Middle East Tensions Push Oil Prices Up and Strengthen Dollar Against Shekel

The recent escalation in the Middle East, triggered by Iran's attack on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz and the subsequent U.S. strike on over 80 targets, is impacting global markets. Oil prices, which began rising after the tanker attacks, continue to climb with Brent crude trading around $76.5 per barrel and WTI crude near $72.5. This marks a reversal from last month when oil prices had fallen below $70 following a ceasefire agreement, leading to significant fuel price reductions in Israel.

Simultaneously, the U.S. dollar is strengthening against the Israeli shekel, trading slightly above 3.04 shekels compared to yesterday's official rate of 3.02. The dollar's rise is also influenced by recent interest rate cuts in the U.S. The euro is also up, trading around 3.48 shekels versus yesterday's 3.46.

Investors are now awaiting the opening of the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange to assess the impact of the Middle East tensions on the market. The exchange experienced a sharp decline yesterday, with the TA-35 index falling 1.9%, and the TA-125 and TA-90 indices dropping about 2%. Sector-specific indices such as TA Renewable Energy and TA Technology saw steeper declines of approximately 4%.