Brent crude oil surged past $100 per barrel after Iran attacked three ships in what analysts are calling a meaningful regional escalation. Iran also issued threats against undersea cables in the Strait of Hormuz, raising the stakes beyond oil supply alone. A surprise draw in U.S. crude stockpiles added additional upward pressure to prices.
Oil above $100 acts like a tax on the entire global economy — it raises costs for airlines, manufacturers, shippers, and consumers simultaneously, which tends to compress corporate profit margins and squeeze household spending. Energy stocks and commodity funds get a short-term lift, but sustained triple-digit oil is broadly bearish for equities, especially consumer discretionary and transportation names. Threats to Hormuz undersea cables introduce a second risk vector: roughly 17% of global internet traffic passes through that corridor, meaning this is no longer just an energy story.
Weekly EIA crude inventory report (next release Thursday): confirms whether the stockpile draw was a one-off or a trend. Watch for any U.S. or allied military response statements within 48-72 hours. OPEC+ emergency meeting risk rises sharply if Brent holds above $100 for more than 3 sessions.
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