There does not seem to have been a huge Forex response to Persian Gulf tension, yet. The US and its Western allies have been ratcheting up pressure on Iran to submit its nuclear program to inspections. In fact Iran is under pressure to dump its nuclear program as international agencies believe the purpose of Iran’s program is to develop nuclear weapons. As Iran has become increasingly cut off it has responded with threats to close the Straits of Hormuz. A third of all oil shipped by sea and a fifth of all oil traded in the world passes through the 34 mile wide straits every year. Currency traders are right to look for a Forex response to Persian Gulf tension. However, the economic worries and Europe, Asia, and North America seem to have taken precedence. The Euro rallied briefly as stronger than expected economic data came out of Germany and China. Over the longer haul, however, the Euro is not expected to do especially well. Austerity measures such as the French austerity plan and similar measures throughout the continent will likely lead to stabilization of the Euro Zone economy but will be a distinct drag on economic growth in the coming year or years.
The may be a greater Forex response to Persian Gulf tension if Iran takes any steps to impede traffic through the straits. The US aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis and its battle group are stationed in the area and, in fact, passed through the straits recently during Iranian military exercises. Iran recently captured a US stealth drone that was allegedly sent to gather data about Iranian nuclear development. Iranian scientists have been assassinated as well. Israel is especially concerned as Iran has never admitted the nation’s right to exist. For Forex traders the concern would be that the fourteen or so tankers a day that pass through the straits would be impeded and the effect such would have on the world economy. Persian Gulf oil states, led by Saudi Arabia, have promised to increase production in Iran shuts down production. However, if these nations cannot ship their oil, prices will likely go up worldwide. Skyrocketing oil prices could well drive up prices of commodities and manufactured goods throughout the world and lead the world back into the depths of recession. Foreign currency rates would likely change as well. Think of who imports the most oil and then image their currencies falling as a Forex response to Persian Gulf tension.
Confidence in the dollar has risen over the last three years. Many believe that this is only because the Euro, especially, has done so poorly. But, in regard to a blockage of the Straits of Hormuz, or outright hostilities, the US is in better shape than just a few years ago. The US had reduced oil imports to 40% of consumption and, in fact, receives the vast majority of its imported oil from Mexico and Canada. Many would look to Europe, China, and Japan as large economies more likely to suffer from a cut off of oil coming out of the Persian Gulf. Thus a Forex response to Persian Gulf tension could well start with not only nations more dependent upon oil imports but also with nations in their supply chains.
Add A Comment