Iran launches attacks on the US, how will this affect ASX shares?

ASX shares are dropping after Iran launched rocket attacks on the US, what's going to happen next to the share market?

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

In an escalation of events, Iran has launched rocket talks against US bases in the Middle East in response to the US killing Qasem Soleimani.

According to the Pentagon, at least two US bases were targeted by missiles launched from Iran.

As you can imagine, this has caused a bit of upset for the ASX share market. At the time of writing:

The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA) share price is down more than 1%.

The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ) share price is down 1.4%.

The Afterpay Touch Group Ltd (ASX: APT) share price is down 3.5%.  

The WiseTech Global Ltd (ASX: WTC) share price is down 4.2%.

But, not every share is suffering. Oil could spike if the Middle East is about to go through more troubles, that's why the Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL) share price is up 1.6%.

Gold miners are having an even better time because gold is a source of safety.

The St Barbara Ltd (ASX: SBM) share price is up 6%.

The Regis Resources Limited (ASX: RRL) share price is up 5.3%.

The Silver Lake Resources Limited. (ASX: SLR) share price is up 5%.

Donald Trump is not known for taking the subtle, gentle option when presented with different courses of action, so there could be more reaction to come.

a woman

Foolish takeaway

Who knows what's going to happen next? No-one knows. But the world has been through countless problems in the Middle East and come through other side. I'm not going to sell any of my shares. If this escalates further it could lead to some lower share prices, but hopefully it doesn't get any worse than today's actions because more deaths and war isn't want anyone wants.

Tristan Harrison has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of WiseTech Global. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

Share Market News

Testing again

Read more »

Share Market News

Aaron Test 2

Read more »

Share Market News

Aaron Test

Read more »

Share Market News

JP Test

Read more »

Share Market News

JP Test

Read more »

Portrait of Discovery Fund portfolio managers Mark Devcich and Chris Bainbridge
Share Market News

Test

Portfolio managers Mark Devcich (left) and Chris Bainbridge. Image source: Discovery Fund test test

Read more »

a man in a hoodie grins slyly as he sits with his hands poised on a keyboard. He is superimposed with a graphic image of a computer screen asking for a password, suggesting he is a hacker.
Share Market News

Another ASX 200 company has been hit with a cyber incident. Here's what we know

Hackers have breached the systems of this ASX 200 company.

Read more »

a woman
Broker Notes

5 ASX 200 shares that inflation can't touch: expert

Regardless of whether you're a bull or a bear, cost pressures are a factor when buying stocks at the moment.

Read more »