Inflation & Tariffs - The market is underestimating the potential impact of oil prices, which could rival or even exceed the uncertainty surrounding tariffs [3][4] - Tariffs' inflationary impact is still anticipated, though not yet significantly observed [1][8] - The effects of tariff increases on prices are largely unseen to date [8] Oil Market - Geopolitical strife in the Middle East introduces significant uncertainty regarding future oil prices [3] - A rapid surge in oil prices, potentially exceeding $100 per barrel due to events like the closure of the Straits of Hormuz, could shock industrial economies [5] Monetary Policy - Current Federal Reserve policy is considered slightly tight, with a real interest rate a little high [6] - The Federal Reserve can afford to wait and observe the development of tariff and oil uncertainties [7] Housing Market - The housing sector, particularly new residential construction spending, constitutes approximately 4% of GDP and is closely monitored by the Federal Reserve due to its interest rate sensitivity [9][10]

Geopolitical Risks & Market Reaction - The market is failing to fully appreciate the potential gravity of the current geopolitical moment, particularly concerning Middle East conflicts [2] - The perceived importance of Middle East conflict and its relationship to oil prices has declined over time, potentially leading to underestimation of current risks [2] - US shale gas supply has reduced the sensitivity of oil prices to Middle Eastern geopolitical risks, but the current situation is different [4] Potential Escalation Scenarios - The US potentially getting involved in a major geopolitical risk event, such as a conflict with China over Taiwan or an attack on Iran's nuclear facilities, represents a significant escalation [5] - The possibility of a "controlled explosion" potentially happening in Iran indicates a failure of markets to understand the risk trajectory [6] - Recent exchanges of force between Israel and Iran, including Israel's claimed aerial superiority, represent a strong statement and escalation [7] Israel-Iran Conflict Dynamics - Israel's Operation Rising Lion, involving targeted assassinations and undermining Iran's nuclear capacity, is an advanced operation [8] - The success of Operation Rising Lion on Israeli terms would require undermining Iran's nuclear capacity [8] - Achieving the desired outcome in the conflict between Israel and Iran may require US military assistance, making Trump's decisions a key variable [9]

Oil Price Scenarios - In an extreme scenario involving a complete disruption to Iranian oil supply and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices could temporarily rise above $200 per barrel [2] - The industry's base case suggests a risk premium pushing Brent crude prices into the low $80s [4] - A scenario involving Israeli attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure could push prices towards $100, reflecting further risk premium due to actual supply disruptions [5] Geopolitical Risk and Market Dynamics - The market's direction in the next two weeks depends on whether there is de-escalation, potentially with US diplomatic involvement, or escalation involving attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure [5] - A de-escalation scenario could lead to a decay of the risk premium over time, similar to other geopolitical risk events where initial spikes subside without significant supply disruptions [5][6] - The sustainability of extreme oil price increases is questionable, even if they occur temporarily [2][3]