The war between Iran and the United States has caused a shockwave in global financial markets, leading to increased volatility and a surge in energy prices. Safe-haven assets such as gold, precious metals, and quality bonds have attracted investors seeking protection against economic uncertainty ¹.

*Impacts on Financial Markets:*

- _Rising Oil Prices_: Uncertainty regarding the security of vital maritime routes and the threat of disruptions to global energy supply have driven up oil prices.
- _Increased Volatility_: Stock markets have experienced heightened volatility, especially in Europe and Asia, where investors are adjusting their growth expectations in response to rising energy costs.
- _Search for Safe-Haven Assets_: Gold, high-quality bonds, and the US dollar have drawn the attention of investors looking to hedge against economic uncertainty ¹ ² ³.

*Most Exposed Sectors:*

- _Energy_: Any disruption in energy supply can cause prices to rise, fueling inflation and slowing economic growth.
- _Transportation_: Maritime transportation costs have increased due to geopolitical tensions.
- _Industry_: High energy costs may weigh on the profit margins of industrial companies ¹ ³.

It is important to note that financial markets can quickly absorb a geopolitical shock if the economic impact remains limited. However, if the conflict persists, macroeconomic and stock market repercussions could be more significant ⁴ ⁵.