{"id":11815,"date":"2026-05-20T12:09:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T08:09:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/news\/economy\/oil-retreats-stocks-rise-mideast\/"},"modified":"2026-05-20T16:21:56","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T12:21:56","slug":"oil-retreats-stocks-rise-mideast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/news\/economy\/oil-retreats-stocks-rise-mideast\/","title":{"rendered":"Oil Prices Retreat Amid Mideast Conflict Hopes: What This Means for Investors and Businesses in the Region"},"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 hitv3sog-shimmer{0%,100%{opacity:0.3;transform:scaleX(0.4)}50%{opacity:1;transform:scaleX(1)}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-glow{0%,100%{opacity:0.6}50%{opacity:1}}\r\n@keyframes hitv3sog-badge{from{opacity:0;transform:scale(0.8)}to{opacity:1;transform:scale(1)}}\r\n<\/style><style>\r\n.hitv3sogw{container-type:inline-size;width:100%;max-width:970px;margin:0 auto;box-sizing:border-box}\r\n.hitv3soga{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.hitv3soga:hover{border-color:#dc262688}\r\n.hitv3sogg1{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.hitv3sogg2{position:absolute;bottom:0;left:0;right:0;height:45%;background:radial-gradient(ellipse at 50% 100%,rgba(220,38,38,0.15),transparent 70%);pointer-events:none;z-index:0}\r\n.hitv3soggl{position:absolute;top:0;left:8%;right:8%;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,#dc262666,transparent);z-index:0}\r\n.hitv3sogc{position:relative;z-index:1;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;flex:1;min-width:0}\r\n.hitv3sogh{font-size:24px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.15;letter-spacing:-.03em;color:#fff;text-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.4);margin:2px 0;white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}\r\n.hitv3sogs{font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.6);line-height:1.4;margin-top:3px;white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}\r\n.hitv3sogbl{display:none;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;margin-top:9px;align-self:flex-start}\r\n.hitv3sogbi{display:flex;align-items:center;font-size:11px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.55);font-weight:500}\r\n.hitv3sogct{position:relative;z-index:1;flex-shrink:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center}\r\n.hitv3sogbtn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;padding:10px 24px;background:#dc2626;background-image:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(255,255,255,.12) 0%,transparent 100%);color:#fff;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;border-radius:8px;white-space:nowrap;box-shadow:0 0 20px #dc262666;border:none;cursor:pointer;font-family:inherit;transition:filter .15s,transform .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><\/p>\n<p>Oil prices declined and European stock markets rose on Wednesday following the passage of a South Korean tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, alleviating some concerns over the ongoing stalemate between the US and Iran regarding the Middle East conflict.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Asian markets mostly slipped, influenced by a retreat on Wall Street on Tuesday. Investors are closely monitoring Wednesday&#8217;s earnings report from AI chip leader Nvidia, which is expected to provide insight into a sector that has driven much of this year&#8217;s stock market optimism. Despite a roughly 3% drop, Brent North Sea crude held near $110 per barrel\u2014significantly above pre-war levels\u2014sustaining fears that inflationary pressures could persist. Government bond yields have surged to multi-decade highs amid concerns that the conflict will keep energy prices elevated throughout the year. Viktoria Kuszak, an analyst at Sucden Financial, noted, <strong>&#8220;Oil remains the central macro pressure point.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Kuszak added, &#8220;We anticipate that a mix of higher yields, a strong US dollar, and ongoing energy risks will constrain risk appetite, with Nvidia&#8217;s earnings report serving as the next critical test of equity sentiment.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>According to MarineTraffic, the South Korea-flagged tanker <em>Universal Winner<\/em> was spotted on the eastern side of the Strait of Hormuz near the Gulf of Oman, en route to Ulsan, marking the first South Korean vessel\u2019s transit through this strategic waterway since the Iran war began in late February. Since the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran commenced, the Strait\u2014through which about 20% of global crude typically passes\u2014has effectively been closed to shipping.<\/p>\n<p>On Wednesday, Iran warned that the war risks expanding beyond the Middle East if the US and Israel resume military actions, following US President Donald Trump&#8217;s threat of further strikes unless a deal is reached. A ceasefire on April 8 temporarily halted hostilities that have disrupted the global economy. However, with Washington and Tehran showing reluctance to reignite direct conflict, the situation has devolved into a battle of rhetoric.<\/p>\n<p>In France, Olivier Gavalda, CEO of Credit Agricole\u2014one of the country&#8217;s largest banks\u2014addressed shareholders, cautioning that <strong>&#8220;nothing is arguing for optimism&#8221;<\/strong> amid economic and geopolitical turbulence. He warned of anticipated interest rate hikes in Europe aimed at combating rising inflation, which could depress both consumer spending and investment. Gavalda added that internal data indicated a sharp decline in business sentiment and a serious erosion of household confidence.