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Market Volatility and Geopolitical Risks as Energy Prices Rise

Picture of Scott Colbert Scott Colbert : March 12, 2026

Economy Economic Insights
Market Volatility and Geopolitical Risks as Energy Prices Rise

Recorded March 12, 2026

In the latest Commerce Trust Market Brief video, Scott Colbert, Chief Economist and Director of Fixed Income Management, discusses the various impacts of rising oil prices on the economy as markets brace for longer conflict in the Middle East, including:

  • Why U.S. Treasury rates have moved higher and credit spreads have widened as the bond market responds to renewed instability in the Middle East

  • How further increases in crude oil prices could translate to higher gasoline prices for U.S. consumers

  • Which countries may benefit from the increase in oil prices and which may face greater economic pressure as energy costs rise

  • Inflationary pressures created by higher energy prices likely push out the next, eventual interest rate cut

  • What history suggests about the average S&P 500 Index stock returns six months after major geopolitical shocks


 

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