Gold's Volatility: Hormuz, Oil, Fed, Inflation
Gold prices plunged 14% this quarter amid oil supply shocks. A US waiver for Iranian crude exports highlights geopolitical control over energy flows.
Christal van der Merwe
Oil Supply Recovery Faces Major Physical Hurdles
Rebecca Babin predicts crude oil will settle between $75 and $80 a barrel by year-end.
China's Energy Self-Sufficiency Drive
Beijing's latest Five-Year Plan prioritizes domestic energy resources, aiming for 85% self-sufficiency by 2030.
Iran's Hormuz Control Chokes Global Oil Supply
Diplomatic talks in Doha fail to address the physical reality of blocked shipping.
Permian Oil Driller Loan Struggles Amid Rising
JPMorgan Chase struggles to offload a $775 million loan for a Permian oil driller.
Hormuz Oil Transit Risks Surge After Tanker Hit
War risk insurance premiums for vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz have tripled.
North American Energy: A Strategic Entanglement
The US relies heavily on Canada for crude oil imports and Mexico depends on American natural gas.
Red Sea Crisis Escalates: Global Trade Costs
Houthi attacks force shipping reroutes around the Cape, increasing fuel consumption and transit times.
Fossil Fuels: Global Economy's Fragile
Geopolitical events in March 2026 severely disrupted global petrochemical and fertilizer supply.
Permitting Reform Not Sole Key to Lower Energy
Expedited federal reviews for energy projects fail to address material costs and surging demand.