Global markets shaken — the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and tanker assaults pushed Brent and WTI

On Mar 12, 2026

🌐 Global markets shaken — the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and tanker attacks pushed Brent and WTI oil prices up nearly 9% to around $80 per barrel.
💡 Rising geopolitical risk boosts volatility — potential long positions in oil and trades in safe-haven currencies such as USD.
📉 European gas prices fall sharply — Dutch TTF futures dropped 8.5% to $49.7 per MWh amid signals of a possible diplomatic de-escalation.
💡 The gas market remains highly news-sensitive — opportunities in trading sharp moves and volatility via futures and CFDs.
💰 Moderna settles patent dispute — payments to Genevant and Arbutus could reach up to $2.25B, including a $950M upfront payment.
💡 The deal may trigger capital rotation in the pharma sector — potential pair trades between vaccine makers and news-driven volatility plays.
💻 Apple raises MacBook prices — new models increased by $100–$400 due to the global DRAM memory shortage.
💡 Strong demand for memory supports semiconductor producers — potential long positions in chipmakers and tech-sector volatility trades.