Middle East war a new shock for financial marketsSmoke rises from the site of air strikes in the Iranian capital. (Photo: AFP)PARIS (FRANCE) - The outbreak of war in the Middle East has sent shockwaves through financial markets, with energy prices soaring and stocks sliding, just a year after US President Donald Trump's tariff onslaught rattled investors. Meanwhile, crude oil prices have jumped by more than a quarter, with a barrel of international reference contract Brent crude shooting over $90 on Friday. But as an oil-exporting country, the United States is not as exposed to a rise in global energy prices. Moreover, stock exchanges were at or near record levels before the war broke out, while oil and gas prices were low.

Source: Bangkok Post March 06, 2026 22:25 UTC