Global Stocks Fall Amid Israel-Iran Escalation

Global stock futures fell Tuesday as escalating military conflict between Israel and Iran increased investor anxiety and triggered a retreat from riskier assets, with U.S. and European indices opening lower. The decline was compounded by weak U.S. retail sales data, indicating that high interest rates are weighing on consumer spending despite a small uptick in the retail 'control group'. Oil prices rose on fears of Middle East supply disruptions, supporting a stronger U.S. dollar and a cautious approach anticipated from the Federal Reserve at its upcoming meeting. President Trump's unexpected departure from the G-7 summit, unresolved trade issues, and calls for evacuation of Tehran added to geopolitical uncertainty. Although markets had rebounded Monday, they remain highly sensitive to developments in the Israel-Iran conflict and central bank policy signals. Analysts warn that persistent geopolitical and economic risks could continue to pressure equities and bond yields in the near future.