Geopolitical tensions over oil shipments caused market swings, spurring record retail trading in the U.S. and Australia as young investors bought aggressively.

Geopolitical tensions over oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz triggered market volatility, prompting a surge in retail investor activity in Australia and the U.S. Younger investors, particularly those under 40, viewed sharp declines as buying opportunities, driving record trading volumes on platforms like Nabtrade and Stake, which saw a 41% spike in new accounts. Vanguard ETFs and technology and defense-related funds were heavily traded, while mining stocks like Woodside and BHP saw increased activity. Despite a false claim about a U.S. naval escort that briefly spiked oil prices, investors remained confident in long-term gains, with many citing FOMO and strategic entry points amid uncertainty.