Rising energy prices hit global economic activity

Middle East tensions remain firmly in the driver’s seat—and markets are reacting in real time. Oil is volatile, equities are cautiously rebounding, and the US dollar continues to push higher. Meanwhile, global growth signals are weakening, inflation pressures are creeping back, and central banks may be forced into a more hawkish stance. History reminds us that geopolitical shocks can fade—but only if tensions ease. Could oil stabilize? The answer is yes, but the timing remains unknown, and the short term price moves depend on Iran’s response and duration of the war. Listen to find out more! Ipek Ozkardeskaya has begun her financial career in 2010 in the structured products desk of the Swiss Banque Cantonale Vaudoise. She worked at HSBC Private Bank in Geneva in relation to high and ultra-high net worth clients. In 2012, she started as FX Strategist at Swissquote Bank. She worked as a Senior Market Analyst in London Capital Group in London and in Shanghai. She returned to Swissquote Bank as Senior Analyst in 2020, and launched her own website ipekScope.com in 2025.