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Preparing for the worst? US bunker maker claims big demand in Middle East

Since the war in the Middle East began nearly two weeks ago, the phone at Ron Hubbard’s bomb shelter company in Texas has not stopped ringing. Foreign and US clients are rushing to buy his bunkers, seeking refuge in case of air raids, nuclear fallout or apocalypse. With the United States and Israel pounding Iran, and Tehran retaliating with strikes across the region, Hubbard has seen demand for his product soar, mostly from Gulf nation clients in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab...

Mar 12, 2026 &03091212202631; 03:09 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 3/5

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Negative for markets

Sentiment score: -65/100

Moderate impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Escalating Middle East tensions are driving unprecedented demand for US-manufactured bunkers and shelter systems, particularly from Gulf nations. This geopolitical crisis is creating a niche but potentially lucrative market opportunity for defense and security contractors, while signaling elevated global risk sentiment.

AI CONFIDENCE

75% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

⇅

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

High volatility expected

Geopolitical tensions in Middle East create risk-off sentiment, offsetting gains in defense contractors

⇅

Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Safe-haven flows and Middle East conflict uncertainty drive currency volatility

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Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Middle East tensions historically support crude oil prices due to supply disruption concerns

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Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Safe-haven demand for gold increases amid geopolitical escalation

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Consider defensive positioning with increased allocation to gold and safe-haven currencies (JPY, CHF). Monitor defense contractor stocks for upside, but maintain caution on broad equity exposure given geopolitical uncertainty and potential oil price volatility.

KEY SIGNALS

Escalating US-Iran-Israel military tensionsSurge in defensive infrastructure demand from Gulf statesRisk-off market sentiment indicatorPotential supply chain disruptions in Middle East regionSafe-haven asset accumulation

SECTORS INVOLVED

Defense & AerospaceSecurity ServicesEnergyPrecious Metals

Analysis generated on Mar 12, 2026 at 03:24 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by SCMP Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Preparing for the worst? US bunker maker claims big demand in Middle East

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