Stocks extend gains and oil dips as US, Israel, Iran continue strikes

While the war in the Middle East shows no sign of ending and oil has stuck around $100 a barrel -- threatening to fuel a fresh inflation spike -- equity traders have shifted back into the market after the steep losses suffered at the outset of the conflict. However, analysts warned the positive mood could fade if the crisis drags on and energy costs spiral with Hormuz -- through which a fifth of global oil and gas flow -- effectively closed by Iran as an economic weapon. That comes with central...