Fahad Hassan, CIO The last few weeks have seen a reset of inflation expectations, as the US and Israel entered a conflict with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow body of water responsible for 20% of the world’s seaborne oil supply, is effectively closed. Oil prices are materially higher and could go much higher still. Natural gas, a key input into fertiliser production, has seen a large jump in price, which in turn is causing an increase in food prices.   Like in 2022, gove

It is impossible to second guess the next move in markets given the underlying complexity of the war in Iran. Particularly given the impact that President Trump’s comments are having on markets. What is becoming increasingly apparent is that even with a swift resolution to the conflict, the disruption from the war will result in inflated energy costs for some time. 

This week's Fed meeting, alongside the Bank of England and the European Central Bank (ECB) meetings provide a good opportunity to consider how far markets have already moved this year.

Escalating conflict in the Middle East was the dominant driver of global markets in early March. The conflict raised concerns that the situation could broaden, particularly given the proximity to critical energy infrastructure and shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil supply passes and which travel through remains disrupted. 

Our parent company, Atlantic House, has successfully reached an agreement to be acquired by WisdomTree. The transaction, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be completed by Q2 2026.

Charlie Parker and Fahad Hassan analyse how the war in Iran, the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the resulting oil shock are rapidly altering inflation, interest‑rate expectations and the dollar.

There can be no doubt that this is a profoundly dangerous moment for the world. The risk that the current conflict in the Middle East becomes an entrenched war that could undermine global economic growth is very real. 

Charlie Parker and Eleanor Williams examine US vulnerabilities in global supply chains, in particular their dependence on Chinese rare earth and drug components. The hosts discuss the short-term risks and policy responses underway to reduce that exposure and where this may lead.