Markets Tense as Potential Conflict Looms in the Middle East

Founder 100 Magazine
1 day ago
1 min read

Wall Street had a nervous day today as news broke that the US might be preparing for military action in the Middle East. All three major stock indexes ended the day in the red, with investors pulling money out of tech and growth stocks. When there’s talk of conflict, the market usually goes into "wait and see" mode, and today was no exception as people moved their cash into safer bets like gold and government bonds.

The big fear for businesses is that a conflict could lead to another spike in energy prices. We’ve already seen oil prices start to creep up today on the news, and sustained high energy costs are like a tax on every single business in the country. If it gets more expensive to move goods or power factories, it makes it much harder for the Federal Reserve to consider lowering interest rates any time soon.

Energy companies were some of the few stocks that saw gains today, as higher oil prices usually mean better profits for them. On the flip side, airlines and transportation companies took a hit because they are the first to feel the pain when fuel costs go up. It’s a stark reminder of how quickly global politics can reach into the pocketbooks of American businesses and consumers.

For now, traders are watching every headline for signs of whether this will be a limited move or something much larger. The uncertainty is the biggest problem for the market right now; businesses hate not knowing what’s coming next. Until there’s more clarity on the situation, we can probably expect the stock market to stay pretty volatile.

Comments

Founder Podcast

Featured Founders

The Power of the Comma: How Colene Marie Kennedy is Rewriting the Script for Survivors

In the heart of Boise, Idaho, Colene Marie Kennedy isn't just running a nonprofit; she’s building a lifeline. As the force behind Quest for Freedom Corporation, Colene has turned her own survival into a blueprint for others navigating the heavy intersections of domestic abuse, sexual assault, and mental health crises.

Precision in Motion: Kevin Wheeler and the Strategic Power of the Fractional COO

Efficiency is the silent engine of every successful organization, but for many scaling companies, that engine often hits a bottleneck. Enter Kevin Wheeler, a seasoned operations expert who has redefined executive leadership through his role as a Fractional COO. By providing high-level strategic guidance without the overhead of a full-time hire, Wheeler is helping businesses bridge the gap between ambitious goals and operational reality. The "Culture of Yes" and Operational Ex

Dr. Carol Natasha Diviney: Merging the Science of the Mind with the Art of Healing

Dr. Carol Natasha Diviney is a multidisciplinary force whose work serves as a bridge between rigorous scientific inquiry and the profound healing potential of the arts. As a PhD in Philosophy, a neuroscientist, and the CEO of Universe Poems , she has developed a unique methodology that treats the human experience as a holistic ecosystem where brain function, nature, and creative expression are inextricably linked. A Foundation in Neuroscience and Philosophy Dr. Diviney’s prof

Beyond Boundaries: Camilla Nichols and the Transformative Power of the Human Spirit

Before stepping into the world’s most challenging environments, Camilla draws inspiration from the natural world, embodying the "unbreakable spirit" she writes about in Resilience & Dreams . In an era defined by digital noise and superficial connections, Camilla Nichols stands as a profound reminder that the most significant transformations happen when we step outside our comfort zones and into the lives of others. As a humanitarian and storyteller, Camilla has dedicated her

How Dr. Natanya Wachtel is Redefining Success Through Science and Soul

Dr. Natanya Wachtel reflects on a career built not just on milestones, but on the radical choice to "fail forward" and rebuild with purpose. In an era where "disruption" is often just a corporate buzzword, Dr. Natanya Wachtel is doing something far more radical: she is dismantling the old maps of success and rebuilding them with empathy as the North Star. A behavioral scientist, strategist, and founder of the New Solutions Network , Dr. Wachtel’s journey is not a typical clim

The ROI of Self-Worth: How Chrystal Lewis is Rewriting the Rules of Financial Success

The ROI of Self-Worth: How Chrystal Lewis is Rewriting the Rules of Financial Success In the world of entrepreneurship, we are taught to obsess over ROI, EBITDA, and market share. But according to financial healing coach Chrystal Lewis , the most dangerous leak in a company’s bucket isn't a bad marketing spend—it’s the founder's own tendency to "abandon themselves" financially. Lewis, who draws inspiration from transformative figures like Oprah Winfrey and Maya Angelou, is pi

Innovation & Resilience: New Milestones from Global Leaders and Visionaries

From the high-stakes world of aerospace and the glitz of Hollywood to the profound depths of scientific inquiry and human resilience, the start of 2026 is marked by transformative projects. Here is a look at the latest endeavors from some of the world’s most influential figures. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson: Elevating Men’s Care Dwayne Johnson continues to expand his business empire beyond the silver screen with his high-performance men's care brand, PAPATUI . Built on the philo

The Lifeology AZ Blueprint: Turning Trauma into a Foundation for Exceptional Leadership

In a landscape often defined by bureaucracy and short-term fixes, Lifeology AZ, Inc . , is not just running a shelter—it is building a blueprint for systemic, generational change. At the helm is CEO and Co-Founder Zaneta Alexander , whose journey into youth advocacy wasn't a career path, but a deeply personal commitment forged by lived experience. We spoke with Alexander about the fire that drives her mission, the resilience required to challenge the system, and her bold vi

From Stage to Studio: Jaclyn Ann Suri’s Mission to Create and Sell

Jaclyn Ann Suri doesn’t just produce content—she engineers opportunity. As Co-CEO of Pelican Point Media, alongside her husband Ike Suri, she leads a multifaceted entertainment firm that blends production, talent management, and strategic casting into a single, high-impact ecosystem. Her bottom line is clear: create projects that get picked up and bought by Amazon, Netflix, or Picturehouse —and build the kind of talent that belongs there. Jaclyn’s husband and business partne

The Joy Metric: How Victoria Huff Turned Her Corporate Climb into a Global Coaching Movement

In a business world that often rewards volume over value, Victoria Huff chose a different path—one rooted in quiet confidence, deep connection, and the radical belief that joy is essential to success. As the founder of The Happy Executive , she’s helping introverted leaders around the world Be Heard, Get Seen, and Earn More—without compromising their authenticity. Her journey began in an unexpected place: corporate sales at AT&T. Starting below the bottom rung, Victoria kn

From Combat to Community: The Incredible Rise of the Veteran Hero Who’s Taking On the World

In a world where adversity often defines the journey, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Conrad Stough. A former Army veteran, a dedicated leader, and the founder of Warrior’s Mindset Academy (WMA), Conrad’s life exemplifies resilience in its purest form. His path has been marked by sacrifice, struggle, and an unwavering desire to serve others—especially those who have given so much in service to their country. From the battles on the front lines to the silent wars

Cultivating Your Organization

The Power of Reciprocity in the Workplace: Building a Culture of Mutual Support Reciprocity is the backbone of healthy workplace relationships. It’s the idea that when people give, they also receive—creating a cycle of trust, collaboration, and shared success. A workplace culture rooted in reciprocity fosters a more engaged, productive, and positive environment where employees feel valued and supported. Why Reciprocity Matters in the Workplace In a fast-paced, high-performanc

Subscribe Now

Get the Magazine