Emergency Hotlines for Filipinos in Middle East Amid Regional Tensions

Financial outlets describe the war as a major shock to global markets, with Asian stocks sliding and Wall Street falling as investors fear higher energy costs and slower growth. They point to a flight to safety, with gold prices rising and risk appetite weakening. Market reports suggest that any further disruption to Middle Eastern oil flows or shipping could deepen losses and keep inflation pressures high in the US and Asia.

• •Asian equity markets have suffered a sharp meltdown as the Middle East war unsettles investors.
• •US stock indexes have fallen on worries that the conflict will fuel inflation and hurt growth.
• •Gold prices have climbed as traders move money from riskier assets into perceived safe havens.
• •Investors are concerned that a wider regional war could disrupt oil supplies and raise energy prices.
• •Market commentators warn that continued fighting could keep volatility high across global equities and currencies.