World markets feel the strain as US-Iran war grinds on

From a rout in Asian currencies to the closure of a low budget US airline, the dragging Middle East conflict is starting to bite across the globe and test the resilience of financial markets.

Currencies in Asia have suffered some of the sharpest falls across FX markets since the US and Israel attacked ​Iran in February. Around 80% ⁠of sea-borne oil trade through the Strait of Hormuz is usually destined for Asia, making it the most exposed region to any ‌disruption.

Indonesia has seen its rupiah tumble to a record ‌low on Tuesday, while the currencies of fellow Asian fuel importers including India and the Philippines have also hit historic lows. Central banks have intervened in currency markets for weeks, either directly or through state-bank action, and are looking for more measures to take. Currencies in South Korea, Thailand and Malaysia have also come under pressure.

"Central banks will be reluctant to sell down reserves," said Mitul ‌Kotecha, head of Asian FX and rates strategy at Barclays. "As such, we're probably going to see more creative measures to support their respective currencies."

The war has piled fresh ⁠pressure on the yen, already weakened by Japan's low interest rates and worries over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's borrowing-led growth plans.

A staff member adds stock of Calbee potato chips to a shelf at a confectionery speciality store in Tokyo, Japan, on Tuesday. Reuters

Japan imports about 95% of its oil from the Middle East, leaving the currency highly sensitive to higher energy costs. Authorities have intervened as the yen slipped towards the 160-per-dollar level to deter speculators.

"With oil prices spiking higher, traders naturally attacked the yen, since this is a low-yielding currency, but also one whose fundamentals is most adversely affected by high oil prices," said Macquarie Group global FX and rates strategist Thierry Wizman.

Analysts says intervention is unlikely to reverse the yen's fall unless the war eases and rates rise soon.

Food price volatility had only just begun to ease after the 2022 ​shock sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A fresh jolt now looms as the Middle East war squeezes fertiliser supplies and lifts energy costs - pressures that could ‌be compounded by a return of weather phenomenon El Nino.

The Baltic shipping index is at its highest since 2023 .

Emerging economies, where food carries heavier weight in inflation baskets, are likely to be hit hardest.

High gas prices are displayed at a Shell gas station in Burbank, California, on Monday. AFP

"Elevated food prices are a problem across the world, but particularly in economies where food makes up a large share of the inflation basket or food supplies are ⁠reliant on imports," said HSBC global economist James Pomeroy.

Consumers around the world are feeling the squeeze - and one of the first places it shows is at the fuel pump. Markets especially watch US gasoline prices, which could encourage Trump to reach a deal ahead of November mid-term elections.

Average US prices of gasoline have risen from around $3 to over $4.50 a gallon, according to motorist ​advocacy group AAA.

"If that continues ‌to go up and we head towards $5, there's going to be a lot of unrest domestically, and that might force Trump to change tack again on the war ‌with Iran," said Zurich Insurance Group's chief market strategist Guy Miller.

The energy shock will boost prices on household products made from oil or natural gas from toothpaste to laundry detergent. Traders are watching rising inflation expectations that could encourage central banks to raise interest rates.

The European Central Banks Consumer Expectations Survey showed inflation expectations for one year ahead jumped to 4.0% in March from 2.5% in April.

Fresh oranges and other fruits are seen at a grocery store in Nashville, Tennessee, on Monday. AP

The airline sector ‌is facing its biggest test since the 2020 COVID-19 crisis sent the world into lockdown. ⁠Jet fuel prices have risen nearly 84% since the conflict started and shortages are anticipated if the war does not end soon.

Ultra-low cost carrier Spirit ‌Airlines ceased operations earlier this month, citing rising fuel prices as the reason for its failure.

Some airlines say the risk of supply disruption is receding. Still, airlines remain an underperformer. European airline stocks have slumped roughly 14% this year, while the broader market is up 3% .

Reuters