Crude prices jumped as U.S. strikes escalated Iran tensions, sending traders to safe havens and away from growth stocks like Amazon, Nvidia, and IBM.

Oil Surges on Renewed Hostilities

Crude prices jumped sharply overnight as tensions flared between the U.S. and Iran. West Texas Intermediate crude rose 6.2% to $74.79 per barrel, while Brent crude climbed 6.1% to $78.66 per barrel, according to Investrade. The moves reflect traders pricing in real supply risk in a region that ships a meaningful portion of global energy.

Tech Takes the Hit

Premarket trading showed heavy losses across the tech sector. Amazon fell 1.7% to $241.85, Nvidia dropped 1.7% to $193.68, and IBM sank 3.3% to $296.03. The selloff reflects the classic flight-to-safety trade: when geopolitical risk spikes, investors rotate out of growth names into bonds and commodities. Tech, which has led the market higher, often absorbs the first wave of selling when sentiment turns risk-off.

What's Priced In

Higher crude typically benefits energy stocks but pressures margins for airlines, manufacturers, and consumer goods companies. For retail investors, the rule is simple: when geopolitical risk spikes, correlations break down and volatility spreads. Tech is often first to sell when the mood turns risk-off. Watch for this pattern to persist until either tensions ease or markets decide the risk is fully priced in.