Global Stock Markets Tumble Nearly 1% Amid Israel-Iran Conflict, Oil Surge

Global financial markets experienced significant declines amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following Israel's airstrikes on Iran, which sparked fears of a broader conflict. The spike in Brent crude oil prices, rising about 7%, heightened concerns over potential disruptions to oil supplies, driving investors toward safe-haven assets like gold, the U.S. dollar, and U.S. Treasuries. In India, the BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty dropped nearly 1%, with major sectors like services, banking, FMCG, and metals facing sharp declines, while healthcare and realty indices showed resilience. U.S. markets also fell sharply, with the Dow Jones down 1.8%, the S&P 500 by 1.1%, and the Nasdaq by 1.3%, reflecting widespread investor anxiety over geopolitical risks and energy market instability. Analysts noted that the existing pressures from U.S. President Trump's unpredictable trade policies compounded market volatility, though some experts viewed the sell-off as a potential long-term buying opportunity. Overall, the market turmoil underscores growing investor caution amid fears of prolonged conflict and its economic ramifications worldwide.