI crude approached US$100 per barrel Since the conflict began in late February,  Brent has rallied over 50% , reflecting severe concerns over  energy supply disruptions . Strait of Hormuz Crisis at the Core The latest surge follows a  48-hour ultimatum by US President Donald Trump , demanding Iran reopen the  Strait of Hormuz , a critical route for  ~20% of global oil supply . Iran has responded with threats to: Fully close the waterway Target  energy, infrastructure, and regional assets With maritime traffic largely halted, oil producers in the Gulf are being forced to...

Japanese equities declined sharply on Thursday as  rising oil prices and a hawkish Federal Reserve outlook  dampened investor sentiment, highlighting growing concerns over  inflation and global growth risks . Broad-Based Selloff Across Japanese Equities The  Topix Index fell 2.1% to 3,640 , while the  Nikkei 225 dropped 2.8% , reversing recent gains. Market breadth was notably weak, with  over 1,500 stocks declining versus fewer than 50 gainers , reflecting a broad risk-off move. Heavyweights such as  Mitsubishi Corp.  led declines, while cyclical sectors including  chemicals and industrials  came under pressure. Oil Shock Drives Market Weakness The selloff was triggered by a surge in energy prices after renewed attacks on  Middle East energy infrastructure . Brent crude surged above US$110 per barrel Heightened risks to  global energy supply chains This has intensified fears of  imported inflation , particularly for energ...

Oil  prices  jumped  back  toward  the  US$100  mark  despite  a  record  emergency  reserve  release,  as  fresh  attacks  on  cargo  ships  around  the  Strait  of  Hormuz  deepened  fears  of  prolonged  supply  disruption. Oil  Spikes  Despite  Historic  Reserve  Release Brent crude   rose 4%  to  US$95.80,  after  briefly  topping  US$101   overnight. West Texas Intermediate   climbed 4%  to  US$90.60,  having  spiked  near  US$96. The  rally  came  even  after  the  International Energy Agency   confirmed  a  record 400  million- barrel  emergency  release   by  its 32  member  nations. The  US  alone  will  release 172  million...

Malaysian energy counters climbed to a 13-month high on Wednesday, defying the broader market weakness, as oil prices surged on escalating Middle East tensions and supply concerns. Energy Index Breaks Higher Bursa Malaysia Energy Index  rose to its highest level in nearly 13 months. Among the gainers: Hibiscus Petroleum Bhd  +3% to RM2.03, its highest since October 2024 Key Point: Malaysian energy stocks are outperforming as investors price in prolonged oil supply risks. Oil Could Spike to US$150–US$200 if Conflict Drags Brent crude  is trading near US$82 per barrel, up 13% since the US military action in Iran began. According to Schroders fund manager Malcolm Melville: If the Strait of Hormuz is restricted for 4–5 weeks, oil could hit  US$100–US$120 A prolonged conflict lasting months could push prices to  US$150–US$200 , exceeding previous all-time highs The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil and LNG supply, making it a critical chokepoint. Ups...

Oil prices extended losses on Friday, heading for their  third consecutive monthly decline , as a  stronger US dollar  and  ample global supply  outweighed concerns about sanctions on Russian crude. Market Snapshot Brent crude:  US$64.67/bbl (–0.5%) WTI crude:  US$60.22/bbl (–0.6%) Monthly performance:  Both benchmarks down about  3% in October Analysts said the  Federal Reserve’s cautious tone  on further rate cuts strengthened the dollar, dampening investor appetite for commodities priced in the greenback. “A stronger USD weighed on investor appetite across the commodities complex,” ANZ analysts noted. Supply Outpaces Demand Oil markets remain under pressure from  rising production by major producers , including  OPEC+  members and the  United States , with supply growth expected to  outpace demand  this year. OPEC+  is leaning toward a  modest output boost in December , according to sources...

Asian markets retreated on Friday after recent highs, as investors took profits and adopted a cautious stance ahead of a high-stakes week filled with  geopolitical risks, key economic data, and major central bank decisions . Market Snapshot: Asia Pulls Back Japan’s Topix  fell  0.7%  after hitting a record high earlier in the week Nikkei  eased  0.5%  from a one-year peak Hang Seng  dropped  0.5% ,  mainland China  slid  0.2% ,  Australia  slipped  0.5% Meanwhile, the  US dollar strengthened , and the  yen weakened  as: US economic data came in firm Japanese political uncertainty  grew amid reports that PM Shigeru Ishiba might resign Global Markets Still Optimistic S&P 500 futures +0.2% , after Alphabet’s strong earnings pushed the index to a fresh record Nasdaq also hit a new high MSCI World Index  dipped  0.1%  but remains near record levels, eyeing a  1.3% weekly gai...

Oil prices nudged higher early Thursday, with  Brent crude at US$67.80  and  WTI at US$65.12 , following a bullish inventory report from the US. Key Drivers US crude inventories fell by 5.8 million barrels , far exceeding forecasts of a 797,000-barrel draw. Gasoline stocks also dropped  by 2.1 million barrels despite expectations of a build, with demand hitting its highest level since December 2021. Geopolitical Watch Market sentiment remains cautious due to ongoing uncertainty around the  Iran-Israel ceasefire . While a tentative peace holds, traders are watching for developments. Opec+ in Focus Rosneft's CEO hinted that  Opec+ may advance its production hikes , which could cap gains in the medium term. Outlook & Forecast Economists like Nomura's Yuki Takashima project  WTI could stabilize between US$60-US$65 , assuming Middle East tensions remain contained. MoneyMaster Take — Key Insights: Stronger-than-expected US demand  is boosting crude ...

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...