International markets dipped as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Eastern Europe escalated, triggering a sharp increase in oil prices. Brent crude crossed the $90 mark for the first time in six months, while defense and energy stocks outperformed broader indices.
Safe-haven assets like gold and U.S. Treasuries saw inflows, while emerging market ETFs experienced moderate outflows. Economists caution that prolonged instability could place upward pressure on inflation and dampen global growth forecasts.
