Rather, it is geopolitical factors—specifically, escalating tensions in the Middle East—that are unsettling markets and pushing prices higher.

Rising global volatility from Middle East tensions poses fresh risks for South Korea’s export-driven economy, stoking fears of supply disruptions. Still, analys

Traders on Friday exchanged the most $80 West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil call options since January, expecting more upside to prices after Israeli airstrikes on Iran sparked fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Analysts said OPEC might not see any urgency to shift policy, as the surge in prices was driven by a rising risk premium rather than changing market fundamentals.

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Dual risks kept investors on edge ahead of markets reopening late on Sunday, from heightened prospects of a broad Middle East war to U.S.-wide protests against U.S. President Donald Trump that threatened more domestic chaos.

Gold prices soared on Friday as investors flocked to safe-haven assets following Israeli airstrikes on Iran, re-igniting fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East. Spot gold rose 1.3% at $3,428.10 an ounce as of 1:49 p.

Israel says it has more attacks planned against Iran after a series of overnight strikes targeted Tehran’s nuclear program and shook global tensions. As Washington watches the fallout, President Donald Trump is continuing to push Tehran toward the negotiating table to come to a nuclear deal.