Iran market update: Strait of Hormuz deadline looms, raising risks of another oil shock

The Iran conflict has entered a critical phase, with a US ultimatum on the Strait of Hormuz raising the risk of a major escalation in global energy markets. Oil prices are surging, equities are under pressure and investors are bracing for a potential spike in inflation if tensions worsen. In this week’s Bassanese Bites Podcast, David Bassanese breaks down the growing risk of a Middle East “mutually assured destruction” scenario, what attacks on energy infrastructure could mean for oil and global markets, and why hopes of a quick de-escalation may be fading. He also unpacks the latest Fed meeting, the pause in the global equity rotation, and Australia’s surprise RBA rate hike — including why another increase may still be on the table despite rising geopolitical risks. Tune in for a concise, expert wrap of the week’s key developments in global markets, oil, central banks, the Australian economy and interest rates — and what they mean for investors.