{"id":10612,"date":"2026-04-09T17:46:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T13:46:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/stocks-slip-middle-east-oil\/"},"modified":"2026-04-10T04:23:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-10T00:23:26","slug":"stocks-slip-middle-east-oil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/stocks-slip-middle-east-oil\/","title":{"rendered":"Stocks Dip Amid Middle East Truce Uncertainty: What It Means for Your Investments and Oil Market in Oman"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes 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.15s}\r\n.hitv3sogbtn:hover{filter:brightness(1.15);transform:scale(1.04)}\r\n.hitv3sogbr{font-size:9px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.18);text-align:center;margin-top:5px;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase}\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Compact horizontal: 380\u2013599px (like 320\u00d7100) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@container (min-width:380px) and (max-width:599px){\r\n  .hitv3soga{padding:12px 22px;gap:12px;min-height:100px}\r\n  .hitv3sogh{font-size:16px}\r\n  .hitv3sogs{display:none}\r\n  .hitv3sogbtn{padding:7px 16px;font-size:11px}\r\n}\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Mobile\/card: < 380px (like 300\u00d7250) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@container (max-width:379px){\r\n  .hitv3soga{flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;min-height:260px;padding:22px 22px;gap:10px}\r\n  .hitv3sogc{align-items:center;text-align:center}\r\n  .hitv3sogh{font-size:22px;white-space:normal}\r\n  .hitv3sogs{font-size:11px;white-space:normal}\r\n  .hitv3sogbl{display:flex;align-self:center;text-align:left}\r\n  .hitv3sogbtn{width:100%;justify-content:center;padding:12px 20px}\r\n}\r\n\/* \u2500\u2500 Wide: >= 600px (leaderboard style) \u2500\u2500 *\/\r\n@container (min-width:600px){\r\n  .hitv3soga{min-height:90px}\r\n}\r\n<\/style><!-- HiT Land Banner \u2014 Container Query Responsive -->\r\n<div class=\"hitv3sogw\">\r\n<a class=\"hitv3soga\" href=\"https:\/\/hit.land\/services\/web-app-development\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-fadein 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0s;\">\r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogg1\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-glow 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogg2\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitv3soggl\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-shimmer 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogc\">\r\n    \r\n    <div style=\"display:inline-flex;align-self:flex-start;align-items:center;gap:6px;background:rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitv3sog-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OMAN OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogh\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Websites For <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Omani Businesses.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogs\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Empower your brand with custom digital solutions designed for high conversion and market dominance.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbl\"><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Responsive designs built for growth<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitv3sogbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Fast loading with smart automation<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitv3sogct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitv3sogbtn\" style=\"animation:hitv3sog-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Build Your Free Website <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitv3sogbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>LONDON\/SYDNEY \u2014 Global share markets declined on Thursday as the fragile Gulf truce showed early signs of strain, pushing oil prices back toward the $100-per-barrel mark and signaling prolonged inflationary pressures ahead. Notably, there was little evidence that the strategic Strait of Hormuz was open for significant transit, with Iran asserting control over this crucial oil route and demanding tolls for safe passage.<\/p>\n<p>President Donald Trump took to social media, declaring that U.S. forces would remain in the Gulf until a deal was fully implemented. He warned that otherwise, the conflict would intensify, describing the consequences as \u201cbigger, better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Israel conducted its heaviest airstrikes on Lebanon since its conflict with the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia began last month, resulting in over 250 fatalities on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>In response, Brent crude futures surged 2.5 percent to $97.28 per barrel, while U.S. WTI futures rose 3.3 percent, reaching $97.55. The pan-European STOXX 600 index opened down 0.2 percent after a 3.7 percent jump on Wednesday following the ceasefire announcement.<\/p>\n<p>Peter Kinsella, Head of Investment Services UK at UBP, noted that market movements continue to be headline-driven. Despite significant volatility in oil prices, major currency fluctuations remain limited. &#8220;It is very difficult for investors as they are dealing with a conflict where the protagonists don\u2019t even know what they want,&#8221; he explained.<\/p>\n<p>European government bond yields, which influence borrowing costs, edged higher in early trading after a steep decline on Wednesday. Data from Germany indicated an unexpected drop in industrial production in February, suggesting Europe&#8217;s largest economy was subdued and headed toward another quarter of contraction, even before the outbreak of hostilities with Iran.<\/p>\n<p>In Asia overnight, Japan\u2019s Nikkei closed 0.7 percent lower after a 5.4 percent gain the previous day. South Korea&#8217;s market fell 1.6 percent following a 6.8 percent jump. Chinese blue-chip stocks slipped 0.6 percent, while MSCI\u2019s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan eased by 0.7 percent. On Wall Street, futures for the S&#038;P 500 and Nasdaq were both down about 0.4 percent ahead of the opening bell.<\/p>\n<p>With oil prices remaining approximately 40 percent above pre-conflict levels, inflation is expected to spike in upcoming global economic data. U.S. core inflation figures for February, due later Thursday, are forecast to show a 0.4 percent increase for the second consecutive month\u2014before factoring in recent energy price hikes.