Israel-Iran Conflict Sparks Global Market Turmoil

Israel's strikes on Iran have sparked intense global market volatility, with U.S. stocks experiencing their worst day in weeks and the Dow Jones falling 1.79%. Brent crude oil surged as much as 14%, with analysts warning prices could surpass $100 per barrel if hostilities escalate further. Energy and defense stocks rose, while financial, technology, travel, and consumer sectors posted notable losses. The Omani and broader Middle Eastern markets also declined as investors sought safe havens, strengthening the U.S. dollar and pushing U.S. yields higher amid inflation fears. The crypto market showed resilience, with Bitcoin holding above $100,000 and spot Bitcoin ETFs attracting inflows, even as Ether ETFs saw outflows. Market direction remains highly dependent on the next steps in the Israel-Iran conflict.