Markets Rattled as Middle East Tensions Shake Oil and Stocks
Oil jumped sharply, with Brent near $72.87 and WTI above $67, as fears grow over a possible Strait of Hormuz shutdown a move that could send crude toward $100 if conflict worsens.
Gold surged to $5,278 an ounce, silver spiked 8%, and the VIX leapt as investors rushed into safe havens. U.S. stocks slid, with the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq all lower.
Strikes and retaliation threats have raised supply and inflation concerns. Traders are cutting leverage, eyeing $75–$80 resistance in oil, and increasing exposure to gold and Treasuries for