<\/p>\n<p>State Street\u2019s PriceStats inflation data revealed that March experienced the largest month-on-month price increase since at least 2008, according to Michael Metcalfe, head of Macro Strategy. Minutes from the Federal Reserve&#8217;s latest policy meeting indicated a growing consensus that a rate hike might be necessary to control inflation, although many members still hope the next move will be a rate cut. This outlook moderated the rally in U.S. Treasuries, which was less pronounced than gains seen in European bonds on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>Yields on U.S. 10-year Treasury notes stood at 4.296 percent, up from 3.96 percent before the Iran attack. Fed fund futures now price in only minimal easing\u20146 basis points\u2014through the rest of the year, having abandoned expectations for a 50 basis point cut since late February. In contrast, European money markets anticipate at least two rate hikes from the European Central Bank this year.<\/p>\n<p>JPMorgan analysts commented, \u201cThe committee broadly agreed that it was too early to act, suggesting the Fed will likely remain on hold this year, in line with our view.\u201d The evolving rate outlook caused the dollar to recover some losses; the dollar index was at 99.06, while the euro remained flat at $1.1660, down from its prior day&#8217;s peak of $1.1721. The dollar gained slightly to 158.93 yen, bouncing back from a low of 157.89 on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>In commodities, gold edged back to $4,713 per ounce after earlier reaching $4,777, while European natural gas prices rose modestly to 45.65 euros per megawatt-hour, a much smaller increase compared to oil.<\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Reuters<\/p>\n<p><style>\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-fadein{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(14px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-slideup{from{opacity:0;transform:translateY(20px)}to{opacity:1;transform:translateY(0)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-pulse{0%,100%{box-shadow:0 0 14px #dc262688}50%{box-shadow:0 0 32px #dc2626,0 0 60px #dc262655}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitl8gak-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitl8gakw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 auto;box-sizing:border-box}\r\n.hitl8gaka{display:flex;flex-direction:row;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;width:100%;box-sizing:border-box;text-decoration:none;color:#fff;font-family:-apple-system,BlinkMacSystemFont,'Segoe UI',Roboto,system-ui,sans-serif;position:relative;overflow:hidden;cursor:pointer;background:linear-gradient(135deg,#111118 0%,#080808 100%);border:1.5px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.08);border-radius:14px;gap:20px;padding:20px 40px;transition:border-color .2s}\r\n.hitl8gaka:hover{border-color:#dc262688}\r\n.hitl8gakg1{position:absolute;inset:0;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 0%,rgba(220,38,38,0.35),transparent 65%);pointer-events:none;z-index:0}\r\n.hitl8gakg2{position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:45%;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 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solid rgba(255,255,255,0.18);backdrop-filter:blur(8px);-webkit-backdrop-filter:blur(8px);border-radius:20px;padding:3px 10px 3px 7px;margin-bottom:clamp(5px,0.6vw,9px);animation:hitl8gak-badge 0.5s ease both;\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:6px;height:6px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;\"><\/span><span style=\"font-size:clamp(8px,0.9vw,10px);font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0.07em;color:rgba(255,255,255,0.88);text-transform:uppercase;white-space:nowrap;\">EXCLUSIVE OFFER<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakh\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.15s;\">Your Website <span style=\"color:#dc2626;\">Should Sell.<\/span><\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gaks\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-slideup 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0.3s;\">Custom-built websites with smart automation & AI-powered features.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbl\"><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>SEO-optimized & lightning fast<\/span><\/div><div class=\"hitl8gakbi\"><span style=\"display:inline-block;width:5px;height:5px;border-radius:50%;background:#dc2626;flex-shrink:0;margin-right:7px;\"><\/span><span>Smart features built for your business<\/span><\/div><\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakct\">\r\n    <button class=\"hitl8gakbtn\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-pulse 2.5s ease-in-out infinite;animation-delay:1s;\">Get Free Consultation <span style=\"opacity:.9;\">\u2192<\/span><\/button>\r\n    <div class=\"hitl8gakbr\">hit.land<\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\r\n<\/div><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<p>Special Analysis by Omanet | Navigate Oman&#8217;s Market<\/p>\n<p>The escalating Gulf tensions and rising oil prices near $100 a barrel <strong>highlight critical risks for Oman\u2019s economy, heavily reliant on oil exports<\/strong>, as market volatility and inflationary pressures intensify globally. For businesses, this environment demands strategic agility to manage cost inflation and supply chain disruptions while <strong>investors should monitor geopolitical developments closely<\/strong> to capitalize on oil market fluctuations and emerging regional opportunities. Smart entrepreneurs in Oman must consider <strong>diversification and risk mitigation<\/strong> now to navigate the uncertain outlook effectively.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Share markets faltered as Gulf tensions resurfaced, pushing oil near $100 a barrel. Iran controlled the Strait of Hormuz, demanding tolls. Israel launched heavy strikes on Lebanon. Brent crude rose 2.5%. Global markets showed volatility amid inflation concerns and geopolitical unrest.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10613,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[815,4003,328],"class_list":["post-10612","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","tag-global-markets","tag-middle-east-conflict","tag-oil-prices"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3347503.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10612","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10612"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10612\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":10614,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10612\/revisions\/10614"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10613"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10612"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10612"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10612"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}