Issac John

issacjohn@khaleejtimes.com

Issac John is Managing Editor at Khaleej Times and has over 45 years of experience in top-tier newspapers across UAE. A seasoned business writer and economic analyst, he brings unmatched insight into the geopolitics and geoeconomics shaping the Gulf and India.

Gold regains shine as Middle East tensions reignite safe-haven demand

Gold regains shine as Middle East tensions reignite safe-haven demand

The rebound came after bullion had retreated from recent highs above $5,400 per ounce, a pullback widely viewed as profit-taking following one of the most dramatic rallies

War threatens up to 4m bpd in supply as oil rally deepens

War threatens up to 4m bpd in supply as oil rally deepens

Commodity analysts at JPMorgan estimate that the conflict could lead to production losses exceeding 3 million barrels per day by the end of the week

Bitcoin rebounds above $73,000 as risk appetite returns to crypto markets

Bitcoin rebounds above $73,000 as risk appetite returns to crypto markets

As concerns about a prolonged shock to energy markets began to ease and investors returned to riskier assets, cryptocurrencies were among the fastest to respond

Prolonged war poses risk for GCC insurers: Moody’s

Prolonged war poses risk for GCC insurers: Moody’s

Insurers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and other Gulf markets are unlikely to face significant immediate pressure on their credit profiles, the agency said

UAE business activity climbs to one-year high in February

UAE business activity climbs to one-year high in February

The latest survey by S&P Global showed the seasonally adjusted UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) edging up to 55.0 in February from 54.9 in January

Day 5 of US-Israel-Iran conflict: How quickly can GCC tourism rebound?

Day 5 of US-Israel-Iran conflict: How quickly can GCC tourism rebound?

The conflict triggered widespread disruption across the Middle East aviation network, forcing airlines to suspend services and cancel thousands of flights

S&P flags regional credit strain, highlights UAE’s strong buffers

S&P flags regional credit strain, highlights UAE’s strong buffers

S&P said the gravity of the situation has shifted from high to severe under its predefined stress scenarios. That shift reflects a growing risk that prolonged hostilities could weaken credit quality

Hormuz closure supercharges oil rally as markets brace for $100+

Hormuz closure supercharges oil rally as markets brace for $100+

The oil market is particularly sensitive to “prompt” supply — barrels available for immediate delivery — and that segment is now under acute strain

Fitch flags rating risks if Iran conflict drags on, sees UAE well positioned

Fitch flags rating risks if Iran conflict drags on, sees UAE well positioned

The UAE stands out as comparatively well positioned to weather short-term shocks, thanks to strong fiscal buffers, diversified revenue streams and robust sovereign wealth assets

War risk shock: Insurers pull back as tankers pile up off Fujairah

War risk shock: Insurers pull back as tankers pile up off Fujairah

While hull and machinery policies remain in place, the removal of war-risk protection fundamentally alters the risk calculus for shipowners, charterers and energy traders