Oil prices have risen after two bases hosting US troops in Iraq were hit by ballistic missiles. Brent crude was up by 1.4% at $69.21 per barrel in the middle of the Asian trade, easing back from earlier gains. So-called safe haven assets, like gold and the Japanese yen, also rose on the news. At the same time global stock prices were sent lower on concerns over the growing conflict in the Middle East. Japan's benchmark Nikkei 225 stock index fell by 1.3%, and Hang Seng in Hong Kong was down 0.8%. Iranian state television said the attack was a retaliation for the killing of the country's top commander Qasem Soleimani.

Brent Crude Futures - North Sea - Mar20

Source: WebFG - 8th Jan 2020

That could disrupt shipping in the world's busiest sea route for oil, the Strait of Hormuz. Around a fifth of global oil supply passes through the stra