In early 2025, oil prices crashed to nearly $60 a barrel but rebounded to $75 due to the recent conflict.

Although the U.S. is a net oil exporter, higher oil prices could increase inflation and lower economic growth.

Almost a third of the global seaborne oil trade moves through the Strait of Hormuz. Any interruption could send crude prices soaring. Plus, investment newsletter commentary on the job market, small-caps,

Oil prices leaped, and stocks slumped on worries that escalating violence following Israel’s attack on Iranian nuclear and military targets could damage the flow of crude around the world, along with the global economy.

Rather, it is geopolitical factors—specifically, escalating tensions in the Middle East—that are unsettling markets and pushing prices higher.

Larry He, who served as Mr. Cuomo’s Asian outreach director, held senior posts at a multibillion-dollar firm owned by China but omitted the experience from his résumé.

The past two years of escalating tensions in the Middle East have taught oil traders to be sanguine about the risk of disruption to oil supplies.

Iran has in the past threatened to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz if it is attacked. The Strait is the exit route from the Middle East Gulf for around 20% of the world's oil supply, including Saudi, UAE, Kuwaiti, Iraqi and Iranian exports.