Brent crude futures remained firmly above the $100-a-barrel mark on Friday, trading at $100.33, as markets continued to price in the elevated risk of supply disruption stemming from the escalating conflict in Iran.
The benchmark has held this level since breaking through the psychological barrier for the first time since May, indicating that the initial shock of the geopolitical escalation has transitioned into a sustained risk premium rather than a fleeting spike.
The current price level represents a significant deviation from the recent trend, where Brent had been climbing steadily toward $86 before the sharp acceleration.
The persistence of prices above $100 underscores a market regime where geopolitical anxiety outweighs fundamental supply-demand balances.
Traders are maintaining a defensive posture, with the risk premium embedded in the price reflecting concerns over potential disruptions to shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz and broader Persian Gulf infrastructure.
This repricing has reinforced the outperformance of energy assets relative to broader equities, as investors seek safe havens within the commodity complex.
The current price level represents a significant deviation from the recent trend, where Brent had been climbing steadily toward $86 before the sharp acceleration.