Emerging Markets
Middle East conflict fuels global market volatility and oil price surge
Reported by AI Image generated by AI
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, involving the US, Israel, and Iran, have triggered a slide in Asian shares and a surge in oil prices. Investors are turning to the US dollar for safety amid fears of prolonged energy cost increases and inflation. While emerging markets face short-term losses, experts see long-term resilience.
Fund managers are diversifying their funding currencies beyond the US dollar to invest in emerging markets, according to reports from July 5, 2026.
Reported by AI
The Hartford Emerging Markets Equity Fund recorded positive absolute returns in the fourth quarter of 2025 but underperformed its benchmark, the MSCI Emerging Markets Index. Security selection in certain sectors contributed to the relative underperformance. Emerging markets equities overall advanced during the period, driven by gains in Latin America.