Israel-Hamas Conflict Shakes Global Markets: Emerging Stocks and Crypto Slide, Oil and Metals Surge

cryptonews.com:

Global markets took a hit today as tensions between Israel and Hamas escalated into full-blown warfare over the weekend. The conflict has caused ripples across asset classes, sending emerging stocks and cryptocurrencies on a downward trend while boosting the value of oil and precious metals.

Financial markets are facing these new challenges amid pre-existing concerns about the Ukraine-Russia conflict, surging inflation rates, and increasing interest rates. 

U.S. stock indices, including the S&P 500, Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and Wilshire 5000, saw declines in their numbers earlier today. While the indices closed positively last Friday, the situation turned unfavorable following the Israel-Hamas war.

Bank of Israel responded to the crisis by announcing its plans to sell up to $30 billion in foreign currency to maintain market stability. Additionally, Israeli government bonds dropped, with the 2120 Hundred Year bond declining by 5.3 cents on the dollar, hitting a record low.

Oil and precious metals have traditionally acted as safe havens during times of geopolitical unrest. This trend holds true in the current Israel-Hamas conflict. Both U.S. crude oil and Brent saw substantial upticks, and this has broader implications. 

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) recently raised its output projections to 116 million barrels per day by 2045, a hike of 6 million BPD from last year. On Sunday during the opening session of the Middle East and North Africa Climate Week in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s energy czar, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, mentioned that OPEC is adopting a “precautionary approach.” With the Israel-Hamas war escalating, there are discussions about further scaling back oil output.

Susannah Streeter, Hargreaves