Author: Dr Issac PJ

Gold’s historic rally has entered a volatile new phase as surging oil prices, intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over US monetary policy collide to reshape global financial markets.Yet analysts say the recent pullback in bullion prices may represent not the end of the rally but a consolidation phase in what remains one of the most powerful gold bull markets in modern history.Spot gold was trading around $5,160–$5,170 per ounce on Tuesday, rebounding modestly after slipping below $5,100 earlier this week as investors reassessed inflation risks triggered by the sharp rise in energy prices and the evolving…

The escalating crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has triggered one of the most severe maritime disruptions in recent decades, with hundreds of vessels — including around 200 oil and gas tankers — stranded across Gulf waters, choking energy supplies and raising fears of a global inflation shock. Shipping data from maritime intelligence firms and industry trackers show that traffic through the narrow but vital waterway has collapsed since hostilities intensified in the region, effectively paralysing the world’s most important energy corridor. Under normal conditions, between 130 and 150 ships pass through the strait every day, carrying crude oil, liquefied natural gas…

Global oil prices retreated sharply on Tuesday after US President Donald Trump signalled that the conflict with Iran could wind down sooner than expected, easing fears of a prolonged disruption to energy supplies from the Middle East. International oil benchmark, Brent North Sea crude, plunged 9.6 per cent to $89.44 a barrel, a day after it neared $120, reversing part of last week’s sharp rally that had pushed prices close to triple-digit territory amid escalating military tensions and concerns over the security of energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.The decline came after Trump said in a phone interview with…

The UAE’s economy is expected to remain resilient despite escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, supported by strong fiscal buffers, diversified growth engines and one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth portfolios, according to the latest assessment by S&P Global Ratings.The ratings agency reaffirmed the UAE’s ‘AA/A-1+’ sovereign credit rating with a stable outlook, highlighting the country’s exceptional fiscal and external strength even as regional conflict raises short-term economic risks.S&P analysts Juili Pargaonkar and Olivia K. Grant said the UAE’s vast financial resources and policy flexibility should help shield the economy from the worst effects of regional instability.“Our base-case…

Dubai’s status as a global financial hub received another vote of confidence as ICICI Prudential Asset Management Company, one of India’s largest investment managers, launched its first international office at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a move that could strengthen capital flows between India and the Gulf even as geopolitical tensions rattle global markets.The new DIFC office will serve as a regional investment hub for institutional and high-net-worth investors across the GCC and Africa, providing access to India-focused investment opportunities spanning equities, fixed income, multi-asset strategies, alternatives and real estate.The launch comes at a time when markets across the…

Global oil markets are witnessing one of their sharpest rallies in years as the escalating conflict involving Iran sends shockwaves through energy markets and raises fears of a prolonged supply disruption in the Middle East, the world’s most critical oil-producing region.Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) have surged close to 30 per cent since the latest escalation of hostilities, pushing prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022. WTI climbed to around $117.50, up nearly 29 per cent, while Brent crude rose to about $117.70, gaining almost 27 per cent as traders priced in the…

Indian investors are once again emerging as the dominant force behind Dubai’s booming real estate market, reinforcing the emirate’s status as one of the most attractive overseas property destinations for Indian capital despite rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf.Even as escalating tensions involving Iran and parts of the Middle East raise questions about regional stability, Dubai’s property sector continues to draw strong interest from Indian buyers, who account for the largest share of foreign property investments in the emirate.Analysts say the continued inflow of Indian capital — from high-net-worth individuals, business families and diaspora professionals — has become a crucial…

Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market extended their decline over the weekend as escalating tensions in the Middle East pushed crude oil prices sharply higher, reigniting inflation fears and prompting investors to pull back from risk assets.The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell to around $67,000 on Sunday from last week’s high of about $74,000, marking a drop of nearly 10 per cent in a matter of days. The sell-off reflects a broader retreat across digital assets as geopolitical uncertainty and surging energy prices reshape global market sentiment.An index tracking the top 20 cryptocurrencies declined 1.29 per cent over the past 24…

Gold prices resumed their upward march on Thursday as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East drove investors back into safe-haven assets, highlighting the precious metal’s enduring appeal during periods of global uncertainty.Spot gold rose 0.4 per cent to about $5,153 per ounce, recovering part of the previous session’s losses as investors sought protection from rising geopolitical risks and market volatility. The rebound came after bullion had retreated from recent highs above $5,400 per ounce, a pullback widely viewed as profit-taking following one of the most dramatic rallies in precious metals in recent years.The renewed buying reflects a familiar pattern…

Global oil markets are bracing for a potential supply shock as the escalating conflict in the Gulf threatens to remove millions of barrels of crude from the market while pushing prices sharply higher.Analysts warn that production losses could exceed 3 million barrels per day within days and rise above 4 million barrels per day if the disruption drags on, tightening supplies in a market already on edge over security risks in the region.Oil prices have already begun climbing as attacks on tankers, refinery disruptions and the near halt of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz choke off vital energy flows…