<\/p>\n<p>Key market figures around 10:45 GMT were as follows:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Brent North Sea Crude: down 3.0% at $107.93 per barrel  <\/li>\n<li>West Texas Intermediate: down 2.9% at $101.10 per barrel  <\/li>\n<li>London FTSE 100: up 0.1% at 10,341.43 points  <\/li>\n<li>Paris CAC 40: up 0.7% at 8,037.34 points  <\/li>\n<li>Frankfurt DAX 30: up 0.7% at 24,561.50 points  <\/li>\n<li>Tokyo Nikkei 225: down 1.2% at 59,804.41 (close)  <\/li>\n<li>Hong Kong Hang Seng Index: down 0.6% at 25,651.12 (close)  <\/li>\n<li>Shanghai Composite: down 0.2% at 4,162.18 (close)  <\/li>\n<li>New York Dow Jones: down 0.7% at 49,363.88 (close)  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Currency rates were:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Euro\/Dollar: down to 1.1601 from 1.1606  <\/li>\n<li>Pound\/Dollar: down to 1.3396 from 1.3401  <\/li>\n<li>Dollar\/Yen: down to 159.00 from 159.04  <\/li>\n<li>Euro\/Pound: up to 86.61 pence from 86.60  <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This mix of developments reflects the ongoing uncertainty in global markets conditioned by geopolitical tensions and economic pressures.<\/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% 100%,rgba(220,38,38,0.15),transparent 70%);pointer-events:none;z-index:0}\r\n.hitl8gakgl{position:absolute;top:0;left:8%;right:8%;height:1px;background:linear-gradient(90deg,transparent,#dc262666,transparent);z-index:0}\r\n.hitl8gakc{position:relative;z-index:1;display:flex;flex-direction:column;justify-content:center;flex:1;min-width:0}\r\n.hitl8gakh{font-size:24px;font-weight:800;line-height:1.15;letter-spacing:-.03em;color:#fff;text-shadow:0 2px 12px rgba(0,0,0,.4);margin:2px 0;white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}\r\n.hitl8gaks{font-size:13px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.6);line-height:1.4;margin-top:3px;white-space:nowrap;overflow:hidden;text-overflow:ellipsis}\r\n.hitl8gakbl{display:none;flex-direction:column;gap:5px;margin-top:9px;align-self:flex-start}\r\n.hitl8gakbi{display:flex;align-items:center;font-size:11px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.55);font-weight:500}\r\n.hitl8gakct{position:relative;z-index:1;flex-shrink:0;display:flex;flex-direction:column;align-items:center}\r\n.hitl8gakbtn{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;gap:6px;padding:10px 24px;background:#dc2626;background-image:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(255,255,255,.12) 0%,transparent 100%);color:#fff;font-size:14px;font-weight:700;border-radius:8px;white-space:nowrap;box-shadow:0 0 20px #dc262666;border:none;cursor:pointer;font-family:inherit;transition:filter .15s,transform .15s}\r\n.hitl8gakbtn:hover{filter:brightness(1.15);transform:scale(1.04)}\r\n.hitl8gakbr{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  .hitl8gaka{padding:12px 22px;gap:12px;min-height:100px}\r\n  .hitl8gakh{font-size:16px}\r\n  .hitl8gaks{display:none}\r\n  .hitl8gakbtn{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  .hitl8gaka{flex-direction:column;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;min-height:260px;padding:22px 22px;gap:10px}\r\n  .hitl8gakc{align-items:center;text-align:center}\r\n  .hitl8gakh{font-size:22px;white-space:normal}\r\n  .hitl8gaks{font-size:11px;white-space:normal}\r\n  .hitl8gakbl{display:flex;align-self:center;text-align:left}\r\n  .hitl8gakbtn{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  .hitl8gaka{min-height:90px}\r\n}\r\n<\/style><!-- HiT Land Banner \u2014 Container Query Responsive -->\r\n<div class=\"hitl8gakw\">\r\n<a class=\"hitl8gaka\" href=\"https:\/\/hit.land\/services\/web-app-development\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-fadein 0.7s ease both;animation-delay:0s;\">\r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakg1\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-glow 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakg2\"><\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakgl\" style=\"animation:hitl8gak-shimmer 3s ease-in-out infinite;\"><\/div>\r\n  \r\n  <div class=\"hitl8gakc\">\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: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 recent transit of a South Korean tanker through the Strait of Hormuz signals a potential easing of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which could gradually stabilize energy supply routes critical to Oman and the global market. However, with Brent crude oil prices remaining elevated near $110 per barrel and inflationary pressures persisting, <strong>Omani businesses face both opportunity and risk<\/strong>\u2014while energy sector investments may yield gains, sectors sensitive to inflation and global economic slowdown should exercise caution. <strong>Smart investors and entrepreneurs should closely monitor geopolitical developments and global energy market trends<\/strong> to strategically position themselves for a market that remains volatile but potentially stabilizing.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Oil prices fell as a South Korean tanker passed through the Strait of Hormuz, easing US-Iran tensions. Brent crude stayed near $110 a barrel. European stocks rose while Asian markets dipped. Nvidia&#8217;s earnings awaited amid inflation and energy concerns.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":11816,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[4003,328,1714],"class_list":["post-11815","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-economy","tag-middle-east-conflict","tag-oil-prices","tag-stock-markets"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11815","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=11815"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11815\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11817,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11815\/revisions\/11817"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11816"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11815"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11815"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/omanet.om\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11815"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}