Oil prices rose more than one per cent today, extending the previous day’s rally, and safe haven gold pushed towards a record high after Iran’s missile attack on Israel ramped up fears about an escalation in the Middle East, AFP reports.

News of the launch rattled US and European traders and sparked a sell-off on most markets, though Asia fared slightly better, with Hong Kong resuming its China stimulus-fuelled rally as it reopened after a one-day break.

Both main crude contracts jumped more than 5pc at one point on Tuesday after Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. Hong Kong soared more than 4pc — passing 22,000 points for the first time since February last year.

“The burning question is whether Iran’s missile strike is a one-off response or the start of something much bigger. Most bets lean towards the former, especially with the US stepping in to back Israel,” said independent analyst Stephen Innes.

“Iran’s oil infrastructure could very well be in their crosshairs. And let’s be real-taking a swing at Iran’s oil lifeline could have far-reaching economic consequences, sparking a severe escalation,” Innes wrote in his The Dark Side Of The Boom newsletter.

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...