Gulf states scrambled today to plan new pipelines bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict entered week three as oil markets absorbed massive dislocation. FT reported countries revisiting plans to replicate Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline despite huge cost and complexity.
Energy rationing spread from Bangladesh to Zambia as governments imposed fuel demand cuts. Top global energy traders got wrongfooted by the crisis scale per FT reporting. Oil surged 60% in March marking the biggest monthly gain since 1988.
The dollar strengthened on renewed Middle East fears yet analysts predicted the safe-haven rally will fade. Gold dropped on rate-cut hopes evaporating. Chinese government bonds emerged as the lone war haven with yields down marginally since conflict started.
MKC McCormick and Unilever announced a merger today creating a consumer goods giant. Sysco acquired Jetro Restaurant Depot for $29B in the biggest food distribution deal in years. QVC reportedly considers bankruptcy as retail pressure intensified.
International ETFs absorbed $32B in March inflows during market turmoil. VEU Vanguard FTSE All-World ex-US and EEM iShares Emerging Markets led the risk-on rotation. Asia-Pacific markets rallied today on Hormuz reopening hopes after Trump indicated the Iran war could end within weeks.
India's central bank blocked non-deliverable derivatives making it harder to short the rupee. The RBI move pushed currency higher in the onshore market.
HM B H&M insiders bet $147M this week with Stefan Persson buying $80M. GET Getlink chairman filed a $194M purchase as European executives showed conviction. US insiders continued systematic exits with tech and retail leading selling activity.
ORTEX Market Intelligence content is generated by AI from a snapshot of ORTEX's proprietary data. Content is informational only and does not constitute investment advice.
