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Middle East War Keeps Markets on Edge as Oil Steadies, S&P 500 Inches Higher

U.S. equities edged modestly higher Wednesday as the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran showed early signs of cooling, with Brent crude pulling back from Tuesday's highs after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled forthcoming measures to protect oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The S&P 500 gained 0.3% while the Nasdaq advanced 0.5%, though investor anxiety over inflation and delayed Federal Reserve rate cuts kept gains in check.

Middle East Conflict Lifts Oil Prices as Markets Rebound From Early Losses

Global equity markets showed signs of stabilization later in the session as some early losses were pared back, but the overarching influence of Middle Eastern geopolitical developments continued to drive volatility. Oil prices climbed sharply, benefiting energy stocks, while traditional defensive sectors attracted flows amid inflation and supply risk concerns.

Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz as U.S.-Israeli Strikes Deepen, Sending Oil to Eight-Month Highs

The Islamic Republic declared the Strait of Hormuz closed to all maritime traffic on Tuesday as U.S. and Israeli forces launched a fourth consecutive day of strikes, pushing Brent crude above $84 per barrel. The closure of the world's most critical oil chokepoint — through which roughly a third of global seaborne crude exports pass — has ignited fears of a prolonged supply shock and rattled equity markets worldwide.

U.S.-Israel Strikes on Iran Trigger Broad Market Selloff as Oil Surges and Safe Havens Rally

A joint U.S.-Israeli military offensive against Iran, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, sent shockwaves through global financial markets on Monday, pushing oil prices up as much as 13 percent, gold above $5,400 per ounce, and sparking a broad equity selloff as investors repositioned into safe-haven assets amid fears of prolonged conflict and energy supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Resume With No Deal, Lifting Oil While Markets Brace for Geopolitical Risk

Diplomatic talks between the United States and Iran over Tehran's nuclear program concluded in Geneva without a resolution, with technical-level discussions now scheduled to resume in Vienna next week. While the continuation of negotiations eased the most acute fears of an imminent military confrontation, analysts at Raymond James warned that a U.S. military operation against Iran remains likely at this stage, keeping crude oil elevated and energy stocks in focus.

Gold Surges Past $5,044 as U.S. Military Strikes on Iran Seen as Imminent, Oil Markets on Edge

Gold prices surged to $5,044 per ounce on Friday as reports circulated that U.S. national security officials have briefed President Trump that the military is prepared for potential strikes on Iran, sending safe-haven assets sharply higher and pushing silver above $80 per ounce, while defense stocks and energy equities rallied on the prospect of broader Middle East conflict.