Investment news
Conflict in the Middle East has driven elevated oil prices and heightened market volatility.
Global and New Zealand markets fell sharply in March as conflict in the Middle East intensified and oil prices jumped.
Geopolitical events were the biggest driver of markets over the year. Repeated shocks hostilities in the Middle East, a US operation in Venezuela, drone activity near NATO borders.
New Zealand’s share market had a good month in February, rising by 2.3%, outperforming global shares who gained 1.0%.
In January, the New Zealand share market declined by 0.9%, lagging international markets even though the economic data was positive.
On 28 February 2026, US and Israeli forces struck multiple targets in Iran. Several sources have described the strikes as significant in scale.
Market volatility is a term used to describe the ups and downs in the value of investment assets. The value of any asset – whether it’s shares, property or bonds – can fluctuate over the short-term.
As we mark one year since Donald Trump’s return to the White House, it’s clear this period has tested consumers, businesses, and investors worldwide.