Stocks slump in Asia and Europe, gold slides and investors brace for higher oil prices after US president’s threat

European stocks are expected to start the new trading week sharply lower as the war in Iran drags on global market sentiment.

Asia-Pacific markets tumbled Monday as investors weighed escalating tensions in the Middle East after the U.S. and Iran threatened to intensify military hostilities.

Key indexes in Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong tumble as Iran threatens attacks on energy infrastructure across region.

Fears over a prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have kept investors on edge as oil prices swung in volatile trading Monday.

The Dow and Nasdaq fell around 2% each last week, while the S&P 500 lost 1.5%.

Stocks slump in Asia and Europe, gold slides and investors brace for higher oil prices after US president’s threat

Investors are piling back into shares after US president announces ‘very good and productive’ conversations with Iran, sending oil price down

Markets in Asia and Europe move higher, while crude hovers at about $100 a barrel amid cautious optimism