Dubai, 23 February 2026- Global markets are once again tilting toward caution. From oil and gold to the U.S. dollar, defensive positioning has resurfaced as investors grapple with geopolitical tension, AI-sector volatility, and uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s next move.

Nowhere is this shift more visible than across energy and haven assets. Crude oil has rebounded above the $65 mark amid winter demand and supply disruption concerns linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

Razan Hilal

At the same time, gold and silver are hovering near key breakout levels, with dip buying and haven flows lifting the precious metals back toward key resistance zones, around 5,100 and 80 respectively, while the U.S. dollar index (DXY) tests structural resistance. The simultaneous rise in oil, gold, and the dollar – considered a rare alignment – signals a market seeking protection rather than risk.

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