Geopolitical tensions escalated over the weekend as the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, and markets reacted immediately.

In today’s episode of Markets with Megan, CIO Megan Horneman discusses what this expanding Middle East conflict means for oil prices, inflation, interest rates, and global markets.

🚨 Market Reaction:

- Oil prices surged 6%, reaching their highest level since June 2025
- Natural gas jumped 7%
- 20% of global oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a key risk point
- U.S. equities opened sharply lower but recovered
- Energy stocks rose 1.5%
- Consumer discretionary stocks fell 1.25%
- 2-year inflation expectations jumped to 2.9% (highest since April 2025)
- Gold moved closer to record highs
- Why This Matters for Investors

Higher oil prices increase the risk of:
✔ Rising inflation
✔ Higher interest rates
✔ Pressure on consumer spending
✔ Volatility in global equity markets

With oil supply routes potentially at risk, markets may remain volatile in the weeks ahead as investors monitor supply chain disruptions and geopolitical developments.

Is this a temporary spike or the start of a broader inflation resurgence?

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#OilPrices #MiddleEast #Iran #Inflation #StockMarket #EnergyStocks #FederalReserve #InterestRates #Gold #MarketVolatility #Investing #MarketsWithMegan #economicoutlook

https://youtu.be/Oj1Ecmch16M

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