AI power boom lifts grid suppliers as war strains energy markets - Mar 13, 2026

As of March 13, today’s news centers on the U.S. easing sanctions on Russian oil amidst the ongoing Iran conflict, with significant implications for energy markets and policies in Europe. Helen Jewell, BlackRock’s international chief investment officer for fundamental equities, argued that clean-energy stocks were mispriced because AI-driven power demand would require not only more electricity generation, but also major investment in grids and energy infrastructure. In that view, Siemens Energy benefits as a key supplier of power equipment, while Prysmian benefits as a major cable maker essential for expanding and upgrading electricity networks. Meanwhile, Prysmian has seen movement in the Italian stock market, with shares falling by 2.92%, contributing to a broader decline in the Milan bourse as investors reacted to escalating geopolitical tensions and economic forecasts. In global energy news, the U.S. has issued a 30-day waiver allowing countries to purchase Russian petroleum products currently at sea in an attempt to mitigate soaring oil prices attributed to the U.S.-Israeli actions against Iran. Despite this measure, benchmark Brent crude has rebounded to approximately 101 dollars per barrel following a brief dip. The situation continues to unfold as Iran launches further missile attacks on Israel, and the Israeli military resumes strikes against Iranian-affiliated entities in the region. Turning to broader economic implications, the war has strained European governments' financial resources, limiting their capacity to support citizens facing rising energy costs. Countries like France, Greece, and Poland are implementing various measures, such as oil price caps and profit margin regulations, to ease the burden on consumers, yet these efforts are likely to fall short compared to the extensive support provided during the energy crisis following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In corporate developments, ABB has signaled a move towards acquisitions, indicating interest in multi-billion dollar deals to accelerate growth following years of divestments. Speaking with Reuters, Chairman Peter Voser suggested that ABB could engage in multiple large transactions, banking on their improved cash flow post-strategic restructuring. On a related note, the aluminium market is experiencing fluctuations, with prices dipping as the dollar strengthens, despite ongoing supply disruptions stemming from the Middle East conflict. Analysts warn of potential risks to global aluminium production capacity amid the unpredictable geopolitical scenario. Looking internationally, the complexity of the U.S. response to the Iran war is becoming evident as President Donald Trump adjusts his rhetoric and strategy in response to internal and external pressures, particularly concerning rising gasoline prices and public perception of military actions.