Stocks tumble and oil jumps as US military build-up stokes fear of prolonged war

Asian stocks fell sharply and oil prices surged amid fears of a prolonged conflict as Houthis joined the war and US military presence increased. Brent crude jumped over 3% and hit $116.31, signaling major disruption in global oil markets. Houthis attacked shipping and threatened further strikes, while Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, risking a global energy crisis. Market volatility is driven by geopolitical tensions, with investors worried about a potential US ground invasion and prolonged conflict. https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/markets/2026/03/30/stocks-tumble-and-oil-jumps-as-us-military-build-up-stokes-fear-of-prolonged-war/