Oil Hits $100 as Houthi Attacks Target Saudi Arabia, Stocks Slide

Brent crude oil surged toward the $100-per-barrel mark on Tuesday after reports emerged of Houthi rebel attacks on Saudi Arabian territory. The jump in energy prices pushed stock futures lower, signaling a rough open for global markets. The attacks, which targeted key Saudi infrastructure, raised fresh fears about supply disruptions from one of the world’s largest oil exporters. Traders responded by bidding up crude prices, which have now climbed for several consecutive sessions. Stock futures sank as investors weighed the impact of higher energy costs on inflation and corporate profits. Rising oil prices typically increase expenses for transport, manufacturing, and aviation, squeezing margins and slowing economic growth. No group has officially claimed responsibility yet, but the Houthi movement—based in Yemen—has a history of launching missile and drone strikes on Saudi oil facilities. The latest reports suggest the assaults were more coordinated than previous attacks, intensifying concerns over regional stability. Analysts say that if oil holds near $100, central banks may face renewed pressure to keep interest rates higher for longer. That would likely weigh further on equity markets, which have already struggled this month. For now, investors are watching for any official confirmation from Saudi authorities and for possible retaliatory actions. Until then, volatility in both oil and stock markets is expected to remain elevated.