How spiking oil prices could hurt stock prices and the economy

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• The conflict with Iran caused stocks to whipsaw and oil prices to spike.
• Higher energy prices are a headwind to both markets and the broader economy.
• Increased energy prices could weigh on equities, fuel inflation, and curtail economic growth.

Oil prices spiked in the wake of the US attacks on Iran, with analysts and strategists eyeing negative consequences for markets and the economy if energy prices see a sustained rise.

Brent...