Wake Up to Money Keeping an eye on energy
Mar 5, 2026
Niamh McBurney, Head of Political Analysis for the Middle East and North Africa at Control Risks in Dubai, gives on-the-ground perspective and political risk assessment. She discusses daily life under heightened tensions and effective air defences. She outlines likely conflict timelines, regional reactions to US-Israeli actions, and practical safety and media considerations in the UAE.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
AI Earnings Temper Geopolitical Market Whipsaws
- Asian markets showed sharp intraday whipsaws with Korea down ~12% then up ~10% the next day, reflecting rapid sentiment swings from geopolitical shocks.
- Swetha Ramachandran links that volatility to mixed US intraday moves and reassuring AI earnings from Broadcom stabilising markets.
Low UK Gas Storage Heightens Price Vulnerability
- UK gas storage is low after a cold winter, around 30% capacity and ~12 days of demand, increasing vulnerability to supply shocks.
- Swetha warns that lower storage amplifies price sensitivity even if current spikes remain below 2022 peaks.
Dubai Felt Quieter As Interceptions Moved Offshore
- Niamh McBurney reports Dubai felt quieter with interceptions occurring further out to sea, providing some local reassurance.
- She notes interceptions ran overnight and the targeting shifted from ballistic missiles to more drones over several days.