Oil prices drive global sentiment

Volatility is off the charts as markets react to every headline from the Middle East. Oil spiked toward $120 per barrel on escalating tensions, sending futures and equities sharply lower, only to reverse after reports that the G7 could release strategic reserves. The episode shows just how sensitive markets are to energy prices right now. Investors still know very little about how the Iran conflict will evolve, but oil remains the main barometer for risk sentiment. Rising crude quickly feeds into inflation expectations, shaking central bank rate forecasts, FX and global equities. But the swings are wild and will likely continue as long as geopolitical uncertainty persists. Listen to find out more! Ipek Ozkardeskaya has begun her financial career in 2010 in the structured products desk of the Swiss Banque Cantonale Vaudoise. She worked at HSBC Private Bank in Geneva in relation to high and ultra-high net worth clients. In 2012, she started as FX Strategist at Swissquote Bank. She worked as a Senior Market Analyst in London Capital Group in London and in Shanghai. She returned to Swissquote Bank as Senior Analyst in 2020, and launched her own website ipekScope.com in 2025.