How a contrarian trade can help you as an investor stay ahead of the Israel-Iran conflict
Potential Oil Market Disruption: President Trump is considering U.S. involvement in Israel's attacks on Iran, which could disrupt the international oil market, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz where a significant portion of global oil supply passes.
Investment Strategies: Investors are looking at opportunities to invest in oil-delivery contracts or energy stocks as a response to potential disruptions in oil supply due to geopolitical tensions.
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Oil Market Decline: Major oil stocks and indices experienced significant drops, with BATL falling nearly 10% and USO down about 5%, attributed to weaker production and revenue linked to gas-treating facility curtailments.
US Military Deployment: The U.S. deployed 2,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division amid ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran indicated that "non-hostile" vessels could still transit the area despite missile strikes on Israel.
Diplomatic Efforts: The U.S. proposed a new diplomatic initiative to end the conflict with Iran, which includes troop deployments and ongoing military operations, while Iran has signaled a willingness to engage in negotiations.
Market Sentiment: Investor sentiment remains bearish for several oil companies, with significant year-over-year gains for BATL, EONR, and USO, while TPE has seen a decline, reflecting the ongoing volatility in the oil market.

Iran's Negotiation Status: Uncertainty surrounds whether Iran will accept a U.S. proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war in the Middle East, with reports indicating that negotiations are already taking place.
U.S. Proposal Details: The U.S. has sent a 15-point proposal to Iran, addressing issues related to Iran's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, as well as maritime routes.
Market Reactions: Following the news of the U.S. proposal, U.S. stock markets showed positive movement, with various ETFs tracking the S&P 500 and industrial averages experiencing gains.
Iran's Public Stance: Despite the ongoing discussions, Iran has publicly maintained that no negotiations are currently happening, while also hinting at a significant offer related to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz.

Economic Outlook: Moody's chief economist, Mark Zandi, indicated that a recession in the U.S. is "more than likely" by the second half of the year, citing rising recession risks even before the Iran war began in February.
Job Market Trends: Zandi noted that the job market has stagnated, with job losses reported in February and a lack of fast growth over the past year, despite a higher unemployment rate.
Employment Data: According to ADP data, U.S. private employers added an average of 10,000 jobs per week during the four weeks ending March 7, 2026.
Market Reactions: The article mentions significant market movements, including a drop of over 400 points in Dow Falls, reflecting broader economic concerns and uncertainties.

U.S. Marines Deployment: Nearly 2,200 U.S. Marines are set to arrive in the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, coinciding with President Trump's deadline for Iran's actions.
Market Reactions: The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped over 400 points, while the S&P 500 index fell by 0.8%, reflecting investor concerns amid geopolitical tensions.
Crude Oil Prices Surge: Crude oil prices increased significantly, with West Texas Intermediate futures rising nearly 5% to over $93 per barrel, and Brent crude futures reclaiming the $100 per barrel level.
Bearish Market Sentiment: Retail sentiment regarding the S&P 500 ETF is described as "extremely bearish," indicating a cautious outlook among investors in the current market environment.

Crude Oil Prices Surge: Crude oil prices have increased by nearly 35% since the onset of the Iran war, with WTI and Brent crude futures rising significantly, reflecting market reactions to geopolitical tensions.
Market Reactions and Economic Outlook: U.S. equity markets have shown volatility, with declines in major indices like the Dow Jones and S&P 500, as investors react to oil price shocks and Federal Reserve rate decisions.
Siegel's Insights on Market Trends: Economist Jeremy Siegel warns that an oil price shock could lead to corrections in U.S. equities, emphasizing the need for investors to focus on long-term growth rather than short-term fluctuations.
Investment Strategies Amidst Uncertainty: Siegel advises investors to favor high-quality equities and technology sectors while remaining cautious about the potential risks associated with rising oil prices and geopolitical instability.

U.S.-Iran Negotiations: The Kobeissi Letter indicates ongoing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, drawing parallels to past trade discussions between the U.S. and China in 2025, with expectations of market volatility until a clear agreement is reached.
Trump's Military Action Postponement: President Trump announced a five-day postponement of military actions against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure, emphasizing the need for "productive" conversations.
Market Reactions: Following Trump's announcement, stock markets showed positive movement, while oil prices experienced significant declines, reflecting investor sentiment amid geopolitical tensions.
Long-term Market Volatility: Analysts warn that short-term market volatility will persist until a definitive agreement is established, with broader market normalization expected to take months following the current geopolitical shocks.





