The global financial markets are abuzz after former President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that a “very successful attack” on three nuclear sites in Iran had been carried out, with all planes safely returning. This development, occurring on Saturday, June 21, 2025, has immediately sparked diverse reactions from financial experts, and traders are keenly assessing its implications as markets prepare to open.
Mark Spindel, CIO of Potomac River Capital, anticipates an initial alarm in the markets, particularly a rise in oil prices. He highlights the immediate uncertainty, noting, “What comes next? I think the uncertainty is going to blanket the markets, as now Americans everywhere are going to be exposed. It’s going to raise uncertainty and volatility, particularly in oil.” Spindel’s observation underscores the potential for heightened market volatility, especially for those trading energy commodities.
Jamie Cox, Managing Partner at Harris Financial Group, echoes the sentiment on oil, predicting an initial spike followed by a likely leveling off. Cox suggests that this “demonstration of force” could lead Iran to a peace deal, implying a potentially short-lived impact on oil prices. For oil traders, understanding this potential ebb and flow is crucial for their strategies.
Conversely, Mark Malek, Chief Investment Officer at Siebert Financial, holds a surprisingly positive outlook for the stock market. Malek believes that a decisive, “one and done” action, rather than prolonged uncertainty, will be “very positive for the stock market.” He states, “This will be reassuring, especially since it seems like a one and done situation and not as if the US is seeking a long, drawn out conflict.” This perspective suggests that equity traders might see a rally, assuming the conflict does not escalate, though he does caution about the Strait of Hormuz as a significant lingering risk.
Jack Ablin, Chief Investment Officer of Cresset Capital, adds a layer of caution, emphasizing that this event introduces “a complicated new layer of risk,” particularly concerning energy prices and potential inflation. His comments highlight the broader economic implications that traders, especially those in futures and inflation-linked assets, will need to monitor closely.
As Sunday approaches and markets in New Zealand begin to give early indications, traders and investors worldwide are bracing for what could be a volatile trading week. The immediate focus will be on crude oil prices and global equities, with geopolitical risk now a magnified factor in daily trading decisions. Understanding these varied expert opinions will be key to navigating the upcoming market sessions.
