Iran War: Oil Set for Weekly Surge as War Heads Toward 4th Week | The Opening Trade 3/20/2026
Original Report
Oil headed for another weekly gain as the war in the Middle East dragged on, with the Strait of Hormuz all-but-closed, strikes continuing across the region, and analysts warning the crisis may...
Oil headed for another weekly gain as the war in the Middle East dragged on, with the Strait of Hormuz all-but-closed, strikes continuing across the region, and analysts warning the crisis may deepen. Brent traded above a $108 barrel, up more than 5% this week, after closing on Thursday at the highest since mid-2022. West Texas Intermediate for May was around $94. In the region, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it was still able to produce missiles, the semi-official Fars news agency reported. Elsewhere, Kuwait shut down several units at Al Ahmadi Refinery following drone attacks, and Saudi Arabia intercepted missiles. The Opening Trade has everything you need to know as markets open across Europe. With analysis you won't find anywhere else, we break down the biggest stories of the day and speak to top guests who have skin in the game. Hosted by Anna Edwards and Tom Mackenzie. (Source: Bloomberg)
Glass House Analysis
International economic policy has concrete impacts far beyond diplomatic circles. Tariffs show up in the price of goods at stores, supply chain disruptions affect whether products are on shelves, and trade tensions can mean job losses in export-dependent industries. The globalized economy means that decisions made abroad can affect workers and consumers domestically.
Energy prices affect virtually every aspect of daily life—from commuting costs to heating bills to the price of groceries (which must be transported). For working families, energy represents one of the most volatile and impactful line items in their budgets. Energy policy decisions ripple through the economy, affecting everything from manufacturing competitiveness to household financial stress.
The implications extend beyond the immediate news cycle. Every economic development creates ripples that affect employment, prices, and opportunities in ways that may not be immediately visible but are deeply felt. By tracking these connections, we can better understand how the economy truly works—not as an abstract machine, but as a human system shaped by and shaping the lives of millions.
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