International
Oil prices jump as Hamas attack on Israel fuels supply fears
In the wake of a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel, oil prices surged, causing concerns about Middle East tensions, supply disruption, and its impact on global markets. The crisis’s broader implications and market volatility were anticipated.
![](https://gutzymedia.s3.ap-northeast-2.amazonaws.com/wp/2023/10/17062403/pexels-anoop-vs-16830015-1-1.png)
HONG KONG, CHINA — Oil prices rallied while the dollar and yen advanced Monday after Hamas launched a shock attack on Israel at the weekend, sparking fresh concerns about tensions in the Middle East.
The crisis fanned concerns about supplies of crude from the region at a time when supply worries are already high owing to Saudi Arabia and Russia’s output cuts.
It has also renewed fears about the impact on inflation, with energy costs a key driver of spiking prices, giving a fresh headache to central banks as they try to ease up on interest rate hikes to avoid recessions.
The surprise attack and Israel’s declaration of war in response to it have left more than 1,000 dead and raised concerns that a potential broadening of the conflict could draw in the United States and Iran.
“Key for markets is whether the conflict remains contained or spreads to involve other regions, particularly Saudi Arabia,” said ANZ Group’s Brian Martin and Daniel Hynes.
“Initially at least, it seems markets will assume the situation will remain limited in scope, duration, and oil-price consequences. But higher volatility can be expected.”
Both main contracts surged more than five percent in early Asian business before easing back as the day wore on.
However, SPI Asset Management’s Stephen Innes warned: “Historical analysis suggests that oil prices tend to experience sustained gains after the Middle East crises.
“Meanwhile, stocks tend to eventually recover and trend higher after an initial period of volatility. Safe-haven assets like gold and Treasurys, which initially see gains during such crises, tend to fade from their initial price spikes as the situation stabilises.
“But with Middle East analysts considering this to be a pivotal moment for Israel, the view looks incendiary in any current scenario.”
A decidedly risk-off mood also saw investors push into the safety of the dollar, which was up against the pound and euro, as well as the Australian and New Zealand dollars.
The yen, considered one of the safest currencies, strengthened against the greenback, though it still remains locked around 11-month lows.
Gold, another key haven, gained around one percent.
Equity markets were mixed, with Shanghai dropping on its first day back after a week-long holiday as investors continue to fret over the stuttering Chinese economy.
There were also losses in Mumbai, Singapore, Manila, Bangkok and Wellington, though Hong Kong rose in shortened trade, having been closed in the morning owing to a typhoon.
Sydney and Jakarta eked out gains. Tokyo was closed for a holiday.
London edged up while Paris and Frankfurt were lower.
The tepid performance came despite a rally on Wall Street, where traders welcomed data showing a forecast-busting jump in new jobs but wage growth slowing.
The “Goldilocks” figures — neither too strong nor too weak — lifted optimism the world’s top economy can avoid a recession even as the Federal Reserve keeps rates elevated.
Still, there are worries the bank will hike one more time before the end of the year, with officials determined to bring inflation to heel and keep it at their two percent target.
— AFP
![](https://gutzy.asia/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Gutzy-Logo-whiteS.png)
-
Politics1 week ago
Jamus Lim on Minister Chee Hong Tat’s remarks on fiscal policy: Calls for genuine debate over rhetoric
-
Opinion2 weeks ago
Lawrence Wong must face MPs in Parliament, not hide behind compliant media
-
Politics2 weeks ago
SM Lee: Singaporeans must ‘change attitudes’ as Govt promises ‘bold and necessary changes’
-
Community1 week ago
Toast Box faces backlash and boycott calls amid price increases
-
Media6 days ago
Notice to Our Readers: Moving Back to The Online Citizen
-
Singapore1 week ago
Singapore introduces new scheme in April 2025 offering up to S$6,000 in financial support for retrenched workers
-
Politics1 week ago
Jamus Lim raises concerns over high cost of living and its impact on Singaporeans’ sense of belonging
-
Singapore1 week ago
Tan Suee Chieh: Sacrificing NTUC Income’s values for short-term gains undermines its foundation
HAMAS? ISRAEL?
FAKE, FALSE FLAGS, KELONG!
HERE’S THE REAL WAR! IN THE U.S.A.
WHY ARE MSMs NOT REPORTING?
CNN? CNA? BBC? NONE!
WAKEY! WAKEY!! WAKEY!!!
https://t.me/TruthWarriorsUnited/150592
https://t.me/realrawnews/656
Expect steep increase in tariffs in Singapore
Any excuse to increase. The cat gave birth in Somalia also increase as fears increase. BS mongers.
When idiot paste and copy reporting…What Jump? at usd85 … fcking idiot born of imbeciles gene.