Global Scans · Conflict · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: Rising tensions around are bringing new and regional geopolitical threats and the possibility of eventual global war. Keep abreast of the unfolding drama and know where the risks and opportunities are in the world.

• [New] Investors fearing an extended Middle East conflict that invites inflation and, possibly, recession tend to trim their more volatile assets, including bitcoin and ethereum. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Countries confirm biggest emergency oil release in history: Member countries of the International Energy Agency confirmed they will release 400 million barrels of oil, in a bid to counter soaring prices and the risk of a supply shock from the war in Iran. Politico
• [New] Western governments, organizations, and critical infrastructure operators should remain on high alert for sustained Iranian cyber threats amid the ongoing conflict. CYFIRMA
• [New] Investor fears about a prolonged conflict have driven equity markets marginally lower, with Europe's Stoxx 600 Index falling close to 2% on the week by Thursday afternoon. UK | Intermediary
• [New] The Indian rupee touched a record - low of 94.84 on Friday, down nearly 1%, as global markets contended with considerable volatility due to worries about a sustained disruption of global energy supplies due to the Middle East conflict. Economic Times
• [New] Global bond yields jumped on Friday, weighing on stocks amid concern that a protracted war in Iran will keep energy prices high and fuel inflation. Barchart.com
• [New] WTI crude oil prices surged by more than 5% on Friday, and global bond yields soared amid the risk of a protracted Iran war. Barchart.com
• [New] Stocks retreated on Friday amid concerns that a protracted war in Iran will keep oil prices elevated and fuel both inflation and a slowdown in economic growth. Barchart.com
• [New] A prolonged conflict could push Brent crude to about $135 per barrel in the second quarter, keeping prices above $100 for months before easing toward $90 by end-2026. Economic Times
• [New] India and other Asia-Pacific economies could face rising credit stress if the ongoing Gulf conflict persists, as higher energy prices and supply disruptions ripple through global markets. Economic Times
• [New] Iran, for its part, is insisting on war reparations, recognition of some form of control over Hormuz and pledges that the US and Israel will not attack it in future. financialpost
• [New] Britain is a few weeks away from medicine shortages ranging from painkillers to cancer treatment if the Iran war continues, while drug prices could also rise. The Guardian
• [New] The surge in oil prices along with other products such as fertiliser as a result of the Iran war has fanned inflation fears and dampened expectations that the Federal Reserve and other central banks have room to lower interest rates. ST
• [New] Sooner or later, the war-weariness of the American people will bring an end to the fantasy of a global Pax Americana built on drones and bombs. UnHerd
• [New] Tehran is notably seeking assurances that the United States and Israel will halt their strikes, recognition of its authority over the Strait of Hormuz, and compensation for war damage. MarketScreener
• [New] A drawn-out conflict could trigger a spillover from energy that risks curbing consumption. / UK ST
• [New] Oil prices could hit a record $200 per barrel if the war in the Middle East drags on through the entire second quarter. investing.com
• [New] ANZ says it now expects house prices to fall in 2026 as conflict in the Middle East means lower household confidence and upwards pressure on interest rates. RNZ
• [New] A prolonged energy shock from the Iran war could fuel global inflation and dent growth. brecorder
• [New] Powell explicitly emphasized that due to the ongoing Middle East conflict pushing Brent crude oil prices dangerously close to the 100 mark, the risk of an inflation rebound has sharply increased. MEXC

Last updated: 31 March 2026