🌍 Global Chaos, Oil on Fire: Israel Strikes Iran and Safe-Haven Markets Surge

 

🌍 Global Chaos, Oil on Fire: Israel Strikes Iran and Safe-Haven Markets Surge
By Rafael Vilagut | Blog Feliz y Saludable
📅 Friday, June 13, 2025

The early hours of this Friday marked a new geopolitical breaking point: Israel launched a direct military attack on Iranian nuclear facilities, in an operation already having immediate and profound consequences on global markets.

In just a few hours, the landscape shifted dramatically. Oil prices spiked, European and U.S. stock markets fell, gold broke a new all-time high, and cryptocurrencies moved into bearish territory.
What does all this mean for investors? And how can you protect your assets amid this new international shock?

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🛢️ Oil: Surges Over 10% in a Matter of Hours

WTI crude jumped to $77 per barrel, while Brent surpassed $78, driven by fears of retaliation, potential blockades in the Strait of Hormuz, and growing instability in the Middle East.

This escalation comes amid increasing pressure on global supply chains and could worsen inflation if it persists or intensifies. Analysts warn prices could surpass $90 in the event of a prolonged or open war.

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📉 Stock Markets React Immediately

The uncertainty triggered a wave of sell-offs:

• S&P 500 and Dow Jones futures fell over 1.8%, with the Dow losing nearly 700 points.

• In Europe, the STOXX 600 dropped more than 1.2%, and Germany’s DAX also posted significant losses.

• Asian markets like Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi also closed lower, reflecting global tension.

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📈 Gold: Hits New All-Time High Above $3,400

Gold, the traditional haven in times of war, crisis, and volatility, set a new record at $3,421 per ounce.
Investors are seeking safety, and gold delivers just that in turbulent times.

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💱 Cryptocurrencies: Falling After Weeks of Euphoria

Meanwhile, Bitcoin, which had been on a bullish rally, corrected 4% in the past 24 hours, trading near $105,000.
Over $1.1 million in leveraged positions were liquidated, and there is growing concern about sharp volatility this weekend as $3 billion in options expire.

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💡 Investor Advice

In this new context, it’s crucial not to panic—but to act strategically and smartly:

Asset	Strategic Advice
Oil	Consider moderate exposure to energy stocks or related ETFs. Beware high volatility.
Stock Market	Rebalance towards defensive sectors or safe havens like healthcare, consumer staples, and dividend-paying stocks.
Gold	Likely to keep rising. If already exposed, hold. If not, consider entering gradually.
Bitcoin	Only for high-risk-tolerant profiles. Short-term trend remains uncertain.

🔍 Final Reflection

The world is no longer the same as it was 24 hours ago.
What seemed like a quiet week completely changed with a single attack that could ignite a regional or global war. But every crisis is also a chance to rethink financial decisions, stay informed, and act wisely.

Now more than ever, remember:
🔐 First, protect your capital. Then, seek returns.

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📌 This article was written by Rafael Vilagut for the blog Feliz y Saludable. Follow me for more financial insights, global trends, and practical tips to navigate a changing world.
📱 WhatsApp +506 6110 8665 | Costa Rica, Central America
📧 rafaelvilagut@gmail.com
🎥 Video: Israel Strikes Iran – June 13, 2025 Market Opening Analysis

🎥 Israel strikes Iran, targeting nuclear sites, https://youtu.be/_Y10t-EhRbQ?si=0-_fDYfYpKKyRn41