Oil shock and market strain as Iran-Israel conflict escalates

The US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks through the Gulf have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and sent oil and LNG prices higher, raising energy costs globally and fueling inflation concerns. The surge in prices, vulnerability in energy supplies, and mixed stock-market performance point to potential slower growth or a stagflation risk if the conflict persists, though some analysts expect a rebound if the war is short.