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Oil Rises Sharply After Gaza Hospital Attack

Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
19 October 2023

The intensifying war in Israel put pressure on global stock markets yesterday. Oil prices shot up sharply as concerns about oil supply in the area are mounting. 

Stocks suffer as tension escalates in Israel

Following an explosion at a Gaza hospital yesterday, global stock markets remained under pressure and oil rose sharply. The explosion resulted in mass casualties and complicated diplomatic efforts to stop the Middle East conflict.

The rocket attack that killed hundreds of people is triggering further worry over the escalation of the tension in the area. Palestinian officials blamed the Israelis for the attack, while Israel said responsibility lay with a failed rocket launch by Palestinian militants. Both parties denied responsibility.

Following the cancellation of a summit with the senior officials of Egypt and Jordan due to the attack on the Gaza hospital, US President Biden paid a quick visit to Israel to show his support.

Oil prices soared on supply concerns

The price of oil increased because of this major incident amid concerns that a spill over from the conflict between Israel and Hamas could disrupt crude oil supply in the oil-rich region.

The crude oil market had already received a boost on Tuesday evening after data from the American Petroleum Institute indicated that US inventories fell by a considerable 4.4 million barrels in the week to October 13. The numbers temporarily brushed aside concerns about a decline in fuel demand in the world's largest consumer.

Mega caps led loses in stock market

In the stock market, mega caps led the losses, with Nvidia Corp. falling 3%. In the banking sector, Morgan Stanley plunged about 7% as published earnings disappointed due to a significant drop in investment banking.

Another company significantly affected by the Middle East conflict is United Airlines Holdings Inc. It fell 8% after announcing that the Israel-Hamas war and higher jet fuel costs would weigh on future results.

Mstanley graph October 19 2023.png

Morgan Stanley monthly chart, October 19, 2023. Source: CAPEX.com WebTrader.

Key Takeaways

  • A Gaza hospital explosion put pressure on global stocks.
  • US President Biden visited Israel after cancellation of a summit due to the war.
  • The price of oil rose sharply as oil supply worries were heightened.
  • Data from the American Petroleum Institute indicated on Tuesday that US inventories fell by 4.4 million barrels in the week to October 13.
  • This indication of a fall in inventories also helped to boost prices.
  • Stocks of companies like Nvidia and United Airlines Holdings Inc. suffered large drops.

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Sources: Bloomberg, Reuters 

This information/research prepared by Miguel A. Rodriguez does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. The research analyst primarily responsible for the content of this research report, in part or in whole, certifies that the views about the companies and their securities expressed in this report accurately reflect his/her personal views and consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk.The research provided does not constitute the views of KW Investments Ltd nor is it an invitation to invest with KW Investments Ltd. The research analyst also certifies that no part of his/her compensation was, is, or will be, directly, or indirectly, related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report.The research analyst in not employed by KW Investments Ltd. You are encouraged to seek advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit that conforms to your specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular financial needs before making a commitment to invest. The laws of the Republic of Seychelles shall govern any claim relating to or arising from the contents of the information/ research provided. 

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Miguel A. Rodriguez
Miguel A. Rodriguez
Financial Writer

Miguel worked for major financial institutions such as Banco Santander, and Banco Central-Hispano. He is a published author of currency trading books.