World markets fluctuate unpredictably, investors are cautious

Conflict in the Middle East could escalate and potentially increase market volatility, so investors are being cautious.

The Fed is set to release its latest monetary policy statement on November 1, while major corporations will be keeping an eye on third-quarter earnings reports. (Source: Reuters)

Investors have grown more concerned about an escalating conflict in recent days, after the US deployed more military assets to the Middle East, while Israel responded to targets in Gaza.

“The situation in Israel is causing a lot of concern,” said Randy Frederick, chief operating officer of trading and derivatives at Charles Schwab.

Brent crude futures rose 2.9% to $90.48 a barrel on October 27, amid concerns that the conflict could disrupt global oil supplies. Gold, a popular safe haven for investors during times of uncertainty, also surged, surpassing $2,000 for the first time since mid-May 2023.

Analysts at Capital Economics said the oil market’s reaction to the conflict has been “muted” so far, which means any sign that other countries in the region are getting more involved in the conflict would send oil prices soaring, they said.

Some investors believe that the growing conflict could spur safe-haven buying of government bonds, which could slow the rise in yields, which move inversely to prices, and ease pressure on stocks and other assets.

The S&P 500 has fallen more than 10% since late July, when it hit its highest level of the year, although it is up more than 7% year-to-date.

“So far, U.S. government bonds have not proven their safe-haven status,” UBS Global Wealth Management said in a report on Oct. 27. “However, an escalation of the conflict could shift attention away from concerns about monetary policy and boost safe-haven demand for bonds.”

Both gold and oil can act as “hedges against short-term volatility.” The Cboe Volatility Index (VIX) rose after the conflict and rose on October 27 to a seven-month high.

Meanwhile, the Fed is set to release its latest monetary policy statement on November 1, while large corporations will continue to listen to third-quarter earnings reports.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/xung-dot-o-trung-dong-thi-truong-the-gioi-bien-dong-kho-luong-cac-nha-dau-tu-than-trong-247958.html