Markets at War: What Happens to Stocks During Global Conflicts?

Global conflicts are back at the center of financial markets. After initially shrugging off geopolitical tensions earlier in the week, markets quickly reversed as volatility surged. In this episode, we discuss how markets historically react during geopolitical crises, why oil supply and key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz matter for the global economy, and which sectors tend to benefit during periods of conflict - as well as which sectors typically face headwinds. We also look at whether Treasuries and gold still serve as safe havens in times of rising geopolitical uncertainty. Finally, we examine the viral “2028 Global Intelligence Crisis” report from Citrini Research, which explores a hypothetical future where rapid AI adoption disrupts jobs, consumption, and the broader economy.