US airstrikes on Iran roil markets
Analysis based on 12 articles · First reported Sep 02, 2026 · Last updated Sep 02, 2026
The escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions has driven oil prices higher and fueled inflation concerns, leading to a selloff in global equities and a rise in bond yields. The threat to the Strait of Hormuz could further disrupt oil supplies, while the United States — Federal Reserve's expected rate hike adds to market volatility.
On September 1, 2026, the United States launched a barrage of airstrikes on Iran, escalating tensions in the Middle East and raising fears of disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping lane. The attacks pushed Brent crude futures to a five-week high, with prices rising 0.7% to $95.34 a barrel in Asian trading on September 2. The geopolitical risk, combined with a bond market selloff, triggered a slump in Asian equities: MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan fell 0.8%, South Korea's KOSPI dropped 3%, and Japan's Nikkei 225 sank 2.2%. U.S. stock futures were flat after the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite declined overnight. The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury rose to 4.798%, and the U.S. dollar index held near two-week highs. Market participants also weighed U.S. manufacturing data from the Institute for Supply Management, which showed moderation in August. The United States — Federal Reserve is expected to raise interest rates at its September 16 meeting, with fed funds futures pricing a 67% probability of a 25-basis-point hike. Gold was flat, while bitcoin and ether slipped slightly.
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