In the wake of US-Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei—detailed in prior coverage of crypto market volatility—gold prices rose 2% while oil surged over 7%, reflecting safe-haven demand amid escalating Middle East tensions.
The strikes have triggered broad market shifts, with investors favoring safe-haven assets. Gold climbed 2% on Monday to a four-week high, underscoring economic uncertainty.
Brent crude futures spiked to $82.37 per barrel—the highest since January 2025—before settling at $78.24, up 7.37%. Supply disruption fears from the conflict could push prices toward $100 per barrel.
Equity markets turned defensive: the S&P 500 fell 0.6%, small-caps dropped nearly 2%, and the 2-year Treasury yield hit its lowest since August 2022. Indian markets brace for weakness due to higher oil costs. Real estate equities outperformed, buoyed by REIT earnings and lower rates, even as AI-related concerns added to risk aversion.
These reactions highlight global markets' sensitivity to the Iran conflict.
