Geopolitical tensions threaten global oil markets.

Geopolitical tensions threaten global oil markets. A potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz could disrupt critical energy supplies, with approximately 21 percent of global petroleum passing through these waters daily. Analysts warn that crude prices could spike toward $100 per barrel, creating significant inflationary pressures across economies worldwide. Higher energy costs would likely force central banks to maintain elevated interest rates longer than anticipated, weighing on equity valuations and corporate profitability. The S&P 500 and broader markets remain sensitive to oil shocks, as energy inflation ripples through transportation, manufacturing, and consumer spending. Investors should monitor geopolitical developments closely, as supply disruptions could trigger substantial market volatility and reshape expectations for monetary policy in coming months.