Iran-Israel Tensions Brew: Oil Prices Do the Wild Hunt!

A Storm is Brewing... And It Smells of Oil

Right so heard the news. Apparently some blokes in the Middle East are at each other's throats again. This time it's Israel and Iran posturing like a couple of griffins over a particularly tasty carcass. And as usual the whole world feels the tremors especially in the coin purse. Oil prices they say are doing the Wild Hunt – jumping all over the place like leshens in a fog.

WTI and Brent: The Unstable Duo

West Texas Intermediate – sounds like a fancy potion doesn't it? – fell by a few coppers landing at $68.04 a barrel. Brent that's the global swig lost a bit more settling at $69.36. Down down down... until some fool mentions a possible war and BAM! Up they jump like drowners out of the Pontar. Makes a Witcher long for simpler times like slaying a barghest for a handful of orens.

Trump's Two Cents (or Maybe Two Crowns)

Now your President Trump bless his soul chimed in. Says an attack 'could very well happen.' Well tell me something I don't know. Politicians and prophecies – always vague enough to be 'right' no matter what happens. He's adamant Iran shouldn't get its hands on nuclear toys. Good call. Last thing we need is a sorcerer with a bomb. Imagine what Yennefer could do with that kind of power... Actually scratch that. Don't imagine it.

State Department: Evacuating Like Ghouls Are at the Door

The State Department is pulling folks out of Iraq faster than Roach runs from a monster nest. Voluntary departures for military families from the Middle East? Smart move. Better to be safe than sorry. After all even a Witcher knows when to cut and run... though I prefer to call it 'tactical withdrawal' after I’ve gotten paid of course. Heard the Iranian defense minister is threatening U.S. bases. Sounds like a charming fellow. Probably fond of Noonwraiths and Fiends too knowing my luck.

Strait of Hormuz: The Real Bottleneck

This Kaneva dame from JPMorgan – apparently she knows her onions. She says if Iran shuts down the Strait of Hormuz oil prices could hit $120 a barrel. That's enough coin to buy a year's worth of potions and still have enough left over for a round of Gwent. But she also reckons the risk of that happening is low. Claims that despite the threats 'Crude oil continued to flow'. Always with the optimism these mages... err analysts.

What's a Witcher to Do?

So what does all this mean for a humble Witcher? More expensive ale probably. And perhaps a few more contracts to protect merchants hauling goods across monster infested lands thanks to the chaos. Time to sharpen the silver I suppose. Medallion's humming... seems like more trouble is on the way. As always.