'Markets are callous': Why stocks aren't fazed by Iran, Greenland or Venezuela

Market Reactions to Geopolitical Events - Despite significant geopolitical tensions, including U.S. military threats and actions in Venezuela and Iran, equity markets have shown resilience, with the S&P 500 up approximately 1.5% year-to-date and the Dow Jones Industrial Average gaining close to 3% [2][3] - The Nasdaq Composite has also increased by 1.2%, indicating a general upward trend in major U.S. stock indices [3] - European stocks have similarly risen, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 increasing nearly 4% [13] Investor Sentiment and Market Dynamics - Market analysts suggest that investors are currently viewing geopolitical events in isolation, leading to a lack of significant market reaction [4][8] - The muted response from markets is attributed to a "growing inurement" to President Trump's rhetoric and actions, with investors waiting for concrete developments before adjusting their portfolios [9][11] - Historical patterns indicate that equity markets often perform well following spikes in geopolitical risk, as long as these events do not significantly impact economic fundamentals [15][16] Regional Market Performance - The MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index has risen over 5% this year, reaching record highs, driven by factors such as policy stimulus and expectations of continued earnings growth [16][18] - Japan's Nikkei 225 and South Korea's Kospi have also achieved all-time highs, reflecting strong regional market performance [16] - Analysts note that the absence of major oil shocks and the expectation of easier monetary policy are supporting this growth, with geopolitical events not currently causing significant disruptions in oil prices [17][19]