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Brent oil futures climb above $100 on continued disruption to Strait of Hormuz traffic

Prices have spiked after Iran’s new supreme leader broke his silence and called for the Strait of Hormuz to stay closed.

Mar 13, 2026 &03591313202631; 10:59 UTC feeds.marketwatch.com Trending 4/5

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Positive for markets

Sentiment score: +75/100

High impact Immediate effect (hours)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Brent oil futures surged above $100 per barrel following Iran's new supreme leader's call to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, signaling continued geopolitical tensions and supply disruption concerns. This development threatens global oil supply stability and could sustain elevated energy prices in the near term.

AI CONFIDENCE

85% Very high

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

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Oil (WTI Crude)

CL=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Brent crude oil futures climbing above $100 due to Strait of Hormuz disruption threats

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Gold Futures

GC=FCommodity

Expected to rise

Gold typically rises as safe-haven asset during geopolitical tensions

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Euro / US Dollar

EURUSDCurrency

High volatility expected

Energy price spikes create currency volatility; EUR weakness likely due to European energy dependency

↓

Euro Stoxx 50

^STOXX50EIndex

Expected to decline

European equities pressured by higher energy costs and geopolitical risk premium

⇅

S&P 500

^GSPCIndex

High volatility expected

U.S. equities face mixed signals: energy stocks benefit, but broader market concerns about inflation and economic impact

PRICE HISTORY

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⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Long energy commodities (CL=F, GC=F) and defensive sectors; consider hedging equity exposure. Monitor Strait of Hormuz developments closely as primary driver. Short-term volatility expected; position for sustained higher energy prices if tensions escalate further.

KEY SIGNALS

Brent crude above $100 threshold - critical resistance brokenGeopolitical risk premium expandingStrait of Hormuz closure threat - 20-30% of global oil supply at riskInflationary pressure on global economySafe-haven asset demand increasing

SECTORS INVOLVED

EnergyTransportationUtilitiesFinancials

Analysis generated on Mar 16, 2026 at 14:51 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 MarketWatch. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Brent oil futures climb above $100 on continued disruption to Strait of Hormuz traffic

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