
Gold and crude oil prices have surged due to escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. On October 1, 2024, Iran launched missile strikes on Israel in retaliation for recent Israeli operations in Lebanon and assassinations of key figures. This has significantly impacted global markets, causing crude oil prices to jump as much as 6% amid fears that the conflict could disrupt oil supplies from the Middle East. Iran is a major oil producer, and any disruption in its output could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has significantly impacted global markets, particularly crude oil and gold prices. After Iran launched around 200 missiles at Israel in response to earlier Israeli actions, concerns over potential supply disruptions in the oil market have surged. Oil prices spiked, with Brent crude rising above $74 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) neared $71. This reflects investor fears that tensions could disrupt key oil supply routes in the Persian Gulf, which is crucial for global energy supplies.
Market volatility is also being fueled by the possibility of Iranian oil production being affected if the conflict escalates further. Iran is responsible for about 4% of global oil supply, and any direct strikes on its oil infrastructure could lead to even sharper price increases. However, some analysts believe that Israel may avoid directly targeting Iranian oil fields to prevent exacerbating inflation in the global market. Meanwhile, heightened tensions have also driven gold prices upward, as investors seek safe-haven assets amid the geopolitical instability.
These developments follow a pattern seen in previous Middle Eastern conflicts, where oil prices initially spike before stabilizing, depending on the level of escalation and supply chain disruptions.
Gold, often seen as a safe haven in times of geopolitical uncertainty, also rose by over 1%, nearing an all-time high. Investors are flocking to gold as a protective measure, anticipating further escalation in the conflict, which could lead to broader market instability.
This rise in both gold and oil prices highlights how quickly geopolitical tensions in the Middle East can affect global commodities markets.