As the world teeters on the brink of a geopolitical abyss, the economic outlook remains precarious. Israel's commencement of ground raids in southern Lebanon marks a significant escalation despite international calls for de-escalation. This move, coupled with reports of Iran preparing a missile attack on Israel, threatens to ignite a wider regional conflagration, with the risk of destabilising the Middle Eastern region. A wider war could lead to significant disruptions, affecting global oil prices and trade routes. Oil prices have spiked, potentially reigniting inflationary pressures as central banks contemplate monetary easing.

Additionally, the VIX index, the market’s fear gauge, has surged, cementing the growing concern amongst investors. This uncertainty will drive investors to safe-haven assets and likely push gold to new all-time highs. As tensions reach a fever pitch, the world watches with bated breath as a single misstep could plunge the global economy into uncharted waters.