Bitcoin tumbles, Nasdaq futures plunge after Israel attacks Iran

• SP 500 futures fall after Middle East tensions
• Oil prices soar 8% as Israel attacks Iran
• Bitcoin drops to $102.900 today after bombings

Global markets reacted sharply on Thursday after Israel confirmed an attack on Iran, described as a preemptive action. The move raised fears of geopolitical escalation in the Middle East, weighing on major U.S. stock index futures and sending oil prices higher.

Dow Jones futures fell 1,5%, while the SP 500 fell 1,6% and the Nasdaq 100 fell 1,7%. The attack occurred overnight and explosions were reported in different parts of Tehran, the Iranian capital.

The military offensive immediately sent crude oil prices soaring by about 8%, reflecting the risks to supplies from OPEC+'s third-largest producer. Gold, traditionally sought as a reserve in times of uncertainty, rose by as much as 1%.

In a statement, Israel's defense minister declared a state of emergency, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Americans did not participate in the operation but warned Iran against any retaliation against US interests or troops.

The impact has also reached cryptocurrency markets. The price of Bitcoin today fell more than 4% in less than 24 hours, trading at US$ 102.900. The decline coincided with the global repercussions of the tensions between the two countries. At the time of publication, the price of Bitcoin was quoted at US$ 104.000, with a drop of 3,5% in the last 24 hours.

The Israeli strike comes amid a series of political and economic uncertainties. The day before, President Trump commented on the possibility of raising tariffs on imported vehicles and again called for aggressive interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

Despite the turbulence, markets were recovering this week based on signs of weaker inflation and expectations surrounding a possible trade deal between the US and China. Next week, investors' attention will turn to the Fed's new interest rate decision.