Oil prices jump to six-month high on fears of US-Iran conflict

Oil prices climbed to their highest level in six months, with Brent crude topping $71 a barrel. The jump was driven by widespread market concern that the United States might launch military strikes against Iran.

This rise in oil prices occurred even as other parts of the financial markets showed mixed signals. Global stock markets slipped slightly, and Wall Street dipped as investors also weighed mixed economic data and corporate earnings reports.