Marketplace All-in-One The link between conflict in Iran and mortgage rates
Mar 4, 2026
Matthew Gardner, tax expert at ITEP, explains how recent law lets big firms write off expenses faster. Nancy Marshall-Genzer, reporter on maritime policy, covers U.S. plans to protect and insure ships in the Persian Gulf. Samantha Fields, reporter on markets, traces how international conflict can push oil prices, inflation fears, and mortgage rates. Multiple short, lively conversations connect geopolitics, shipping policy, and corporate taxes.
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Conflict In Iran Pushed Mortgage Rates Higher
- Mortgage rates rose above 6% after U.S. and Israel attacked Iran because markets fear higher oil-driven inflation.
- Susan Wachter and Samantha Fields link rising oil-price risk to higher 10-year Treasury yields that push mortgage rates up.
Two Opposing Forces Move Mortgage Rates
- Geopolitical shocks can move rates in two directions: inflation fears push rates up while growth/stability fears can push them down.
- Daryl Fairweather notes upcoming labor and retail data could affect mortgage rates as much as the Middle East conflict.
US Steps In To Insure Persian Gulf Shipping
- The Trump administration offered DFC political risk insurance and Navy escorts to stabilize shipping and lower oil-price spikes.
- Nancy Marshall-Genzer reports private war-risk insurers pulled coverage for Persian Gulf routes, prompting government intervention.