Middle East Affairs 27 February 2026 - 3 March 2026

Finance·Investments·Middle East Affairs·News

HSBC Holdings Shares Surge as Iran Ceasefire Eases Gulf Fears Ahead of Earnings

HSBC shares rose 6.6% to HK$138.60 in Hong Kong after U.S. President Trump announced a two-week ceasefire with Iran, easing concerns over the bank’s Middle East exposure. Oil prices fell below $100 a barrel. European banking stocks also rallied. HSBC will report first-quarter earnings on May 5.

April 8, 2026

Economics·Energy·Middle East Affairs·News

Oil prices surge 8% as Strait of Hormuz disruption deepens; Brent tops $83

Oil prices jumped about 8% Tuesday as the U.S.-Israel air war against Iran blocked shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, now closed for a fourth day. Brent hit $83.81 a barrel, its highest since July 2024, while U.S. gasoline and diesel futures surged past $3 a gallon. Iraq cut output by over 1 million barrels per day. President Trump is reviewing options to control energy prices, including use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

March 3, 2026

Finance·Investment·Middle East Affairs·News

BAE Systems share price dips after 52-week high as Middle East war keeps investors jumpy

BAE Systems shares fell 0.85% to 2,222 pence in early London trading Tuesday, retreating from Monday’s 6% surge to a 52-week high. The move followed a global rally in defence stocks as Middle East fighting pushed oil prices up nearly 7% and investors shifted away from banks and travel shares. Citigroup raised its BAE price target to 2,438 pence and reiterated a “buy” rating.

March 3, 2026

Defence·Finance·Middle East Affairs·News

Rheinmetall stock rises as Middle East escalation lifts defence shares

Rheinmetall shares rose 2.3% to 1,702.25 euros in Frankfurt on Monday, outperforming a falling STOXX 600 as investors bought defense stocks after Middle East tensions escalated. The stock traded between 1,692 and 1,749 euros. Oil prices jumped up to 13% on supply fears. Rheinmetall will release its 2025 annual report on March 11.

March 2, 2026

Economics·Energy·Middle East Affairs·News

Heating oil price jumps nearly 3% as Iran talks keep energy markets on edge

NYMEX April heating oil futures jumped 2.93% to $2.5999 per gallon by early afternoon Friday, tracking a broader oil rally driven by Middle East supply concerns. Brent rose to $72.84 and U.S. WTI to $67.54 as traders focused on U.S.-Iran nuclear talks. U.S. distillate stocks edged up, but analysts said geopolitics outweighed inventory data in moving prices.

February 27, 2026