Making sense of the US–Iran conflict for investors
By Charu Chanana, Chief Investment Strategist at Saxo
- Significant geopolitical escalation: The US has launched direct strikes on Iranian nuclear sites — a major geopolitical shift that raises uncertainty for global markets.
- Oil chokepoint in focus: The Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of global oil, is now a key flashpoint. Even without a shutdown, risks to supply are lifting energy prices and inflation concerns, which could delay central bank rate cuts, including by the Fed.
- Sector rotation to consider: Energy and defense stocks may show relative strength in this environment, while European and emerging Asian markets — especially those reliant on imported energy — could face greater macro pressure.
Markets were jolted this weekend as the US, under President Trump, launched airstrikes on three key Iranian nuclear sites, marking a historic escalation in Middle East tensions. The move came without Congressional approval, raising not just geopolitical risk—but also questions about US institutional stability and global investor confidence in US leadership.
While the full scope of Iran’s retaliation remains unclear, one key lever is already in focus: the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage controlling roughly 1 in 5 barrels of daily global oil flows. Iran doesn’t need to shut it down completely; the threat alone is enough to stir markets, pressure inflation expectations, and ripple through asset classes.
Markets now face overlapping risks: energy disruption, inflation shock, delayed rate cuts, and rising global macro uncertainty.
Why this is not the time for complacency
President Trump’s decision to bomb Iran’s nuclear sites over the weekend casts a shadow over the outlook for equities and other risk-sensitive assets. While the market’s initial reaction appears contained, investors should be cautious about becoming complacent.
Here’s why:
- Oil markets are under pressure, not relaxed: Monday’s oil spike may have faded somewhat intraday, but the broader trend reflects building pressure on global energy supply chains. Even without a direct shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, higher shipping costs and insurance premiums could lift energy prices in a more sustained way.
- Crude prices + global fragility = macro risk: A sustained rise in oil prices alongside weak global growth could create renewed stagflation fears — a classic headwind for equities and consumer sentiment.
- Rate cuts could be delayed: Central banks may become more cautious about easing too quickly if rising energy costs drive inflation expectations higher. In the US, that comes on top of already sticky inflation and tariff-related concerns, along with institutional risks with President Trump pushing the Fed to cut rates and raising questions about policy independence.
- Policy unpredictability is a risk in itself: Trump’s abrupt pivot from “wait and see” to launching strikes reinforces a sense of strategic instability. For businesses and investors, that raises the bar for deploying long-term capital with confidence.
What to watch next
- Iran’s response: A direct strike on U.S. forces or the Strait of Hormuz would be a major inflection point for markets. If shipping through the strait becomes prohibitively risky or expensive, it could disrupt global energy flows, freight costs, and broader supply chains.
- Oil price trajectory: A sustained break above $100/barrel could trigger renewed inflation shock trades and delay monetary easing.
- US bond market reaction: Whether yields fall on haven demand or rise on inflation fears will shape broader asset flows.
- Dollar dynamics: A short squeeze in the USD (sharp gains driven by investors unwinding bearish bets) could tighten global financial conditions, especially in emerging markets with external vulnerabilities.
- Global equity rotation: Asian and European markets, especially energy importers, may struggle. Defense and energy sectors are likely to be more resilient.
- US domestic gridlock: The lack of Congressional approval for military action could deepen political divisions, complicate fiscal policymaking, and raise concerns over institutional stability.
- Geopolitical spillovers: While the conflict is centered on the U.S. and Iran, investors should remain alert to potential diplomatic or strategic responses from Russia and China, both of which have significant energy and regional interests.
Portfolio strategy considerations for investors
Not investment advice — just clarity on key exposures and potential implications as uncertainty rises.
Energy exposure may provide a hedge
Energy producers may benefit from higher oil prices. Energy equity ETFs offer diversified access to oil majors and service companies — without needing to trade crude futures directly.
Defense and gold miners can reflect geopolitical uncertainty
Defense contractors and gold miners may gain more attention if tensions escalate further. These sectors have historically been sought out during geopolitical flare-ups and rising inflation concerns, and offer resilience in the face of volatility especially if portfolios have more relative cyclical exposure to say tech or consumer discretionary.
Gold’s classic hedge qualities may, however, come under the scanner if yields rise or dollar strengthens significantly.
Be cautious on EM Asia and European exposure
Countries with high oil import dependency — such as India, Thailand, the Philippines, and much of Europe — could face multiple headwinds: rising energy costs, weaker currencies, and capital outflows. Growth concerns in these regions may become more pronounced if energy prices remain elevated.
By contrast, the U.S., as a net energy exporter, may be relatively more insulated from rising oil prices in economic terms, though not immune to broader market volatility.
Review high-growth exposure
Sectors sensitive to interest rates and input costs—like high-growth tech or early-stage innovation—could face margin pressure and valuation resets if rate cuts are delayed and inflation expectations rise. This doesn’t mean exit, but reflect on your time horizon and risk tolerance — especially if you’re highly concentrated.
Fixed income for balance
Short-duration bond funds or flexible strategies may help reduce interest rate sensitivity while still offering yield, especially if long-end bond markets get whipsawed by competing inflation and haven narratives.
