I avoid long-term oil investments due to unpredictable price swings, but high implied volatility now creates an opportunity to sell options for

This latest iteration of the Middle East crisis is both familiar and unfamiliar. We’re all back obsessing about the oil price, yet we also know from the last few years that that same oil price has appeared somewhat impervious — oblivious?

Although the U.S. is a net oil exporter, higher oil prices could increase inflation and lower economic growth.

U.S. stock index futures rose on Monday as easing oil prices supported sentiment despite ongoing attacks between Israel and Iran, while investors focused on the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. Wall Street indexes shed more than 1% on Friday as oil prices surged 7% after Israel and Iran traded air strikes,

Oil prices fluctuated on Monday after jumping 7% on Friday, as renewed strikes between Israel and Iran over the weekend heightened market concerns, while European Gas prices rose. While the strikes did not directly affect Iran’s oil exports,

Rather, it is geopolitical factors—specifically, escalating tensions in the Middle East—that are unsettling markets and pushing prices higher.

Central bank has struggled to convey clear sense of direction for monetary policy as key indicators fluctuate, economists warn